Best work clothes for women 2024: 16 top workwear brands we reviewed (2024)

When heading to the office, we not only want to feel productive and get 👏 things 👏 done 👏, but we also want to dress to impress.

Whether it’s you’re a first-timer at your new job or simply want to elevate your wardrobe, you’ve come to the right place.

Shopping for work clothes is probably my favorite pastime — aside from reading and trying my rotation of skincare products, of course. There are simply so many online destinations that I consider my tried-and-true places for chic yet practical work clothes. And, they’re all disclosed right here.

RELATED: Best work bags we reviewed

After all, you need a good office bathroom mirror selfie.

From buzzy Abercrombie and sophisticated EXPRESS to classic Ann Taylor and luxe M.M.LaFleur, there’s something for everyone here. And, whether you’re shopping exclusively for work pants or blazers (or, the comfiest heels), you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Click to jump to a specific section:

• Best Women’s Workwear Brand Overall
• Best Affordable Women’s Workwear Brands
• Best Women’s Workwear Brand Worth the Splurge
• Best Casual Women’s Workwear Brand
• Best Classic Women’s Workwear Brands
• Best Comfortable Women’s Workwear Brands
• Best Women’s Workwear Brand for Petites
• Best Women’s Workwear Brands for a Capsule Wardrobe
• Best Women’s Workwear Brands for Shoes

How we tested

I’ve been shopping from most of these brands for as most as five years. In 2019, I held my first in-office internship and — with the brief COVID-driven pause — have been in NYC ever since. Even before then, I’ve been on several extracurricular interviews in high school and college, so my ready-for-work wardrobe has been plenty of trial and error with certain brands and pieces.

In short, here’s how I tested each brand for this review:

• Variety: For a workwear destination to be completely unique, it should offer a wealth of options — from tops to shoes. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but some of my favorite, most recommended destinations boast a vast catalog.
• True-to-size fit: The *worst* feeling when online shopping is receiving clothing — after you compare your measurements to the size chart — is trying on a too-big or too-small size. I took the accuracy of fit into account here.
• Material: This is going to vary but I’m quite vigilant when spotting and discerning good material versus bad. Surely, you get what you pay for, but some materials are flattering and make me want to reach for them more.
• Value: The term “capsule wardrobe” has been thrown around as of late and, whether that’s your style or not, everyone can certainly recognize the upsides of investing in a few (or more!) quality pieces (Editor tip: always invest in a good pair of heels, a signature blazer and flattering jeans).

best women's workwear brand tested

Petal & Pup

Pros:

• True to size
• Simple yet chic
• Consistent new drops on website

Cons:

• Some pants are a bit too long, though not a dealbreaker (especially if you wear the right heels!)

If you were to look inside my closet, 50% of it hails from Petal & Pup — the brand everyone, everywhere knows I’m privy to. I wear it to work, I wear it to date night and I wear it on vacation. However you slice and dice it, the brand is second to none.

You’re purchasing quality without a *super* high price tag. One of my favorite work pants is the Kieran Pants ($69) It’s also pretty unbeatable for jumpsuits with an everyday-yet-enhanced type of aesthetic; my favorites are the Iris Jumpsuit ($79) and the Archie Jumpsuit ($69).

Additionally, its tops and maxi-length clothing options are some of the ones I take off my clothing racks. From the Zoey Top ($49) — the epitome of the bow trend — to the Yana Maxi Dress ($99) — one of my personal favorites to rock to the office with a denim jacket — you’ll instantly fall in love with the brand.

petal & pup

Best Affordable Women’s Workwear Brands

EXPRESS

If you’ve ever passed EXPRESS at your local mall, you’ve likely seen the glossy white mannequins sporting stunning blazers and effortlessly chic workwear. Conveniently, you can add these styles to your online shopping cart now.

The brand is one of my personal favorites that I always find at an accessible price point. Above all else, you’ll want to pick up the Body Contour Compression High Neck Bodysuit ($20 – $34) — a style I have in at least six colors and wear 24/7 — and the High Waisted White ’90s Slim Jeans ($88), specifically.

I love wearing the tops, specifically, to both in-office meetings and family events as well. Some of my favorites? The Off The Shoulder Balloon Sleeve Faux Wrap Ruffle Top ($58) and the Satin V-Neck Short Cuff Sleeve Gramercy Tee ($44), hands down.

Lulus

If I could write a love letter to Lulus, I would. Positively and absolutely, the brand has been my go-to since middle school — from co*cktail dresses to bodysuits.

The fabrics are always high-quality (though, some do run small, so be wary of that). Some of my favorite styles to wear to the office include the Sophisticated Aspect Black Chiffon Surplice Long Sleeve Bodysuit ($48), the Trend Takeover Medium Wash Denim Raw Hem Straight Jeans ($74) and the Sophisticated Company Sage Green Straight Leg Trouser Pants ($54) — the latter oh-so-comfy.

Lulus is also a one-stop-shop for accessories and shoes, while you’re at it. For workwear-specific pieces, its booties are extremely comfortable (like the Sarai Light Nude Pointed-Toe Ankle Booties, $46) and its jewelry is the ideal accent to any look (like the Arcata Gold Round Earrings, $15).

Pink Lily

If I’m wearing something frilly or floral-printed, chances are it’s from Pink Lily. IMHO (that’s in my humble opinion, for short), the brand is wholly underrated. And, once you take a look at its vacation-ready pieces that can be worn to work as well, you’ll *totally* be hooked.

One of the pieces I have lined up in my to-wear-to-work clothing pile is the Happy Always Floral Bodysuit ($40). It’s modest, picture-perfect and impressively well made. Additionally, its jeans assortment is flattering on the legs. Here’s the 411: you’ll want to order the Megan Light Wash Straight Leg Mom Jeans ($48). Overall, the brand is fairly priced and worth every penny.

Best Women’s Workwear Brands Worth the Splurge

M.M.LaFleur

Let me recap M.M.LaFleur for you in just a few words: once you start, you’ll never go back.

My all-time favorite work pants — ever — is the Zhou Culotte in Eco Heavy Soft Wave ($265). Though they cost a pretty penny, one of my best friends instantly loved how they looked when I posted a photo of me wearing them to my Instagram, and she also sings the brand’s praises.

While oversized sweaters may be trending, I can’t stop wearing the brand’s The McKenzie Sweater in Cashmere ($220). The brand is accurate to size and always makes me feel my best. In fact, it’s one of the best brands for 20-year-olds and 60-year-olds alike (aka, my mom steals my pants every now and then), which we can all appreciate.

Anthropologie

When I think of Anthropologie, I instantly smile. The brand is that eclectic, swoon-worthy and sought-after destination among so many fashion lovers. It’s one of those online shops where, once you pick up a clothing piece, it’ll be your new favorite.

If you love the midi and maxi look, this is where you should be ordering from. I’m truly obsessed with the The Valerie Pleated Midi Skirt by Maeve: Michelle Armas Edition ($148). Its prints, colors and designs are *chef’s kiss* and always come fully loaded with compliments from others. I’m also a big fan of the Maeve The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants by Maeve ($120); they’re not too pricey and come in a wealth of positively pretty shades.

Best Casual Women’s Workwear Brands

Everlane

Everlane evokes a classic and easy-breezy aesthetic, for sure. Its supremely well-made denim — like The Way-High Sailor Jean ($128) — and its leather odds and ends — with its The Day Glove Flat ($135), which is one of my most-worn, stunning pairs — are both surefire hallmarks of the brand.

Additionally, its tees and outerwear feel like you’re wearing pajamas but still make you feel put-together (one of my favorite qualities in a fashion brand, BTW). Some of my favorite pieces worth noting are The Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee ($30) and The Barn Jacket ($178).

Transparently, this brand is also a pretty phenomenal choice for building your capsule wardrobe. Because the lion’s share of its pieces are workable and versatile, Everlane leads to great styling potential and holds great styling power, too.

VICI

As one of the more recent brands I’ve been obsessed with, VICI truly has that it-factor that’s difficult *not* to load up your cart with all the goodness. The brand is more apt for one-of-a-kind pieces, though versatile nonetheless.

Specifically, I’ve been loving the brand’s Riley V-Neck Long Sleeve Blouse ($58) and the Jenna Distressed Denim Maxi Skirt ($68) — specifically, this combo. The fit is true-to-size and, regardless of what you’re wearing, you’ll feel like a rockstar. Can we say, #officechic?

Best Classic Women’s Workwear Brands

Ann Taylor

Let’s be real — my love affair with Ann Taylor is still going strong. The brand is a bit more of an investment for some but wholly worth it. It’ll take you one step closer from achieving your dream Pinterest wardrobe, too.

Shop some of my favorite ready-for-work items, like the brand’s Ribbed Elbow Sleeve Sweater Tee ($75) — for prime layering — and the Braided Trim Sweater Jacket ($149) — one of the coziest and simply *perfect* cardigans I own.

You shouldn’t sleep on its shoes, either. The Leather Pointy Toe Kitten Heel Pumps ($148) are simply divine and comfortable for your to-office walk, along with the brand’s Patent Buckle Pointy Toe Slingback Pumps ($158). As a whole, Ann Taylor is simply extraordinary.

Madewell

As its name suggests, Madewell is, well, made well. I’ve been a fan of the brand for years now and, while most fashions are quite plain, their signature charm is what always gets me.

Most notably, the coveted retailer has a sea of classic styles I love, like the Short-Sleeve Slip Midi Dress in Plissé ($43) and The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean ($128) to match with the litany of tops you have on hand.

Additionally, its supreme catalog of accessories is what I always resort to for completing my look. Shop The Zip-Top Transport Tote ($188) — one of my favorite leather work bags — and the Chunky Large Hoop Earrings ($29) — a pair I love pairing with solid-colored and printed outfits alike.

Best Comfortable Women’s Workwear Brands

Abercrombie

Let’s hear it for Abercrombie, one of America’s sought-after brands that brings the nostalgia back from its 90s pop-off. Above all else, you’ll find flattering, true comfort here (and, you should take my word for it; I reviewed plenty of the retailer’s signature pieces).

From buttery soft fabrics (like the Pointelle Squareneck Bodysuit, $49) to my oft-worn A&F Sloane Tailored Pant ($90), there isn’t a lack of feel-good options to choose from. My favorite booties (that are so comfortable, I dub them my “commuter shoes,” are the brand’s Margaux Leather Western Ankle Boots ($100) — an option that’s selling quickly.

Additionally, what would be this how-to-shop-Abercrombie section be without a mention of the iconic Wool-Blend Dad Coat ($220). It’s the only coat I sport to my NYC office in colder temps and is the definition of “cult classic.”

Banana Republic

Honest talk — before trying a variety of the brand’s pieces, I would have told you the retailer is more geared toward older women (which, in some ways, it is). However, I’m in my early 20s, and this brand has become one of my new favorite — and, ultimately cozy — workwear brands.

First, let’s talk about the Refined Utility Pant ($120) and the Cece Flare-Sleeve Sweater Top ($90); I love wearing both of these pieces together and it wasn’t long before I considered it one of my favorite styling pieces, in tandem.

More, I love how the brand is punctuated by sophisticated yet breathable and versatile fabrics that make for some great layering? My picks? The Nezha Marino Sweater Shell ($80) married with the Captain’s Blazer ($230). BTW, this is my new favorite blazer (fits like a glove!) that work colleagues have complimented me on en masse.

Banana Republic is a comfortable brand that’s a bit of a splurge, but surely worth it for some signature pieces to litter and elevate your wardrobe in a refreshed, methodical way.

Best Women’s Workwear Brand for Petites

LOFT

If there’s a brand I have been using for years, it’s LOFT. From its classic cardigans (my ultimate favorites from the brand) to its tailored and flattering bottoms, you won’t regret shopping here.

Widely accessible — even more so for petites — it has a classic, girly and modern charm all entwined together. I’m color-obsessed (literally) with its Modern V-Neck Pocket Cardigan ($39) that’s ideal for warmer temps, along with its Trench Wrap Pocket Skirt ($63) that I think is the cutest dang thing ever.

When I pair its dress pants with a floral cami-style top, I feel like my best self. Two of my favorites include the Sutton Skinny Pants ($15 – $60) and the Floral Clip Shirred Neck Shell ($34). Its shoes are oh-so-comfy as well, and I find about 50% of my wardrobe filled with LOFT.

Best Women’s Workwear Brand for a Capsule Wardrobe

J.Crew

I’ve written this before, but J.Crew sure knows how to put the “C” in classic. Everything from its repertoire of denim to soft-to-the-touch fabrics own that prep-style appeal — and it’s one I’ve been sporting since high school (yes, I got dressed up for class).

I don’t know where I’d be without the Garçon Classic Chambray Shirt in Medium Wash ($98). It’s a SKU that’s probably the longest-standing J.Crew piece in my closet. Its Cashmere Shrunken Crewneck Sweater ($118) — one of my favorites because it’s so versatile.

In essence, the brand upholds the spirit of Americanism with some modernity tied into it, too. If you’re looking to invest a smidge, J.Crew is a tried-and-true classic (obviously).

Best Women’s Workwear Brands for Shoes

M.Gemi

M.Gemi is a new-ish brand that recently came on my radar, and it’s one you should be digging into, too. With a purchase of only one pair, you’ll be *very* much on your way to looking your best. In fact, you may spring for multiple.

One of my all-time favorites (and, a recently worn option) is The Bianca ($348), a splurge worth making simply because they’re the cutest thing ever to wear with jeans. Additionally, I love my pair of The Lizza Nuova ($248), a more accessible price point that has to be the glossiest nude heels I own.

In essence, a shoe is a shoe, but you’ll feel the difference with this brand. The quality is there, the fit is superb and any pair makes a great gift — yourself included.

LifeStride

Pun intended in advance, but LifeStride is a brand I fully take in stride during my office commutes. One of pairs — the Suki Pump ($35) are so worn in that I had to pick up another. Yes, they’re that good.

I’ve walked blocks upon blocks in Manhattan with these bad boys. I love my neutral shade and find they pair with just about any outfit I wear. Not to mention, the brand’s Parigi Pump ($35) is the definition of “classic pumps.” Whether heading to a dinner date or to an afternoon office meeting, this pair is super comfy and matches with everything, too.

LifeStride is available on Amazon and at its website, so there’s plenty of opportunity to pick up your favorite work-ready shoes. If you want extra support and ones your doctor would likely recommend, its this budget-friendly, comfortable brand right here.

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