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The idea of women's workwear used to be limited to pencil skirts, sensible slacks, and smart stacked heels. But with more and more workplaces loosening their definition of "work-appropriate attire," the term workwear has grown to encompass a wide range of styles from myriad brands. The best workwear for women is what you feel professional and comfortable in — but also lets you express some personal flare. Ladies Dresses Wholesale
At Insider Reviews, we've tested hundreds of items from dozens of retailers, and have a handful of favorites that we toss on whenever we're headed to our offices. From wrap sweaters to keep you warm when the office AC is blasting, to the perfect carry-all that can transition seamlessly to drinks, we've rounded up the best items we count as workwear — and exactly where to buy them.
For more workwear staples, check out our coverage on the best suits for women, the best white button-down shirts, the best work bags for women, the best flats, and more.
Everlane may seem too casual for workwear, but the brand is a go-to for foundational basics for any office wardrobe.
Sizing options: Varies by style, with most clothing options running 00-16. Shoes tend to run small.
Everlane is an internet darling, partly thanks to transparent pricing in an industry that has traditionally relied upon markups. We shop here primarily for basics that are above-average in quality and below-average in price. We like Everlane's shoes, leather bags, cotton shirts, and $50 work pants.
In terms of footwear, we typically recommend the Day shoe family, though you'll want to size up a half size for your order. We're unanimously fans of the company's $135 Day Glove and we also love the Day Heel, The Mary Jane, and The Glove Boot.
Read our full review of Everlane's workwear collection to see more of our favorite picks.
Quince is a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand that boasts affordable prices for traditionally high-cost materials.
Sizing options: Limited to XS-XL
Quince provides your run-of-the-mill clothing essentials and makes them using organic, sustainably sourced textiles. Their success can be attributed to their fair pricing, maintained by cutting out the added expenses of the supply chain. Ever think cashmere pants were a luxury item out of your reach? Well, Quince has the remedy. In addition, they also make some of the best white button-downs for women and men.
Read our full review of Quince here.
Spanx doesn't just do shapewear well. The brand offers slick basics that transition to evening super easily.
Sizing options: The brand has its own hosiery sizing guide, so make sure to reference that. All other pieces range from XS-3X.
Spanx is best known for its shapewear, and — to nobody's surprise — the same things that make its shapewear great (intuitive design, savvy understanding of women's bodies, and high-end materials) also make the best tights we've tested. Multiple Insider Reviews team members swear by the Luxe Leg Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights.
But the brand's pants are also great. We tested Spanx's collection of "The Perfect Black Pant" which includes four style iterations of the workwear staple — from flare to skinny. It is one of the best women's workwear pieces for feeling comfortable and looking professional. We were particularly impressed with the machine-washable, smoothing fabric that's flattering but not restrictive and their versatility. Sizing options also include petite, regular, or tall inseams.
See our full review of the Spanx Perfect Black Pant Collection here.
Universal Standard has some of the most size-inclusive clothing on the market today.
Sizing options: Inclusive sizing, from 00-40
Universal Standard has established itself as a brand that carries some of the best work clothes for women, with a big emphasis on size inclusivity. Workwear for plus-size women is infamously limited, but Universal Standard answers the call with a medley of designs for professional settings with the added promise of a perfect fit.
COS, under H&M, is a modern clothing brand that incorporates thoughtful fashion design into everyday wear.
Sizing options: Limited to XS-L
COS is H&M's line of modern, upscale fashion that while simplistic in nature, is ultimately designed to make a statement. Its vibrant colors and clean lines converge into bold silhouettes that still maintain function and comfort. COS' selection includes great foundations for a solid office look, along with stylish, well-crafted pieces that stand out on their own.
& Other Stories is H&M's premium ready-to-wear brand made with more ethically sourced natural materials.
Sizing options: Limited to XS-L
& Other Stories is designed by ateliers in Los Angeles, Paris, and Stockholm and distributed under H&M. À la Banana Republic via Gap, & Other Stories presents a more elevated version of its parent company's eponymous brand. Their wide range of knits are made out of responsibly sourced wool blends, and their liberal use of recycled materials translates into a reasonably priced sustainable option for quality workwear.
ARKET is a modern lifestyle brand under H&M, whose styles are inspired by Scandinavian simplicity.
Sizing options: Limited between XS-L
custom pants Since ARKET's doors first opened in London in 2017, their reputation for durability established them as the Western point of access to Scandinavian fashion aesthetics. ARKET exemplifies the values of the 20th century Nordic modern movement. The era emphasized finding beauty among everyday motions, as seen in their clothing and home collections. If you're a fan of cozy wool knits in unconventional patterns, ARKET may be for you. Its merino, mohair, and alpaca wool take form in designs both simple and alternative.