The 13 Best Work Dresses That Are Actually Comfortable
If you can’t comfortably sit in a chair while wearing it, it’s not on this list.
Image from Banana Republic
by The Candidly Team
Are work dresses still a thing anymore?
After working from our couches for almost 2 years, donning sweatpants and pajamas, the logical answer would be “no.”
But if/when we do go back to a real “office” again, our wardrobes will never be the same. We will no longer accept tight, scratchy shift dresses that make us feel like we can’t breathe. Or that stretch at the seams when we sit down. Or cause arm-bunching underneath our too-tight blazers. Or make us feel self-conscious about our post-lunch bloat.
No. Next time we don a “work dress,” we MUST be able to comfortably sit in it for 8-12 hours without wanting to set it on fire the second we rip it off our bodies.
Here are 13 work dresses that are almost as comfy as your sweats. Almost.
1. Everlane The Ribbed Tank Dress
Throw on a jean jacket and a belt bag and white sneakers with this dress and you are done. Comfort and chicness. Which is all we want.
Price: $78
2. Athleta Newport Wrap Dress
The. Perfect. Work. Wrap. Dress. (Totally wrinkle resistant to boot!)
Price: $100
3. Athleta Marlow Maxi Dress
That little ruche under the bust gives this one a little extra shape, but the stretchy fabric and flowing silhouette feel like your coziest yoga pants.
Price: $108
5. Hill House Ellie Nap Dress
Any dress made for napping that you can also wear to work is a MUST for us.
Price: $150
6. Quince Fit & Flare Knit Dress
Fact: women are obsessed with pockets. Another fact: women are obsessed with this flattering a-line silhouette. As cute with flip flops and a jean jacket as with pumps and a blazer.
Price: $40
7. Banana Republic Belted Tencel Shirtdress
That full sleeve sold us.
Price: $110
8. Athleta Urbanite Dress
Yes. This also comes in black. Which is of course the “safe” choice. Probably the correct choice. But this pink is setting our souls on fire.
(And comes in petite and tall and goes up to a 3X! Whee!)
Price: $149
9. MITILLY Leopard Print Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
You know those tired ideas about taking your work dress from day to night? Welp, this dress does it for you. Wear it to work. To a picnic. To dinner. To a wedding. And every one of the 13 colors and patterns is better than the last.
Price: $41
10. Quince Washable Stretch Silk Shirt Dress
Wearing silk anywhere normally seems like a bit of a pain. But note, this dress has “washable” and “stretch” in the name. Sooooo…
Price: $80
11. Eloquii A-Line Dress With Puff Sleeves
This brand low-key has some of the best workwear of any brand we’ve seen.
And this dress was MADE for a Peggy Olson strut.
Price: $100
12. Quince 100% European Linen Button Front Dress
Perfect for work. Perfect for after work. Perfect all around. And linen. And the belt hits at the most flattering spot. And the colors!
Price: $45
13. Modern Citizen Harrah Ribbed Column Dress
Buttons down the back? Yes. And the ribbing is gorgeously forgiving and extremely flattering. Throw on THIS blazer if the higher ups keep the temp at a frosty 67.
Price: $112
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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