Under $100: Dresses for Every Kind of Workplace

Thursday, January 23, 2014

I have a really hard time spending big bucks on work clothes. What about you?

Luckily, I’ve been working in a casual tech office for the past several years, so my wardrobe has more or less lost its work/ weekend distinctions. That solves a lot of problems. But, even back in the days of practicing law, I still hated to drop investment level dollars on work suits. It just wasn’t fun.

The hunt for high-quality workwear that doesn’t cost a lot was the inspiration for today’s post. I hit up Last Call, the online Neiman Marcus outlet store, to find perfect work dresses for all office environments. For your shopping pleasure…


Business Conservative

If you work in a business conservative office, your daily dress code is likely limited to the traditional suit. But, if you have the option to wear a dress on days where you don’t have client contact, try on this Tahari wrap dress. The sleeve, hem length, and simple black knit fabric work together to make this appropriate for a less formal day at the office.

Tahari Self-Tie Wrap Dress


→ Buy the Tahari Self-Tie Wrap Dress, $87.50 (was $188.00), at lastcall.com.


Business

For business offices that are a little less conservative, consider this peplum dress from Catherine Malandrino. The neckline and hem length, as well as the color, are all business. The peplum and zipper detail add a touch of fashionista. If sleeveless dresses are off limits, add a blazer for the office, which you can quickly shed for after work cocktails.

Catherine Catherine Malandrino Lisette Zip-Front Peplum Dress


→ Buy the Catherine Catherine Malandrino Lisette Zip-Front Peplum Dress, $66.50 (was $138.00), at lastcall.com.


Business Casual

In a business casual office, adding color to an otherwise demure silhouette is a great way to get to that magical “just casual enough” place. I love this cobalt blue knit dress. The shape is office-perfect, and the color is divine.

Ivy and Blue Bi-Stretch Belted Dress


→ Buy the Ivy & Blue Bi-Stretch Belted Dress, $69.30 (was $148.00), at lastcall.com.


Creative

If you work in a creative office, a touch of whimsy is a great was to show off your style. Try this zebra-stripe wrap dress – the shape is traditional, but the print is nothing but fun.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Zebra-Stripe Wrap Dress


→ Buy the MICHAEL Michael Kors Zebra-Stripe Wrap Dress, $99.00 (was $130.00), at lastcall.com.


Casual

If, like me, you work in a casual office, a shirt dress is a great way to look polished and relaxed at the same time. Plus, they are generally super comfy. This shirt dress from tee maker Splendid would look great as both a dress and as a tunic paired with skinny jeans. Bonus find: this Sharagano puckered knit dress at $62.30 (marked down from $128.00) is also pretty fabulous.

Splendid One-Pocket Shirt Dress


→ Buy the Splendid One-Pocket Shirt Dress, $90.30 (was $182.00), at lastcall.com.