When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreHere are our favorite brands with reliable workwear for any office dress code — including crisp button-downs, sharp trousers, and soft knitwear.Universal Standard, Spanx, Eileen Fisher, Modern CitizenThere are a lot of factors that go into determining the best workwear for women. The perfect professional pieces are versatile, stylish, office-ready, and — perhaps most importantly — comfortable.We've spent years testing different clothing brands in order to find a select few that strike this balance — and gathering info on our favorite hero pieces along the way. From stylish blazers to comfortable trousers, these workwear essentials will simplify your dressing ritual because they never go out of style.For more of our favorite workwear staples, check out our coverage on the best suits for women, the best work pants for women, the best white button-down shirts, the best work bags for women, and the best flats.Our 5 favorite brands for quality women's workwear:Everlane has remained one of our favorite places to buy workwear for years. Their high-quality professional basics are a staple of our style teams' closets. Blazers, button-downs, comfy work pants, ballet flats, and even suits — you can find it all here. Quince is one of those rare places that gives you sticker shock for all the right reasons. If you work in a drafty office, try any of its sweaters and jackets layered over a $40 organic cotton button-down for a cozy, preppy look. We especially recommend their workwear if you're on a budget.Spanx makes workwear that's designed to subtly shape while still being comfortable. We're huge fans of their PerfectFit collection, which we consider the holy grail of basic black work pants.Abercrombie & Fitch might not be your first instinct when you think about workwear, but the former mall staple has become a place to find all kinds of trendy and affordable cuts. Check out their office-approved section for the brand's curated professional picks. Eileen Fisher is the place for you if you want to create a simple, professional capsule wardrobe. Fisher's trademark is "The 12 Shapes" collection, which allows you to create endless permutations of pieces that are meant to fit together.Best overall: EverlaneEverlaneEverlane 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 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 $138 Day Glove flat, 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. Our editors' picks:Best budget: QuinceGabrielle Chase, Talia Ergas/Business InsiderQuince is a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand that boasts affordable prices for traditionally high-cost materials.
Sizing options: Mostly XS-XL, with some extended sizes
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 sweaters were a luxury item out of your reach? Well, Quince has them for just $50. In addition, they also make some of the best white button-downs for women and men.Read our full Quince review to see more of our editor's favorites.Our editors' picks:Best for creating a capsule wardrobe: Eileen FisherEileen FisherFor clothes that are as comfortable for the office as they are WFH, check out Eileen Fisher.
Sizing options: Varies by style, with most options ranging from XXS-XXL.
Eileen Fisher is all about easy dressing. Simple, clean shapes and great fabrics are the ethos of the brand. And thanks to the timeless styles and truly top-notch materials, you can expect to have them for decades. The brand's wide-legged pants and breezy blouses can be mixed and matched to create your new — surprisingly comfortable — work wardrobe. And since most of these pieces are minimal, and come in a range of complementary hues, all you need is a few to create the ultimate capsule wardrobe. Read our full Eileen Fisher review here.Our editors' picks:Best workwear rentals: Rent the RunwayRent the RunwayRent the Runway is a revolving door of designer clothing. If you're easily bored with what's in your closet, here's a fashion-forward solution.
Sizing options: Varies by brand; select styles available in petite and tall
Rent the Runway is one of our favorite places to find discounted designer shoes, bags, and clothing, where you can either rent or buy luxury workwear via any three of their subscription plans. The middle-tier membership starts at $94 a month and costs $119 every month after. With this package, you can choose 5 items from the entirety of Rent the Runway's collection. Try them out for the month, and if you love any, you can choose to buy and keep them. Or, you can send them all back for a fresh batch the following month. It's a unique way to keep your wardrobe refreshed and allows for an intimate look at fashion brands like Anine Bing, Staud, Theory, and more. If you rather test out the service before going all in, you can start with a one-time rental instead.Our editors' picks:Best suits: SuitShopStyle Editor Samantha Crozier in SuitShop's White Tuxedo Suit.Samantha CrozierSuitShop is the perfect place to get a high-quality suit for under $250 that feels like it was custom-tailored.
Sizing options: 0-28, petite, regular, and tall
SuitShop took home our best overall award in our guide to the best suits for women, marking it as a true standout when it comes to finding the best matching blazer and pants set around. Most of the suits hover between $200 and $250, which is a true steal for the quality. There are also petite and tall options in both tops and bottoms."Though you could dress it down for work, SuitShop's Women's White Tuxedo is a showstopper at formal events and elegant outings. I'm five-foot-two and the short option hits me perfectly at the ankle. I absolutely love how custom it feels, despite it being only $250. The material is also luxurious. It's made of satin and expertly tailored to flatter your figure," says Samantha Crozier, style editor at Insider Reviews. Our editors' picks:Best petite: Petite StudioSamantha Crozier/InsiderPetite Studio is a great place to find both trendy and professional pieces that are designed by and for petite folks.
Sizing options: XXS-L, exclusively petite cut
Many companies tailor how their clothes drape and fit by testing them on a typical model, who is often just as tall and leggy as you would expect a model to be. If the company wants to release a petite version of the clothes, every measurement is just proportionally shortened. But not at Petite Studio. Every single piece that Petite Studio makes is tailored on a real-life petite fit model. And it's a difference that you can really feel."I tested Petite Studio's Rowan Button-Down and was blown away by the fact that I could wear a billowy, oversized shirt without looking like I was drowning. The sleeves hit perfectly at my wrists, and the waist was nipped in at the most flattering spot. With something as important as workwear, it's imperative to look tailored and professional. And Petite Studio is an amazing resource for women like me who are under five-foot-three and struggle with the trailing hems and schleppy silhouettes that lots of standard-size workwear can cause." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews. Our editors' picks:Best luxury: M.M.LaFleurSamantha Crozier/Business Insider, MM LaFleurM.M.LaFleur is the name to know for high-end, stylish, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. workwear.
Sizing options: Varies by style, with most pieces ranging from XS-XXL.
Most of M.M. LaFleur's clothes are machine-washable and wrinkle-resistant, and the brand's design hacks are helpful rather than gimmicky — like internal clips to keep bra straps in place and adjustable pant hems for different shoes. Miyako Nakamura, former head designer for Zac Posen, is a master at flattering, easy silhouettes.There are also plenty of options for business travelers that feature machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, packable suiting staples like the Moreland Jacket. M.M.LaFleur also makes the ingenious Foster Pant that adjusts for different shoe heights.Our editors' picks:Best trendy workwear: Abercrombie & FitchAbercrombie & FitchThe former mall mainstay has rebranded and become a go-to retailer for everything from basics to workwear.
Sizing options: Pants go from 23 extra-short to 37 extra-long. Tops go from XXS to XL.
Abercrombie & Fitch's office-approved attire is great for anyone trying to build a professional wardrobe on a budget. Most of their pieces are under $100 and can be worn to work and on the weekends. We're particularly big fans of Abercrombie's pants, which mostly come in five different lengths: extra-short, short, regular, tall, and extra-tall. Plus, they have a whole slew of curve-friendly picks that have more room in the hips.Our editors' picks:Best work pants: SpanxSpanxSpanx does more than shapewear. The brand excels in slick basics that transition from the office to evening plans.
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 for some of the best work pants we've tested. We tested Spanx's collection of PerfectFit Pants, and they proved to fit comfortably even over the course of an eleven-hour workday. We were particularly impressed with the machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant smoothing fabric that sculpts without squeezing. Sizing options include petite, regular, or tall inseams. See our full Spanx Perfect Pant review to see how it looks on different body types. Our editors' picks:Best for bold picks: COSCOSCOS, 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 abstract 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. Our editors' picks:Best for special occasions: & Other Stories& Other Stories& 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. Similar to Banana Republic via Gap, & Other Stories presents a more elevated version of its parent company's brand.If you have a big conference or office party coming up, & Other Stories has an outfit to meet the moment. 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.Our editors' picks:Best classic plus size designs: Universal StandardUniversal StandardUniversal 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. Universal Standard is also featured in our guide to the best plus size clothing brands for its stylish designs in extended sizes.Our editors' picks:Best trendy plus size designs: EloquiiEloquiiPlus size fashion brand Eloquii makes everything from workwear to evening-wear, with a specific focus on colorful, bold, and lively pieces.
Sizing options: Plus sizes 14-28 available.
Eloquii is a plus-sized women's clothing brand that was originally created by The Limted in 2011, but was discontinued less than two years after its launch. But due to high customer demand, a group of investors independently relaunched the brand in 2014 and in 2018, the brand was acquired by retail giant Walmart.With sizes 14-28, Eloquii is the go-to place for women to find plus-size clothing of all types. From office attire to date nights and galas, Eloquii's range of designs canned be fitted for many occasions.Our editors' picks:Best for stylish minimalism: ARKETARKETARKET is a modern lifestyle brand under H&M, whose styles are inspired by Scandinavian simplicity.
Sizing options: Limited between XS-L
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. Our editors' picks:Best sweaters for work: Alex MillAlex MillAlex Mill is a brand specializing in uniform designs with just the right amount of nuance.
Sizing options: Varies by style. Most range between XS-XXL
The understated designs of Alex Mill may not stand out at first. But upon closer inspection, the brand's commitment to its own unique flair for craftsmanship is evident. Their clothing offers a simple solution for business casual that transfers just as easily to the weekend fit. The creative direction comes from a team with previous experience designing for J.Crew, Old Navy, Madewell, and Gap. They even use botanical dye in select pieces via rainwater and plant-based materials.Our editors' picks:Best classic designs: Ann TaylorAnn TaylorAnn Taylor takes a traditional approach to women's workwear with styles that have been in style for years and will likely never go out of style.
Sizing options: Varies by style. Many petite and curvy fits are available.
Ann Taylor is one of the best places to buy women's workwear — and you're probably already familiar with the brand. Much of the clothing is designed for work and beyond, so when you're in the office from 9am to 5pm and you're out enjoying the evening from 5pm to 9pm, your outfit will fit right in. Not only are the materials good quality, but the timeless designs make them easy to wear right now and for many years to come.The brand has everything from ribbed sweaters and classic overcoats to sleek dresses and skirts. Some of the benefits to shopping at Ann Taylor include petite sizing and regular sales.Our editors' picks:Best office basics: J.CrewJ. CrewDon't sleep on J.Crew because of its preppy reputation. You can find bold, bright patterns and colors in pieces that are still work-appropriate.
Sizing options: Varies by style, with a lot of pieces ranging from 00-24.
J. Crew seems to be hosting a sale every other day — and that's great news for anyone looking to pick up some of the best women's work clothes at a discount. If you're looking for a fresh, leopard pencil skirt or a fitted blazer you may want to check J.Crew first. We love the brand's preppy-retro blazers, classic-fit button-ups, and fun-but-still-professional prints and patterns. J.Crew's uniquely well-made desk-to-drinks basics are also clutch. They're professional without approaching dowdy. The best example of this is their blazer collection — sleek, stylish, and great dressed down for coffee on a Saturday afternoon or up for a big meeting.Our editors' picks:Best elevated basics: Modern CitizenModern CitizenFor sleek basics that won't break your budget, look no further than Modern Citizen.
Sizing options: Varies by style, with most options ranging from XS-XL.
Modern Citizen's neutral pieces make it easy to build a chic, minimalist wardrobe without spending a fortune. The site also lets you search by occasion to quickly find what you're looking for. Go to the "Work" collection to find a curated group of pieces that'll look great in or out of the office.Read our full review of Modern Citizen here. Our editors' picks:Best one-stop-shop: MadewellMadewellMadewell might be known for its jeans, but the brand has plenty of casual and business casual styles for the office.
Sizing options: Varies by style. Plus, petite, tall, taller, maternity, and curvy fits are also available.
In 2006, J.Crew introduced its sister brand Madewell as a premium denim brand for women. While you can still purchase denim, Madewell has evolved into an all-around clothing brand with everything from casual styles like jeans to office-appropriate styles like blazers, skirts, and sweaters. The retailer also makes great shoes like these patent leather Mary Janes and some of the best work bags, like this leather bucket tote. In addition to the many new styles Madewell has to offer, the brand also has a pre-loved section that includes upcycled collaborations, vintage finds from a variety of brands, and archival Madewell pieces for resale.Whether your office is super casual or still a bit formal, Madewell has garments that will fit into your wardrobe. And with frequent sales and promotions, you'll save money on almost everything you buy.Our editors' picks:Best sustainable workwear: ReformationReformationWith great emphasis on sustainability and ethics in its business practices, Reformation makes clothes you'll be proud to wear.
Sizing options: Sizes 0-12 available. Petite fits available for select styles.
Reformation started out as a small vintage clothing boutique in Los Angeles, but quickly grew into an original line of women's apparel with a focus on sustainability. All of the brand's clothes are made in their LA factory or at sustainable partner factories around the world, and it boasts a high rating from "Good On You."While you can get everything from casual styles like jeans to formal styles like wedding dresses, Reformation is a wonderful place to shop for some of the best women's workwear for looking stylish and feeling professional. Coord sets like their Taryn Two-Piece are super trendy and easy to layer with items already in your wardrobe.Our editors' picks:
