Office Dress Code: How to Wear a Dress for Work

Understanding Your Office Dress Code

Let’s be honest, finding something to wear for work every day can be a bit of a puzzle. The average Brit has over 3,500 workdays in their lifetime (yes, really), so it’s no wonder we’re always on the lookout for office outfits that look the part and are easy to pull together.

Step up the work dress, a true wardrobe hero. Whether you're dressing for a Monday morning meeting or a Thursday that ends with a well-earned glass of wine, we've rounded up the work-ready dresses that suit your week, style, and schedule.

Business Wear

Think classic, structured, and elegant pieces that wouldn’t be amiss in an episode of Suits. Business formal is the perfect opportunity to wear tailored dresses, crisp collars, and polished shoes.

You’ve also got business casual, more relaxed than business formal, but still smart. A shift dress is a gorgeous option - easily layer under a fitted blazer for a conference, or add a soft cardigan for days at the desk.

Smart Casual

One of the most popular work dress codes for a reason, with plenty of ways to be dressed up for important meetings or dressed down for after work drinks.

In the spring, look to printed midis and ballet flats for the perfect smart casual outfit. For the autumn, knit jumper dresses and a pair of ankle boots are your best friend for keeping snug, stylish, and smart enough for whatever your workday has in store.

View autumn work outfit inspiration.

Casual

Your chance to show a little more personality during the nine to five. Comfort comes first when it comes to casual work dressing, but that doesn’t mean you need to hide the patterns or colours.

Wear your favourite jersey dress with a pair of statement trainers for a casual look you’ll feel fab in all day long. Have some fun with animal print and relax into a cosy jumper dress for ultimate comfort on cooler days.

Dress Code Dresses

Now we’ve decoded the dress code, it’s onto the main event: choosing the right dress for your workday.

Dresses for Formal Offices

Got a big meeting or just love a tailored look? A fitted dress with structure is a must - midi or midaxi styles are perfect lengths for business wear.

Classic details, like metallic buttons or a waist belt, will give your outfit a little something extra. Simply pair your dress with a tailored jacket, your comfiest court shoes or soft leather brogues, and you’re set for a day in the office.

Smart Casual Dresses for Work

Pleated numbers and classic day dresses are ideal for diaries jam-packed with meetings or long days on your feet. Add a burst of colour with patterned pleats or try a day dress with wrap detailing for extra shape, without losing comfort.

Smart casual dressing calls for flats, so pair your dress with your favourite ballet pumps for the summer, then switch to ankle boots and tights in the winter.

Wearing a Casual Dress to the Office

Casual dresses are what they say on the tin - the styles you’d wear out and about any day of the week. From a knitted tunic to a cotton polo dress, your wardrobe is your oyster when it comes to casual workwear.

Arriving at work fresh from a fitness class? Roll up a jersey dress and pack a pair of trainers for the workday. If you’re feeling edgy or have after work plans, switch the trainers for biker boots and make a statement, both day and night.

Wanting to be warm during the winter commute? Wool’s your best friend. Try a long-sleeve wool jumper over a crisp white shirt and opaque tights for a preppy but casual look. Or embrace the season with a patterned knit number and long boots. Houndstooth and checked prints are staple in any work wardrobe and will keep you snug all winter long.

Work Dresses You’ll Wear Again (and Again)

Let’s face it: five workdays means a lot of outfit planning, so look for versatile dresses you can restyle Monday to Friday and even into the weekend.

• Layer a pinafore over a jumper or blouse in the winter, or wear on its out when the sun’s out.
• Opt for dresses in block colours for easy mix and matching. A long-sleeve tunic dress works a treat throughout the year for any office dress code. Business formal? Add court shoes and a statement trench. Smart casual? White trainers are the perfect way to bridge the gap between smart and casual. A bit of both? Pop a blazer over the tunic for important meetings or dress down with a suede jacket for more chilled days out and about with colleagues.
• A shirt dress will see you through all the seasons, no matter the dress code. Tie a wool cardigan around your shoulders and add slingback heels for an understated but formal look. Wear with flat suede ankle boots for casual days or pair with heeled boots and a waist belt for a smarter outfit.