The 13 Best Work Clothes Brands for Your 9-to-5 Wardrobe

Gone are the days when women's workwear was all about pencil skirts, sensible slacks, and high heels. Nowadays, there are much more choices for office ladies, expanding the meaning of "work-appropriate attire."

Based on tons of reviews, we've got a few favorites that OLs grab when they are heading to the office.

Whether it's a cozy wrap sweater to combat the office AC or the perfect carry-all that seamlessly transitions from work to drinks, we've rounded up the best workwear items for you.

Best overall: Everlane

Despite its casual vibe, Everlane is our go-to for essential office wardrobe basics.

Everlane, an internet darling, nails transparent pricing and offers quality basics at budget-friendly prices. Our favorites include their shoes, leather bags, cotton shirts, and unbeatable $50 work pants.

Speaking of shoes, we're gushing over the Day shoe family, especially the $135 Day Glove – but remember to size up by half. Also, check out the Day Heel, The Mary Jane, and The Glove Boot. Everlane, making workwear effortlessly cool.

Best budget: Quince

As a direct-to-consumer brand, Quince stands out for offering affordable prices on high-cost materials.

Quince keeps it simple with everyday clothing essentials crafted from organic, sustainably sourced textiles. Their secret? Fair pricing achieved by cutting out unnecessary supply chain costs. Luxury cashmere sweaters at just $50? Yes, please. Plus, they excel in producing some of the best white button-downs for both women and men.

Best for work pants: Spanx

Spanx, renowned for shapewear, also goes beyond with versatile basics perfect for day-to-night transitions.

Spanx extends its excellence to the Luxe Leg Mid-Thigh Shaping Tights. But that's not all – their collection of "The Perfect Black Pant" wowed us, offering four style iterations from flare to skinny. These pants are a top choice for comfort and professionalism, featuring machine-washable, flattering fabric with sizing options including petite, regular, or tall inseams.

Best for classic plus size picks: Universal Standard

Universal Standard sets the bar high with some of the most size-inclusive clothing available today, spanning from size 00 to 40.

It excels in providing some of the best work clothes for women. In a market where plus-size workwear options are often limited, Universal Standard steps up with a diverse range of designs tailored for professional settings, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone.

Notably, Universal Standard earned its place in our feature on the best plus-size clothing brands, showcasing that inclusive fashion can indeed be stylish.

Best for workwear with a trendy flair: & Other Stories

For those seeking workwear with a trendy edge, look no further than & Other Stories – H&M's premium ready-to-wear brand crafted from ethically sourced natural materials.

Designed by ateliers in Los Angeles, Paris, and Stockholm, & Other Stories brings a touch of elevated style under the H&M umbrella. Think of it as the chic cousin to H&M's main brand, offering a more sophisticated take on fashion. With responsibly sourced wool blends and a commitment to recycled materials, their extensive range of knits provides a reasonably priced, sustainable option for quality workwear.

Best for bold picks: COS

COS, a contemporary brand under H&M, infuses thoughtful design into everyday fashion.

Bold simplicity defines COS, where vibrant colors and clean lines create striking silhouettes that balance function and comfort. This modern and upscale line from H&M offers solid foundations for a sharp office look and showcases stylish, well-crafted pieces that stand out on their own.

Best for stylish minimalism: ARKET

Since opening in London in 2017, ARKET has become synonymous with durable, Scandinavian-inspired fashion aesthetics. Embracing the values of the 20th-century Nordic modern movement, ARKET captures beauty in everyday motions.

If you appreciate cozy wool knits with unconventional patterns, ARKET is your go-to. Their merino, mohair, and alpaca wool pieces showcase simplicity with an alternative flair.

Best one-stop-shop: Madewell

From laid-back jeans to office-ready blazers, skirts, and sweaters, Madewell offers it all. There are various sizing options, including plus, petite, tall, taller, maternity, and curvy fits.

Whether your workplace leans super casual or maintains a bit of formality, Madewell has you covered. Plus, frequent sales and promotions mean you'll save on almost every addition to your wardrobe.

Best for petites: Ann Taylor

Renowned for its classic approach to women's fashion, Ann Taylor is a go-to for workwear that seamlessly transitions from the office to after-hours. Designed for the 9-to-5 grind and beyond, their clothing boasts not just quality materials but also timeless designs that remain fashionable for years to come.

From ribbed sweaters and classic overcoats to sleek dresses and skirts, Ann Taylor's range covers all bases. What makes it especially appealing is the availability of petite sizing, ensuring a perfect fit for those with more petite proportions. Add in regular sales, and you've got a winning formula for a polished and enduring wardrobe.

Best luxury: M.M.LaFleur

M.M.LaFleur is your go-to for high-end, stylish workwear that effortlessly goes from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Why we love it: These clothes are not only high-quality but also machine-washable and wrinkle-resistant. The brand's design features are practical, like internal clips to keep bra straps in place and adjustable pant hems for different shoes. Lead designer Miyako Nakamura, formerly with Zac Posen, excels in creating flattering, easy silhouettes.

Travel-friendly: For those on the go, M.M.LaFleur has you covered with machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, and packable suiting staples like the Moreland jacket. Don't miss the Foster Pant, a clever solution for adjusting to different shoe heights.

Best for basics: J.Crew

J.Crew is not just about preppy styles – it's a treasure trove of bold patterns and vibrant colors that still maintain a work-appropriate vibe.

The frequent sales make it a go-to for snagging some of the finest women's work clothes at discounted prices. Whether you're in the market for a chic leopard pencil skirt, or a preppy-retro blazer, J.Crew has you covered.

Best for elevated basics: Modern Citizen

Modern Citizen is your destination for chic basics that won't dent your budget. Its sizes vary by style, mostly available in XS-XL.

With a focus on sleek and neutral pieces, Modern Citizen makes it effortless to create a stylish minimalist wardrobe without breaking the bank. The website's convenient search by occasion feature lets you quickly locate the perfect pieces, especially in the "Work" collection, offering a curated selection that seamlessly transitions from the office to elsewhere.

Best for creating a capsule wardrobe: Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher embraces easy dressing with simple, clean shapes and high-quality fabrics. The brand's timeless styles and exceptional materials ensure longevity in your wardrobe.

From wide-legged pants to breezy blouses, Eileen Fisher's pieces offer surprising comfort and can be effortlessly mixed and matched to create a versatile work wardrobe. With minimal designs and a range of complementary hues, a few pieces from Eileen Fisher can form the foundation of your ultimate capsule wardrobe.