The 9 Best Fashion Brands to Build Your Work Wardrobe

Finding the right clothes for work has never been an easy task, especially coming out of a years-long pandemic where the best athleisure and leggings reigned supreme. As many of us make the transition back into the office for 2023 (or want to look professional while we work remotely from anywhere else), we’re finding that the clothes that worked for us three years ago aren’t cutting it. Maybe the styles are outdated or your sizes have changed—or you donated everything in a mid-pandemic cleaning frenzy. Regardless, it is time for a wardrobe refresh with new threads from a chic work clothes store.

Below, we pulled together nine brands women will actually want to shop for stylish (and affordable) clothes for the office. Whether you are looking for high-quality basics or trendy pieces, we’ve featured something for you. Shop them all now.

Best for Sustainable Shopping

When it comes to shopping sustainably, Everlane is easily my go-to. Not only is the brand transparent when it comes to where and how its garments are made, but it designs with longevity in mind. By avoiding the trend cycle completely, Everlane places all of its energy into producing high-quality, timeless pieces perfect for the office because they last forever and never go out of style. Whether you are a sustainably conscious shopper or just looking for some high-quality basics, Everlane is a solid option.

Price range: $$ – $$$

The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat

The Cozy-Stretch Pullover

Everlane The Cozy-Stretch Pullover

Now 44% Off

The Gathered Drape Trench

Everlane The Gathered Drape Trench

Now 15% Off


Best for Shopping on a Budget

Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. H&M is the perfect medium for someone who wants to follow trends without the financial burden. On its site, it has easy-to-style basics all the way to flamboyant party attire making them a practical choice when shopping for any occasion.

Price range: $- $$

Bouclé Jacket

H&M Bouclé Jacket

 Dress Pants

H&M Dress Pants

Oxford Shirt

H&M Oxford Shirt

Best for Suiting

While suiting is on the more formal side of things, is always a sharp choice when working in the office. Banana Republic is one of my favorite, more affordable options when it comes to finding tailored blazers and pants. On the brand’s site, you can find a wide selection of cuts and colors at many different price points.

Price range: $$ – $$$

Heritage Explorer Wool Pant

Banana republic Heritage Explorer Wool Pant

Off-the-Shoulder Sweater Dress

Banana Republic Off-the-Shoulder Sweater Dress

Punto Pull-Through Leather Belt

Banana Republic Punto Pull-Through Leather Belt

Best for Modern Workwear

In my own experience, shopping for high-quality minimal styles has always served me best when it comes to workwear, and COS caters to just that. COS’ commitment to designing high-quality essentials for the modern wardrobe has made it an easy brand to incorporate into your everyday rotation.

Price range: $$ – $$$

Checked Mini Shirt Dress

COS Checked Mini Shirt Dress

Curved Leather Tote Bag

COS Curved Leather Tote Bag

Pleated Wool-Blend Mini Skirt

COS Pleated Wool-Blend Mini Skirt

Best for Maternity

Finding work clothes is already challenging enough, and throwing a growing belly into the mix can make it seem impossible. Luckily, ASOS has an entire section on its online shop dedicated to mothers-to-be stocked with tons of office-friendly options. Everything from basic shirts to smart blazers to floral dresses can be found in the maternity section. so why sacrifice style when you don’t have to?

Price range: $ – $$

Topshop Maternity Plisse Wrap Dress

Asos Topshop Maternity Plisse Wrap Dress

Asos Design Maternity denim 90's Maxi Skirt

Asos Asos Design Maternity denim 90’s Maxi Skirt

Asos Design Maternity Natural Crinkle Top

Asos Maternity Asos Design Maternity Natural Crinkle Top

Best for Classic Pieces

J.Crew has been a staple for the last couple of decades when it comes to shopping for clothes appropriate for the office. With Olympia Gayot as their Executive VP of Women’s Design, the brand has undergone an aesthetic rebrand, swapping out its nondescript basics for colorful knits and interesting silhouettes. They are definitely one to watch.

Price range: $$ – $$$

Cashmere relaxed V-Neck Sweater

J. Crew Cashmere relaxed V-Neck Sweater

Winona Penny Loafers

J. Crew Winona Penny Loafers

Relaxed-fit washed cotton poplin shirt

J.Crew Relaxed-fit washed cotton poplin shirt

Now 31% Off


Best for Bold Styles

Zara is a great option for shoppers who enjoy keeping up with trends or taking fashion risks. The Spanish brand is known for producing bold, yet chic, styles at an affordable price point. If you are looking to get more experimental with what you wear to work without breaking the bank, then Zara is an excellent place to begin.

Price range: $ – $$

Draped Wool Blend Dress

Zara Draped Wool Blend Dress

Now 70% Off

Pinstripe Vest

Zara Pinstripe Vest

Full Length Pinstripe Pants

Zara Full Length Pinstripe Pants

Best for Basics

Aritzia is the place to go when it comes to shopping for basics. Whether you are looking for a simple T-shirt to style under your favorite oversized blazer or an easy, everyday wrap dress, they have it all. The brand places an emphasis on everyday luxury.

Price range: $ – $$$

Clive Coat

Aritzia Clive Coat

Faraway Dress

Wilfred Faraway Dress

Kath Sweater

Babaton Kath Sweater

Best for Luxury

If you are looking to add a bit more luxury to your workwear rotation, The Frankie Shop is a great place to look. The brand defines itself as a multinational concept store synonymous with smart suiting and blending masculine and feminine silhouettes. On The Frankie Shop site, you can shop a selection from a wide range of brands and designers that encompass its core pillars.

Price range: $$ – $$$$

The Bea Blazer

The Frankie Shop The Bea Blazer

Telli Layered Midi Skirt

The Frankie Shop Telli Layered Midi Skirt

Kae Button Back Shirt - Sky

Kae Button Back Shirt – Sky

Emma Sutich is the second assistant to the Editor-in-Chief at ELLE Magazine. She thinks listening to electronic music, wearing all black, and stopping for something sweet are always good ideas. 

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