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The 40 best work dresses for women in 2023, from Amazon to J. Crew

If you’re kicking into spring cleaning mode, give your professional wardrobe a refresh with the trendiest work dresses for the office.

While work pants and work totes are also essential, there’s nothing like putting on a flowy dress to start the day — especially if it’s versatile.

That said, it’s the peak season to have a million tabs open, scour deals like it’s your second job and reorganize your closet with options that scream work-appropriate but comfortable.

Unless you work on Wall Street or in a business professional environment, finding staple transitional pieces you can incorporate into your wardrobe is critical.

Along with some of our favorite dresses from Amazon and let’s not forget T-shirt dresses that provide all-day comfort, find the 40 best styles we cherry-picked below for every budget and preference. You know what they say — dress for success.

Click on the specific styles below to jump to our curated lists.

Black Dresses for Work: Sheath, T-Shirt & More Styles

1. Berydress Classic 3/4 Sleeve Sheath Wrap Dress, $22 to $31

Berydress Classic 3/4 Sleeve Sheath Wrap Dress, black
Amazon

As an Amazon Choice, consider Berydress’ Sheath Wrap Dress a relatively affordable option that comes in nearly every color under the sun. It’s conservative for the workplace, classy and is made from a super-soft cotton blend.


2. PrettyGarden Belted Dress, $36

PrettyGarden Belted Dress, black
Amazon

For a flattering workplace outfit, PrettyGarden’s Belted Dress cinches in at the waist to give you a bit of shape while still leaning into office-level comfort. It’s breathable, made of 95% cotton and is available in a handful of other colors and prints to stock up on.


3. Amoretu Polka Dot Tunic Swing Dress, $27

Amoretu Polka Dot Tunic Swing Dress
Amazon

In all honesty, Amoretu’s Tunic Swing Dress is one of our favorites in this edit. For the price, it’s an easy-breeze style that comes in multiple fun and muted patterns to adorn your off-to-work wardrobe. Plus, it’s so versatile that it can be worn to a morning brunch or evening date.


4. J. Crew Short Sleeve Cable Knit Dress, $168

model wearing high neck black and white short sleeve dress
J. Crew

J.Crew is the Queen of classics, and its Short Sleeve Cable Knit Dress is no exception. With comfortable cotton-polyester material and a gorgeous ivory contrasting trim, it’s an investment piece you’ll resort to whenever you want to wear a black dress.


5. Tagliatelle Linen Dress, $248

model wearing black midi dress with scalloped hem
Reformation

Offering a plethora of dreamy dresses in numerous sizes and styles, Reformation has stylish fashions with an upscale lean. Its Tagliatelle Linen Dress has a sleeveless style we adore for keeping us comfortable and modest at work, as well as small scalloped detailing along the hem.


6. Lulus Shifting Dears Long-Sleeve Dress, $49

Lulus Shifting Dears Long-Sleeve Dress, black
Lulus

For a more flowy black dress to add to your cart, we’re big fans of Lulus’ Shifting Dears Long-Sleeve Dress. It’s a feel-good length, is more breathable than most and steals the show with its fluttering, open sleeves. Plus, it comes in a wealth of other colors.


7. Madewell Poplin Button-Front Midi Dress, $121, original price: $138

model wearing poplin midi dress with white buttons
Madewell

Madewell knows how to create a timeless look you can wear year-round — like this button-front midi dress. The relaxed, off-body fit is ideal for wearing around the office or to walks in the park when the weather’s nice.


8. Farah Midi Wrap Dress, $59

Farah Midi Wrap Dress, black
Lulus

If a black midi dress is calling your name, The Farah Midi Wrap Dress from Lulus is an answer to your wishes. With delicate sleeves, a tie-waist design and a style-any-way look, it’s showstopping for the office, just shy of $60.


9. Aqua Blazer Mini Dress, $128

Model wearing mini black blazer dress
Bloomingdale's

Sure, we adore our blazers — but how about a blazer dress? Aqua’s Blazer Mini Dress is the professional standard for your office wardrobe, regardless of your environment being business professional or business casual.


10. Button-Front Mock Neck Bishop Sleeve Dress, $17

Button-Front Mock Neck Bishop Sleeve Dress, black
SHEIN

Tapping into 50s style is the Button-Front Mock Neck Bishop Sleeve Dress. With some of the most elegantly designed sleeves we’ve seen and a flattering, cinched waist, we’re over the moon that this is less than $20 for a gorgeous office look.


Maxi Dresses for Work

1. PrettyGarden Halter Ruffle Maxi Dress, $39

PrettyGarden Halter Ruffle Maxi Dress, emerald green
Amazon

With over 10K reviews, you can’t go wrong with PrettyGarden’s Halter Ruffle Maxi Dress. For no more than $40, it comes in unlimited designs, though our favorite is this speckled pink and black-dotted one on an emerald green fabric.


2. Goodthreads Georgette Smock-Back Cami Maxi Dress, $38

Goodthreads Georgette Smock-Back Cami Maxi Dress, floral
Amazon

Ideal for the warmer months, Goodthreads — an Amazon brand — has you covered with the Georgette Smock-Back Cami Maxi Dress, a staple for pairing with a cardigan and white sneakers if you’d like, or with your favorite pair of comfortable heels.


3. SweatyRocks Long-Sleeve Chiffon Maxi Dress, $27

SweatyRocks Long-Sleeve Chiffon Maxi Dress, blue
Amazon

Not only is this sky blue dress stunning, but its long-sleeve chiffon material will keep you comfortable for nearly any season. Paired with your favorite fine jewelry and a pair of comfortable flats, you can’t go wrong.


4. Aqua Ruffled Floral Maxi Dress, $71, original price: $118

model wearing cream, purple, pink, and indigo floral dress
Bloomingdale's

Perfect for your 9-to-5 or a summertime party, Aqua’s Ruffled Floral Maxi Dress is one of our favorite dresses with a feminine flair. Its V-neck style, cap-sleeve design and criss-cross back straps are sure to garner many compliments from your coworkers.


5. Lulus Ready for Sunshine Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $59

Lulus Ready for Sunshine Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress, rust orange
Lulus

Can we say add to cart? There’s no other dress than Lulus’ Ready for Sunshine Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress for allowing you to feel comfortable and confident when checking things off your to-do list. Not to mention, it has hidden side-seam pockets (a bonus!)


6. Banana Republic Ani Popover Shirt Dress $170

If you’ve ever wanted the style of an elevated work shirt, but in dress form — Banana Republic has got you covered with its popover shirt dress. It comes in khaki brown and black, and features a removable belt so you can go from cinched to flowy in a simple knot.


Midi Dresses for Work

1. Angashion Button-Down Floral Midi Dress, $35 to $37

model wearing yellow floral button up dress
Amazon

We’re suckers for all things button-down and floral print, and Angashion’s Midi Dress is not letting us down. For a budget-friendly price, it comes in a variety of other colors and prints to serve you well for the workplace — all of which are versatile.


2. Simple Favor Vintage Midi Dress, $31

Simple Favor Vintage Midi Dress, purple
Amazon

If you’re a lover of moody prints with a bit of something-something, look no further than Simple Favor’s Vintage Midi Dress. Its relaxed fit, comfortable attached skirt and match-all print (among countless others), make it well worth the less-than-$35 price tag.


3. VFShow Slim A-Line Midi Dress, $42

VFShow Slim A-Line Midi Dress, navy
Amazon

We’re getting serious “Mad Men” vibes with this modest, elegant and beautifully designed A-Line Midi Dress from VFShow (which, if we’re being honest, can’t believe is less than $50 on Amazon!) We had a difficult time choosing our favorite of its many styles, though its lifetime-lasting navy striped print was too good to pass up.


4. UNTUCKit Block Print Midi Dress, $125

model wearing blue and pink spotted and paisley shirt dress
UNTUCKit

If you’re in a pinch to get ready in the hush-hush hours of the AM, snag this belted shirt dress. Whether you prefer to pair it with a quality denim jacket or underneath a bodysuit, it’s a reliable option for work (and more!)


5. Gap Smocked Tiered Midi Dress, $75, original price: $98

Model wearing smocked floral midi dress
Gap

Oh, how we love comfort. Gap’s Smocked Tiered Midi Dress — we can already tell — is one of those pieces we know will be worn on most in-office days. It’s even perfect for working from home, in its breathable yet flowy design, clad with smocked detailing.

GAP

6. CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Bow-Neck A-Line Dress, $129

CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Bow-Neck A-Line Dress, green
Bloomingdale's

Not only is the emerald green color sought-after (and great on all skin tones), but the dainty bow applique at the neckline is just precious. For a sweet splurge that’s undeniably worth it, pick up this Bloomingdale’s find that’s also available in solid black.


7. Madewell Puff-Sleeve Open-Back Midi Dress, $124, original price: $138

Model wearing brown and peach floral puff sleeve dress
Madewell

As one of our personal favorites, we adore Madewell’s Puff-Sleeve Open-Back Dress. It has a high-neck design and the most beautiful puffed sleeves that aren’t too puffy and a floral yet delicate print that’s even versatile — just flip it around for a tie front low V-neck look for your days off.


8. MeroKeety 3/4 Balloon Sleeve T-Shirt Midi Dress with Pockets, $33

MeroKeety 3/4 Balloon Sleeve T-Shirt Midi Dress with Pockets, green/white
Amazon

We owe much to the humble T-shirt dress that keeps us comfortable and makes getting dressed a snap. This one, with a cute front pocket, comes in a slew of shades to choose from. The 3/4 sleeves are a nice touch, too, especially for transitional seasons.


9. Cathy 3/4 Sleeve High-Waist Midi Dress with Pockets, $37

Cathy 3/4 Sleeve High-Waist Midi Dress with Pockets, paisley red
Amazon

Color us paisley, because we’re virtually obsessed with this pocketed dress that’s only $37 on Amazon. You guessed it — it also comes in many other colors — though this one is Cathy’s bestseller.


10. Abercrombie Smocked Bodice Poplin Midi Dress, $110

Add a feminine twist to your workwear with this floral poplin dress by Abercrombie. While a splurge, it’s versatile enough to wear off hours so you can go from the office to a bridal shower, graduation party or summer bash.


Shift Dresses for Work

1. Floerns Tweed Tunic Dress with Pockets, $41

Floerns Tweed Tunic Dress with Pockets, light gray
Amazon

We’re not ones to force you to buy anything, but we’re almost at that level with this adorable tweed tunic dress. Adorned with two front pockets (perfect for storing your phone and work ID), it’s that $41 dress we think hits the jackpot on all fronts.


2. Amoretu Purple Tunic Swing Dress, $27

Amoretu Purple Tunic Swing Dress
Amazon

Look familiar? Well, this style is one of our favorite polka-dotted print dresses we mentioned earlier, though its jewel-tone purple shade is too exceptional to forego. For a solid price point, it’s adorable to dress up with some statement jewelry.


3. Spanx AirEssentials Mock Neck Dress, $128

Model wearing navy blue mock neck shift dress
Spanx

Giving us all the preppy vibes is this mock neck dress by Spanx. It’s flattering on all body types, is versatile to wear for a weekend getaway and is something we believe Blair Waldorf would approve of. Plus, it comes in black and white.


4. SHEIN Notched Neck Grid Tunic Dress, $9

SHEIN Notched Neck Grid Tunic Dress, white/black
SHEIN

If there’s a dress you should own in your capsule wardrobe, it’s this Notched Neck Grid Tunic Dress for SHEIN. It can be styled in numerous ways — with a red blazer, with your favorite pair of black booties — and costs just $9.


5. M.M. LaFleur The Maaza Dress, $225

Bring a pop of color to your workwear with this simple orange dress. The machine-washable material is smooth and soft for all-day comfort — and it’s even wrinkle-resistant!


6. Tuckernuck Merritt Knit Dress, $168

Inspired by Paris fashion, this simple contrasting frock will have you going from work to happy hour without to change. It’s simple enough to wear year-round and even has a chic front pocket.


7. Everlane The Daytripper Shirtdress, $98

model wearing navy and white striped shirt dress
Everlane

You can’t go wrong with an everyday shirt dress — it’s easy to slip on and can go from work to the beach, acting as a casual cover-up. Plus, it comes with pockets, so you can carry your badge, wallet, keys and more without needing a purse.


Maternity Dresses for Work

1. Rnxrbb Sleeveless Maternity Dress, $20 to $21

Rnxrbb Sleeveless Maternity Dress, pink
Amazon

This sleeveless number on Amazon is one of the retailer’s bestsellers, available in more than a dozen colors with rave reviews. For the workplace, pair it with your favorite cardigan or blazer to complete the look.


2. Mother Bee Maternity Hi-Low Ruffle Dress with Adjustable Belt, $39 to $42

Mother Bee Maternity Hi-Low Ruffle Dress with Adjustable Belt, emerald green
Amazon

Mother Bee Maternity’s Hi-Low Ruffle Dress looks like your everyday option, which is why we adore it. With an adjustable belt to suit you from your first to third trimester, we may even argue it’s post-bump friendly, too.


3. BBHoping Striped Maternity Dress, $31

BBHoping Striped Maternity Dress, gray and white
Amazon

For a throw-on dress when all you want is to be comfortable when pregnant, pick up this striped style, available for less than $50 on Amazon. It comes in a variety of other color-ways, too.


4. Wrap-Front Maternity Midi Dress, $76

Model wearing mauve wrap front dress
PinkBlush

For a more dressed-up look, this wrap maternity dress is one of the most stylish of its kind, especially when some maternity dresses can make you look frumpy (not ideal, by any means). Plus, you can’t beat the quality.


5. Floral Pleated Short Sleeve Chiffon Maternity Midi Dress, $86

model wearing pleated chiffon floral dress
PinkBlush

A popular option from PinkBlush, its floral pleated dress is pretty and poised, keeping you comfortable for all hours of the day. Plus, it’s post-bump friendly.


6. Quince Tencel Jersey Maternity & Nursing Wrap Dress, $50

model wearing blue faux wrap mini dress
Quince

Maternity apparel and style can go hand-in-hand — just look at this wrap dress from Quince as proof. What’s special about this design (besides being so adorable) is how it’s nursing friendly, so you can pump or feed your baby hassle-free.


7. Hatch The Plaid Carolina Dress, $228

model wearing sleeveless in pink and purple plaid
Hatch

Make a statement with this plaid dress made from a soft viscose and cotton mix that’ll have your twirling in excitement after one wear. It also features a versatile tie that can be worn in the front or back.

HATCH

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