Dressing comfortably at work
If you spent most of the pandemic working from home, you probably got used to wearing your favorite loungewear set, leggings, or even pajamas while at your desk. But for some of us, it’s time to go back to the office. Rather than get overwhelmed by the idea of having to “dress up” to be back in person, merge your pandemic and office lives with a few casual work dresses. It might not be the same as wearing your favorite pair of joggers, but a stylish, casual dress can help you look professional and pulled together without having to sacrifice comfort.
How we chose the best casual work dresses
We scoured Amazon for the best casual dresses you can wear to the office. When making our work-appropriate selections, we took into consideration the dresses’ material, cut, versatility, and popularity. We found the best Amazon dresses that you can easily and comfortably commute in, will keep you warm if your boss likes to blast the AC, and will take you through all four seasons. There are even a few classic dresses that can easily transition to the perfect happy hour attire.
After you add a few of these dresses to your cart, don’t forget to grab the right shapewear and best bra for underneath, as well as the best sandals to match.
Best all-around business dress
Rekucci Flippy Fit N’ Flare Dress
For a business dress that covers all bases—casual, comfortable, and a universally flattering style—our money’s on this smart wardrobe basic with a fitted waist and flare skirt. Happy customers praise the dress’s versatility, as it can easily be dressed up or down, depending on shoe, jewelry, and handbag pairings.
Best budget dress
Daily Ritual Jersey Muscle-Sleeve Swing Dress
This jersey swing dress checks all the boxes: It’s comfortable, versatile, and provides the right amount of coverage. Dress it up with some layered necklaces and a blazer, or wear it as-is for a more casual look. Choose from 20 colors and patterns. It will only set you back around $20, leaving you with more money to spend on wardrobe staples like these classic handbags.
Best long-sleeved dress
KIRUNDO Midi Leopard Dress
Animal prints seem to be everywhere these days, and this long-sleeved dress is the perfect piece to hop on the trend. This flowing, mid-length dress can be paired with heels or boots for a look that is both trendy and professional, or kept casual with a pair of ballerina flats.
Best designer dress
Calvin Klein Sleeveless Fit-and-Flare Dress
You’ll pay more for a designer label, but investing in a few casual work dresses of quality is always a good idea. This flattering fit and flare dress by Calvin Klein is perfect for a big client meeting or presentation you’re leading. It’s made from a blend of polyester and spandex, so you can expect it to have a bit of give, making it the perfect dress for all-day wear. It comes in several colors, but if you’re not sure which one to choose, find out which color best matches your skin tone.
Best shirtdress
Amazon Essentials Short-Sleeve Scoop-Neck Dress
Rather than don a stiff button-down, opt for a soft swing dress. Unlike a fitted T-shirt dress, this crew-neck dress flares into a flattering A-line cut from the chest. And it’s made with jersey material that beautifully drapes, so you won’t look like you’re wearing a patterned potato sack. We especially love this business dress when it’s layered with a denim jacket.
Best short sweater dress
R.Vivimos Long-Sleeve Knitted Tie-Waist Sweater Dress
Those crisp, fall mornings will be here before you know it, so having a couple of sweater dresses in your closet is a good idea. This popular Amazon dress has been rated more than 10,000 times and tends to sell out frequently. Once you try it on you’ll understand why. It meets all the requirements for casual work dresses: soft, comfortable, and flattering. Pair this dress with a pair of boots and your favorite scarf for a chic fall look.
Best long sweater dress
ninovino Turtleneck Ribbed Knit Long-Sleeve Sweater Dress
For those chilly days when you really could use the coverage of a sweater but still want to wear a dress, look to this mid-weight, mid-length sweater dress. The turtleneck style means you can pair it with a chunky necklace, and the material is lightweight enough to support a blazer on top. One reviewer describes the fit as “curve-hugging without being too scandalous to wear to work,” and it’s also baby-bump friendly!
Best A-line dress
Lotusmile A-Line Cap-Sleeve V-Neck Dress
Trends come and go, but some classic styles are forever. A-line dresses, which accentuate your waistline and add curves in all the right places, have stood the test of time, since they flatter just about every body type. This colorful A-line version is a cotton-polyester-spandex blend that’s perfect for the office. It’s eye-catching on its own, so keep it simple with some minimal, affordable jewelry.
Best pajama-like dress
DB MOON Casual Short-Sleeve Dress
Already longing for the days when you took Zoom calls in your favorite flannel pajamas? We found a dress that’s as comfortable as it is functional, so you can at least pretend you’re sitting in your cubicle wearing your jammies. With this stretchy and soft rayon-spandex blend dress, you have the choice of crew-neck or V-neck, along with 30 different color and pattern options. Black floral is so pretty!
Best racerback dress
LaClef Fitted Sleeveless Racerback Midi Bodycon Tank Dress
If your style is more sports bra than lacy underwear, this uber-comfortable racerback dress might be calling your name—and at a price that permits you to order in several colors. We like that it hits right at the knee, which is a flattering length for almost every body type. Reviewers describe it as a body-conscious dress that’s not too curve-hugging, though many recommended ordering a size up.
Best dress with pockets
Simier Fariry Comfy Midi Casual Dress with Pockets
Menswear shouldn’t corner the market on pockets—women need them too! The deep pockets on this casual work dress add to its functionality, and a big selection of colors and patterns (seriously, 45 different designs!) means there’s a combo for every taste. Satisfied customers describe this dress as “soft and breathable” and say it holds up well to multiple washings. Detailed sizing information means you can order right the first time.
Best LBD (little black dress)
CEASIKERY Business Retro Cocktail Pencil Dress
Classics are classics for a reason, and this little black dress makes a timeless addition to your work wardrobe. It’s a little dressier than some of our other picks, but it can be dressed down with a pair of ballerina flats or low-heeled shoes, or made more va-voomy with high heels and a cocktail ring. For transitioning from workday to date night, this one’s a no-brainer. Plus, pockets!
Best athleisure-inspired dress
BTFBM Summer Casual Beach Dress
If your employer has swapped their business casual dress code for something a bit more laid-back, then this crew-neck T-shirt dress is exactly what you need. The polyester-rayon blend is comfy enough for a long commute or running a few errands on your way into or out of the office. A little too casual? Pair it with a long cardigan to elevate your look.
Best plus-size dress
ALLEGRACE Plus-Size Maxi Dress
Just plain pretty is how we’d describe this fan-favorite wrap dress, in sizes suited for plus-size figures. A V-neck, flattering empire waist, and asymmetric hem create lots of visual interest, and the dress comes in more than a dozen fun prints, from snakeskin to zebra to florals and geometrics. Purchasers say it runs true to size and garners lots of compliments. Pair it with the best plus-size shapewear.
Best maxi dress
Hount Sleeveless Maxi Dress with Pockets
If a casual dress code is the new office policy, this flowy maxi-dress will fit right in. Readers praise the soft, lightweight fabric (a polyester-and-spandex blend) and extremely comfortable fit. A scoop neck and scoop-style hemline up the style quotient, and as a bonus, there are pockets! Solids or patterns pair well with summery sandals or flats, or wear it with a fall sweater for chilly days under the AC.
Best moisture-wicking dress
Columbia Freezer III Dress
If your commute involves running to catch a bus or subway train, or you prefer to don a pair of walking shoes and get a workout in on the way to the office, you probably don’t want to arrive all sweaty. This moisture-wicking dress from Columbia keeps you feeling fresh and cool, with the added bonus of UPF-50 protection built in. We like this dress in both black and spring green, but it’s available in lots of other colors and patterns too.
Best boho dress
BTFBM Bohemian Floral Casual Midi Sun Dress
We’re all about styles that never go out of style, and this lightweight, boho-style dress is as easy as it is timeless. It features an elastic waist with a faux-wrap and a soft belt, signature ruffly sleeves, and a flattering V-neck, perfect for pairing with a pair of delicate earrings. Of the nearly 6,300 reviews on Amazon, 80 percent gave this casual office dress four or five stars. We’re sold!
Best sheath dress
JASAMBAC Bodycon Pencil Dress
Since it can easily go from a house dress to a business dress to a night out on the town, a classic sheath dress is something that should be in every woman’s closet. This lightweight, scoop-neck dress is made of polyester and spandex and features both pockets and a removable belt. It’s also super affordable, which easily makes it the best Amazon dress for work. It’s available in an array of colors, from sophisticated neutrals to bold and bright hues.
Best maternity dress
Smallshow Short-Sleeve Maternity Dress
Back in the office with a growing baby bump? Grow your wardrobe with this stretchy, ruched maternity dress that leaves room for your expanding tummy. Its simple design pairs well with a cardigan, or you can dress it up with a blazer for your next staff meeting. Reviewers laud its comfort, and at just under $20, it’s easy to invest in a few different colors and patterns.
Best denim dress
Zilcremo Denim Shirt Dress
A denim dress is a wardrobe staple, and we love the practicality of this tunic-style shirt dress made of distressed denim. Wear it on its own for warmer days at the office, pair it with leggings to make it a cold-weather go-to outfit, or wear it unbuttoned over a body-con dress. Note that several Amazon purchasers recommend ordering a size up.
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