For those of us who don’t wear a uniform to work, we have to create our own, and with a heatwave on its way, there’s no better time to refresh our workwear wardrobes. Blazers and tailored trousers are the obvious pieces to invest in, but don’t overlook the timeless appeal of an office-appropriate dress in the warmer weather.
So easy to style, wear the right one with a pair of smart sandals, trainers or loafers and your go-to laptop bag or tote – you’ll look instantly put together. From luxe floaty fabrics to sleeker styles and classic black to bolder colours, I’ve found nine of the best work dresses available to shop online now.
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How I chose the best office dresses
- Cut: Depending on your office, there will be different levels of what is considered acceptable no matter what the weather, but I’ve kept hem-lengths hitting the knee or below. Several options also have long sleeves.
- Price per wear: Creating a workwear wardrobe can be expensive, so I’ve chosen classic pieces you’ll want to wear beyond just this summer, and everything costs under £250.
- Ease of styling: Everything in this edit should slot seamlessly into your wardrobe. Many of us don’t have time to be thinking too much about what we’re wearing to work everyday, so these dresses are the kind of thing you can throw on and go.
Mango Knot Knitted Dress
Editor’s note:
Made from a lightweight knit, this Mango midi dress will always fall beautifully. It’s figure-skimming cut with knotted waist detail makes it super flattering. I love it styled with heeled mules.
M&S Round Neck Midi Wrap Dress
Editor’s note:
Made from lightweight and breathable pure cotton, this popular M&S dress has a flattering wrap-style front and classic short sleeve design. The verstaile piece also comes in white.
Nobody’s Child Printed Rachel Midi Dress
Editor’s note:
Nobody’s Child has a whole collection of stylish and sustainably-made office-ready dresses. This one is a bestseller thanks to its summer-ready print and easy to wear smock style balanced by a tiered hem.
& Other Stories A-Line Maxi Dress
Editor’s note:
For a maxi style, & Other Stories has this sleek, sleeveless A-line dress finished with smart vertical cutlines. Pair it with ballet flats or block heel sandals.
Hobbs Sandra Dress
Editor’s note:
Hobbs has an amazing workwear collection, including some great trouser suits. But if you’re shopping exclusively for dresses, I love the Sandra and it’s bold red hue. An all-seasons staple, it could be styled with loafers or sandals and looks great with a camel coat.
Reformation Renaie Dress
Editor’s note:
Fitted at the bodice and falling to a full, pleated skirt, Reformation’s Renaie dress is studious and stylish. It’s made from breathable pure cotton and pairs perfectly with a small heel.
Boden Alexa Maxi Dress
Editor’s note:
Boden’s Alexa dress perfectly blends a bold summer print with an office-appropriate cut. The shirt style maxi comes with gentle puff sleeves and a belted waist– it even has pockets.
John Lewis Taylor Ponte Short Sleeve Dress
Editor’s note:
For a classic black shift dress, John Lewis is a fail safe. The bestselling Taylor midi features a slim fit with curved seam detailing on the front and back and short sleeves. I’d wear it with slingback heels in the warmer weather.