Finding work clothing brands that are both affordable and, well, stylish, ain’t always easy. Of course, it goes without saying that we all have our favourite brands that we gravitate to for regular day-to-day items and going out clothes, but shopping for work outfits can be a little trickier.
Why? Because they often need a certain level of formality and ~professionalism~ about them. We’re talking: collared shirts, tailored jackets, sleek midi skirts – you get the vibe. But just because your office (likely) has a dress code, that doesn’t mean that shopping for 9-5 clothing has to be a total snooze-fest. On the contrary, some of my favourite fashion pieces were originally bought for work and have now transitioned into my smart-casual weekend wardrobe.
So, with more of us set to return to the office in the coming weeks/months, we’ve round up our 15 best brands to shop for work clothing in 2021.
1. & Other Stories
Stories is a mainstay high street label for quality, chic work clothing, especially if you’re looking for tailored separates and co-ords, smart jumpers and fancy midi dresses. Sure, the prices are a little higher but, speaking from experience, my Stories pieces have stood the test of time both in terms of quality and timeless silhouettes.
Shop & Other Stories
Puff sleeve midi dress
& Other Storiesstories.com.uk£85.00
Oversized wool blazer
& Other Storiesstories.com.uk£165.00
2. Mango
If you’re after bang for your buck from your work clothing, you really should check out Mango and its recently extended curve offering. Why? Because their pieces are the perfect balance of smart casual and effortless cool which means that, regardless of whether you buy a co-ord, blazer, dress or bag, you’re bound to want to wear it outside of work hours too.
Shop Mango
3. Whistles
For those who subscribe to the ‘less is more’ wardrobe mantra, Whistles is a strong shout. The price tag of certain pieces might be slightly higher than other high street faves but the brand’s offering of fuss-free contemporary options makes it a no-brainer for premium workwear.
Shop Whistles
Leather A-line skirt
Whistleswhistles.com£170.00
Rowan irregular spot dress
Whistleswhistles.com£129.00
4. Simply Be
Simply Be is committed to providing fashionable and on-trend clothing for women with curves and they do exactly that. Check ’em out for incred midi dresses, very wearable blouses and smart trousers.
Shop Simply Be
Mono spot shirred chiffon tiered midi dress
Simply Besimplybe.co.uk£39.00
Pink animal print dipped back viscose shirt
Simply Besimplybe.co.uk£19.00
Pure linen printed belted midi shirt dress
Jaegermarksandspencer.com£135.00
Organic cotton collared long sleeve shirt
Selected Femmemarksandspencer.com£50.00
6. COS
For those of you who haven’t heard of COS, it’s pretty much the older sister of H&M, with slightly more relaxed, grown-up styles in muted colour palettes and subtle prints.
Shop COS
7. Everlane
If there’s one thing Everlane does exceptionally well, it’s modern basics. Known for prioritising long-lasting staples over ‘here one day, gone the next’ trend pieces, the sustainability-minded brand is all about buying less but making it last longer.
Shop Everlane
The day glove – caramel
everlane, £108
everlane.com
The straight leg crop – golden brown
everlane, £43
everlane.com
8. Very
Very is another one to add to your list, with a wide range of quality, versatile classics that’ll serve you well season after season. Their best offerings? Cool midis and super wearable but smart trousers.
Shop Very
Classic linen blend long sleeve shirt – navy
V by Veryvery.co.uk£15.00
Pique short sleeve utility shirt midi dress – khaki
V by Very Curvevery.co.uk£35.00
9. H&M
H&M is another high street favourite for trendy It-pieces that will instantly elevate your standard Mon-Fri ‘fits. Brimming with choices in a slew of different styles and colour palettes, H&M also has designer-inspired items available at a fraction of the price.
Shop H&M
10. Ted Baker
As a quintessentially British brand, Ted Baker has outfit options for every weather condition, ranging from flowy summer dresses to fun jumpers and cosy wool coats. Oh, and their smart trainers are also the kind you’ll get away with in the office.
Shop Ted Baker
Hollz printed mesh top
Ted Bakertedbaker.com£55.00
Xanniad collared shirt dress
Ted Bakertedbaker.com£235.00
11. ASOS
ASOS has a seemingly endless supply of everyday fashion styles to shop, but did you know that the E-tailer also has a decent workwear offering too? From zesty suits to relaxed collared shirts and playful maxis – there’s something for everyone, especially thanks to the site’s fab Curve, Petite and Tall ranges.
Shop ASOS
Jersey single breasted suit blazer in sage
12. Oliver Bonas
If your office aesthetic consists of preppy, comfy pieces in fun prints, Oliver Bonas might just be your go-to work clothing brand. We’re talking: sweet blouses, oh-so-wearable midis and eye-catching accessories.
Shop Oliver Bonas
Brushed animal print green & black midi dress
Oliver Bonasoliverbonas.com£75.00
Floral print & scallop edge black blouse
Oliver Bonasoliverbonas.com£49.50
13. Jigsaw
It goes without saying that Jigsaw does loads of fashion staples well. But, an honourable mention needs to go to their outerwear offering, with mega lush coats to boot. Having said that, Jigsaw is a real all-rounder whatever you’re looking for – trousers, blouses, midi dresses and even bags.
Shop Jigsaw
Cotton boucle ember coat
Jigsawjigsaw-online.com£230.00
Relaxed pleat front trouser
Jigsawjigsaw-online.com£99.00
14. Zara
If you like to ensure that your work wardrobe looks up to date with the latest trends, chances are you’re already well-acquainted with Zara. Runway-inspired styles are the order of the day and, you really can’t go wrong looking for formal dinner and fancy daytime staples here.
Shop Zara
Midi dress with cut out detail
15. Studio 8 by Phase Eight
Studio 8’s premium curve selection (up to size 26) is one to bookmark, like, stat. Their extensive blouse and stylish dress ranges are perfect for desk-to-bar vibes.
Shop Studio 8
Sadie printed swing dress
Phase Eightphase-eight.com£99.00
Trinity linen jumpsuit
Phase Eightphase-eight.com£110.00
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