The 16 best work dresses to keep you from breaking a sweat on your commute

Spanx may be known for its shapewear, but don't sleep on the apparel (see: our Spanx Perfect Black Work Pants review).

This dress might not necessarily "wow" you right out of the box, but trust me — as soon as you slip it on, you'll be just as smitten as I am. Thanks to the exceptionally soft, breathable, and lightweight fabric, which features four-way-stretch, it's the kind of dress I'm not eager to change out of after my work day is done. Its versatility is pretty unmatched, too: It looks just as stylish with dressy sandals as it does with strappy heels and Converse Chuck Taylors. For work, I styled this dress with my Everlane Glove Boots and a stretchy, skinny waist belt I found on Amazon.

The best maxi dresses offer easy movement. On that note, one thoughtful feature that goes a long way here is the high side slits — without them, some maxis can be awkwardly restrictive when you're walking. Also worth mentioning is the fact that this dress doesn't wrinkle easily, making it super travel-friendly.`

A denim dress might not be your first thought for workplace attire, but hear me out. They can totally work on casual Fridays, in more laid-back office environments, or dressed up in the right way.

Take this 100% cotton button-down Quince dress, for example. With luxe suede boots and a fuzzy cardigan, or a long white or beige blazer and snakeskin pumps, it takes on a decidedly more polished look.

It's a reasonable length, falling to right above my knee, and the denim material feels soft — not stiff, like some. While the dress comes in a variety of washes, I think the darker blue or black are your best bets for a professional setting.

Read more about our favorite pieces from this line in our Quince review.

If you've ever seen those "What I ordered vs. what I got on Amazon" memes, you know that buying clothes on the site can be a real gamble. Thankfully, one particular gamble paid off — this Allegra K dress actually looked like the one pictured on the product page. I was shocked at how well it fit — with a figure-flattering waistband to boot — and since there's ample stretch, it didn't start to get uncomfortable after I had a sizable lunch. I have a DD-cup bust, and some form-fitting dresses don't have enough room to accommodate it. That's definitely not the case with this dress, though.

I'm 5'4, and the dress hit at the perfect length for professional settings — grazing the top of my knees. As with most things, you get what you paid for here, so the dress isn't lined. That said, the material offers plenty of coverage. As spring approaches, I plan to pair this lightweight dress with flats and a cardigan or blazer, but I also love that I can layer it with tights and riding boots in the colder months. I'm a fan of the timeless black and white houndstooth print, but it also comes in a number of other solid and plaid color options.

The best part? This dress does not wrinkle, making it a great option for work trips.

"If you seem to sweat on your way to work no matter what you do, consider adding some linen dresses to your work dress collection. Linen is more breathable and dries sweat faster than cotton. I like this boxy shift dress because it has a relaxed fit in the bodice, meaning it doesn't cling to me as I work up a sweat going up and down the subway stairs.

It's made with a touch of elastane so it drapes a little nicer than stiff, starchy linen dresses. On the inside is a soft, stretchy liner that prevents the light butter yellow from being see-through. Pictured above, I'm wearing this Everlane sleeveless mini dress with my Kwela sunglasses from Raen, a Casio wristwatch, and a crochet Sandy tote by Clare V." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

Whether I style this dress with flats, heels, or boots, I always feel super put-together.

Modern Citizen made our list of where to shop for women's workwear clothes, winning the award for best elevated basics. And in her Modern Citizen review, Business Insider Executive Editor Sally Kaplan raved about this line's "well-made pieces at affordable price points," adding that "everything is Audrey Hepburn-level effortless." I couldn't agree more. Ever since I slipped on the Fei Dress, I've been eager to order one in every color.

The organic cotton jersey fabric — with a touch of stretchy spandex — feels incredibly soft against my skin. I also love that the tie-front feature can be worn in the front or wrapped criss-cross style in the back. It adds a sophisticated twist to this otherwise simple jersey dress and cinches my waist for an ultra-flattering fit.

The dress hits at that perfect mid-calf midi length, and comes in a range of timeless neutral and earthy tones, from black and olive green to maroon and khaki. My personal favorite is Maritime, a medium blue with undertones of slate gray that would complement any skin tone. Plus, it's worth pointing out that the high neck provides the perfect canvas for an eye-catching chunky necklace.

"This preppy number from Tuckernuck is a summer staple. I can pop it over my swimsuit at the beach, and it fits in just as easily at the office. I love how it has three pockets: one chest pocket where I hang my sunglasses, plus two side seam pockets. You can find it in eight colors.

This work dress is business up top with a stiff collar and button front half placket. On its bottom, the swingy skirt adds dimension to the otherwise boxy fit. It's lightweight and loose-fitting, especially in the chest and bodice. I'm five-foot-nine wearing a size S and the skirt hem reaches a few inches past my fingertips with my hands by my side.

I styled mine on a trip to Rhode Island with Vivaia wedges and a crochet Sandy tote from Clare V. On my commute, I wear it with Frankie4 loafers and my favorite work backpack from Lo & Sons." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews

"I love silk dresses. They're lightweight and comfortable — plus, the material feels amazing against the skin. But there's one huge issue with wearing silk dresses: the wrinkles. Even if you steam them perfectly in the morning, there will be creases everywhere by lunchtime.

But this Crushed Silk Tiered Dress from Eileen Fisher brilliantly incorporates wrinkles into the design. The texture means that no one will see or care that your dress is creased from sitting at a desk all day. However, the special fabric does mean that you have to dry clean the dress or take special precautions when washing it.

As far as summer work dresses go, this is the crème de la crème. It's breezy, professional, and so comfortable it feels like you're wearing a night gown. Plus, the neckline is high enough that I never have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions or awkward adjustments." —Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews

Eileen Fisher also made our list of the best places to buy women's basics.

Style writer Sarah Chiwaya swears by the futuristic brand Laws of Motion. The label uses AI technology and a catalogue of 1,260 micro sizes to pinpoint your perfect fit. You can find your fit by taking a quiz or uploading a full-body shot of yourself for the algorithm to analyze.

Though this dress is slightly more expensive, the custom-sizing technology assures that this won't be a piece that hangs around in your closet because something about it just doesn't fit right. It's made to be worn a ton, bringing the cost-per-wear down.

"I always feel ready to take on the world in Laws of Motion. I also really appreciate the thoughtful details they incorporate in their designs, like the longer ribbon on the Legend's zipper pull, making it easier to zip up yourself (even if you have short arms like me!)" writes plus-size fashion expert Sarah Chiwaya in her guide to the best places to buy plus-size workwear.

The Somerset Maxi Dress from Anthropologie continues to be one of the brand's bestselling favorites. With over three thousand reviews and nearly five stars, this dress is a huge hit for its easy-breezy silhouette. It's loose but still offers some waist definition, and the cut is almost universally flattering.

Made with lightweight cotton, it's a great choice for summer office dressing. Right now, tons of colorways are available in floral patterns and paisley splashes. And check back with each season to find weather-appropriate hues. You can also check out the whole Somerset Collection to find versions of the dress in mini, strapless, and more.

"I particularly love the tiered A-line silhouette, which is very flattering, and the forgiving elastic high waist. The v-neckline is fairly deep (which I like, because it adds a feminine touch to balance out the baggier silhouette), but I was still able to wear it with a bra. It's not see-through at all," says freelancer Talia Ergas.

Read more in our full Quince washable silk review.

A T-shirt dress might not be the first style that comes to mind when choosing what to wear to the office — but hear me out. A well-made T-shirt dress — provided it's not too short — can be dressed up or down. To make it look work-appropriate, I layer this Everlane dress under a blazer or over a lace long-sleeve, and pair it with knee-high boots. On casual Fridays, it would also look cute with loafers and a long open cardigan.

It's no secret that not all T-shirt dresses are created equal — some of them are about as flattering as a potato sack. This one is made with thick, high-quality organic cotton, and the shape is really forgiving — it has a straight, relaxed fit without bunching or gaping around the chest and hips. Conveniently, it can be tossed into the washing machine. And even in the canvas color, which is close to ivory, it's not even the slightest bit see-through.

Read more about our favorite pieces from this line in our Everlane review.

It doesn't get more professional looking than a blazer dress. But I have a bone to pick with this style: so many of them are shapeless and wildly unflattering. That's why this single-breasted Babaton pick stood out to me. With a darted waist and princess seams for shaping, it fits like a glove around the shoulders, bust, and hips — no alterations needed.

I've owned a couple of Babaton blazers in the past, so I knew the quality would be high — and this dress definitely didn't disappoint. It's fully lined, features a notched lapel, and is made with softly structured stretch fabric that holds its shape no matter how much you sit down or move around. The handy welt pockets don't hurt, either — it's nice to have somewhere to stuff my phone or lip gloss during the day or store my debit card when running out on a quick lunch break.

One thing worth noting, though, is that this dress seems to run a bit small — I'd suggest ordering a size up from your typical size, like I did.

When I was invited on to The Drew Barrymore Show in November of 2023, I immediately went on a frantic search for a dress that looked professional but not too stuffy. You know, something I could hold my head high wearing behind a desk alongside my all-time favorite actress. I ordered this dress at the last minute because of Revolve's blessed two-day shipping and not only did it give me oodles of confidence on the day of filming, but I've gotten tons of wear out of it since to work events and other social gatherings. It's one of those pieces that never seems to fail to draw compliments.

The wrap bodice with tie closure defines my waist, and since the dress has no shortage of stretch, it's comfortable enough to wear for long hours. (To put things into perspective, I happily had it on from 7 a.m. until I got home from New York at 8:30 p.m.)

While the camel color I purchased last year seems to be out of stock, it's now available in a lovely olive green.

If you're not familiar with Baltic Born, this female-founded company — which was launched by three sisters — has one core mission: to make women feel confident in their bodies at any stage of life. I've tried more than a few of their dresses, and can honestly say that every single one accomplished just that.

Sleeveless styles may not be suitable for every workplace, so when in doubt, always check your company's specific guidelines. That said, while many of Baltic Born's styles lean a little more romantic, whimsical, and flowy, this ribbed button-down dress looks office-reasy. By the way — the buttons are nonfunctional, which I actually appreciate because there's no chance of any visible gaps between them or embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions when they pop open.

This dress has plenty of stretch — which, in my opinion, is a must with a figure-hugging bodycon style like this. I love how the white edging contrasts with the navy for a classy color combo, and the midi length hits at the perfect spot: right below my knee and above my calf. You can't go wrong with nude heels or flats here to elongate the legs, and all you need are some simple silver or gold earrings to complete the look.

The sustainably-minded Reformation has long been one of my go-to brands when I need a wedding guest, vacation, or date night dress. But more recently, I've been noticing they have a ton of stellar work dresses, too. Most of Reformation's pieces are solid, sleek, and made with timeless silhouettes and sturdy fabrics. Case in point: The Sai Dress, which has a fitted bodice and a full skirt. The sleeveless turtleneck top is spring- and summer-ready, but this dress could also easily be layered with a cropped open cardi during the cooler months.

I like belting this one, but the waistline is defined enough that it doesn't necessarily need it. I'll be wearing it on repeat with sheer mesh Mary-Jane flats and gold vintage-inspired statement studs (featured in my Heaven Mayhem review). That said, this dress would also pair nicely with pointy patent wedges and bold hoops.

English Factory is a brand that prides itself on "easy, feminine aesthetic with classic silhouettes that invoke an understated elegance." This dress is the perfect example. A pleated bottom hem and bell sleeves add a '60s feel, and leave little need for tons of accessorizing. Even just some simple gold hoops or pearl studs will work here, although a chain necklace will help give the dress a modern edge. Given the simple black-and-white palette, you could also add a fun pop of color with a statement necklace or silk headband.

Given the shorter length, I like this one with flats, slingback kitten heels, or booties with a very low block heel.