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Work Dresses That’ll Make You Chief Style Officer

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For many of us, the office is like the gym. We don’t always want to go, but pressing on anyway is often rewarded with a glow of satisfaction for a job well done. There’s another similarity too. What you wear to work, or to workout, plays a role in your attitude.

When I’m feeling ho-hum about the gym, I find myself a cute new fitness tank. And the same strategy works equally well for the office. A new outfit brightens your day and sometimes even cheers up your co-workers too. If you need a little refresh on your work attitude, try these five stylish options — work dresses you can easily take from desk to date!

Work Dresses — 5 Styles to Wear Now

The edgy print

It’s rarely wrong to embrace your edgy side with a bold print — even at the office, provided you take a business-minded approach to the look. Look for elements that characterize classic corporate garb, like buttons, collars, and cinched-in waists to create a more streamlined look that balances the ferocity of the print.

The Let’s Snake a Deal midi dress from Lulu’s ticks all the boxes. It’s smartly styled with work-friendly details plus a neutral-glam color palette of blush, beige, and black. Step into a pair of pumps and you’ll be ready for everything from the a.m. manager’s meeting to happy hour after five.

The bold backdrop

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Although there are certain hues that tend to flood the work dress landscape — we’re looking at you, black, blue, navy, and gray — there are others that could be just as suitable given the chance. Don’t be afraid to add a few juicier colors to the mix, especially during spring and summer when you want to stay cool and look as fresh as possible in sweltering temperatures.

One to try: The Limited’s long sleeve wrap dress, which features a brilliant floral pattern on a warm orange backdrop.

The updated sheath

The sheath dress is always a favorite choice for the workplace. Although the standard iteration is some sort of neutral shade coupled with low-profile pumps, you don’t have to stick with that look.

A sheath like this Sail to Sable sleeveless dress adds a little brilliance to your corporate wardrobe, thanks to bold colors, a notched V-neckline, and an always-classic colorblock design.

The subdued floral

Spring always ushers in a range of floral styles, so of course you’re tempted to show them off at the office. But how to accomplish that without looking too garish and bright? Try a subtle color palette, like the one on this Prim With Pizzazz midi dress from Modcloth. It’s light, uplifting, and professional all at once thanks to the dainty tie neck accent, elasticized back waist, and short tulip sleeves.

The (shirt) work dress

Fun fact: It’s tough to go wrong with a shirt dress in the office. Many exude a very severe, no-fuss element that is just right for some environments, while others are more relaxed and carefree. If you prefer the more relaxed style for your work dresses, aim for a lighter fabric and a bright shade.

This Superfoxx sleeveless midi shirt dress is easy to accessorize and moves seamlessly from day to evening.

If your office environment is more creative, also check out the tie-neck drop waist dress look featured here.

Missmv Maria

Thursday 19th of December 2019

Love these dresses. I already imagine myself how I would style them.

Office Fashionista

Sunday 14th of April 2013

In what professional office are any of these dresses appropriate?

They are all above the knee - that's a no go.

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