The 20 Best Places to Buy Women’s Work Clothes — and the Trendiest Styles of 2021
Work clothes for women are changing with the times — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more of us than ever before are working remotely from the much more comfortable, fashion-wise, confines of our homes. What are we supposed to wear to work when the living room is the office? Even if you do go to the office — or plan to resume doing so in the near future — there are bigger fish to fry these days than dwelling on your outfit choice. Like, you know, navigating a global pandemic.
With that said, we rounded up 20 stores that all boast various price points and offer comfortable yet modern-professional style options, so you can focus on what really matters this year. Plus, they're all small businesses — most of them are women- or minority-owned.
20 Best Stores for Work Clothes for Women
1. Shaina Monte
Shaina Mote is an LA-based label that features "versatile and timeless" staples for the "distinctive, self-aware individual." Each garment is designed, developed and made in LA and support the local economy — except for the Alpaca and Peruvian Pima Cotton knits, which are made in a women-run factory in Lima, Peru.
The Loire Wrap Top Cupro in Onyx
This signature wrapped top features a collar and cuff to keep it professional, but an adjustable waist wrap to keep it comfortable. It's made from cupro, a silk-like cotton waste fabric, which is soft and breezy, too, so you can work from your lounge chair or your office desk chair.
Mies Coat
Imagine if you could just wear your robe to work from home — if not for those constant video calls. You can with Shaina Monte's wrapping robe coat with voluminous bulb sleeves. It's "intentionally oversized" and made mostly from baby Alpaca, so you know it's cozy and warm.
Saatchi Sweater
Name something comfier than an oversized, pullover henley — we'll wait. This one, made in a breathable and durable mercerized cotton, has a relaxed collar and breast pocket to make it a little more work appropriate. Dress it up or down to work from home or in the office.
2. Loup
The 1960s Parisian-inspired, New York City-made brand, Loup, offers ready-to-wear pieces for the modern working woman. The pieces are rooted in vintage fashion worn by icons like Birkin, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn, and it's all focused on fit. Oh, and Loup donates 15 percent of all sales to Meals on Wheels America.
Robbie Sweatshirt
There's nothing quite like wearing a crewneck sweatshirt to work from home. This cotton French Terry sweatshirt is tailored with gathered bell sleeves to spruce it up like the "perfect soft sweatshirt with a little drama."
Lea Dress
Sweater dresses are cozy enough to wear around the house but dressy enough to wear out. You can dress this lightweight, stretchy knit sweater dress up or down with accessories and shoes. It's fleece-lined with roomy bell sleeves for added comfort.
Simone Jeans
The best thing about casual workdays at home is getting to toss on a pair of plain old jeans. The Simone Jeans are the latest addition to the brand's "perfect butt," high-waisted jean collection. They're made of stretchy twill so they'll fit up to two sizes up and have a wide-cropped leg for added mobility. And they come in fun colors.
3. b.YELLOWTAIL
b.YELLOWTAIL is an indigenous clothing line founded by Bethany Yellowtail in Los Angeles. Her brand initiative supports Native American, First Nations and indigenous entrepreneurs, and it reflects the values of her Native American heritage. Tradition and culture are at the heart of each design.
JoRee - Bow Blouse
The JoRee blouse features Apsaalooke florals and a contrasting navy neck and cuff. It has a relaxed fit with an adjustable bow at the neck to take you to work in style.
b.YELLOWTAIL x Faherty Park City Poncho
This popover sweater poncho is made of brushed cotton jacquard fleece and, according to the brand, "looks like wool but feels much, much softer." It's designed for layering, too, so whether your office is warm or cold, you can adjust accordingly.
Janine Pleated Maxi Skirt
Source: b.YELLOWTAIL
Maxi skirts are roomy and airy, and they can be dressed up or down for either the cooler or the warmer months. This pleated maxi can be paired with a tee or a button-down for whatever look you're going for.
4. The Frankie Shop
The Frankie Shop offers modern and affordable "luxe-looking" basics made by women for women. It's based in NYC and Paris and touted as "the go-to place for unfussy, minimal, wallet-conscious styles."
Cowl Neck Blouse
This relaxed silhouette blouse with button-cuffed sleeves features a cowl neck that provides warmth and mobility.
Astero Wrap Front Jumpsuit
We love a good jumpsuit. They require minimal thinking because you don't have to pair anything. This tech linen suit wraps in the front for a perfect fit. It also features a straight leg and elbow-length sleeves with a welt chest and flap pocket, as well as a fringe hem, for added detail.
Piave Pants
These pants are by the previously listed Shaina Monte. They're basically loungewear turned workwear thanks to the woven stretch fabric and wrap-over waist.
5. Miranda Bennett Studio
Miranda Bennett Studio, which is based in Austin, Texas, is an ethical and sustainable women's apparel brand recognized for its plant-dyed clothing. The studio prides itself on its zero-waste initiative, as well—100 percent of textile waste is kept out of landfills thanks to a garment take-back program.
Kahlo Top, Silk Noil
This 100 percent silk top is lightweight and can be dressed up or down, worn season to season.
Wrap Top, Silk Noil
The wrap top is also 100 percent naturally dyed silk that can be dressed up or down and worn during the cooler or warmer months. The wrap around the waist offers a snug fit for all bodies, too.
Hadid Pant, Silk Charmeuse
Instead of wearing pajamas pants that no one can see on your video calls, give these silk charmeuse pants a try. They're just as airy and drape comfortably, but they're much more professional to give you the confidence you need to crush your next meeting.
6. Shop-Pêche
Brooklyn-based Shop-Pêche launched in 2017 offers timeless, minimalist pieces sourced from South Korea — all under $200. It's your one-stop-shop for wallet-friendly staples.
Odette Sweater
Two words: wool sweater. What else would you want to wear when you kick your feet up and prop your laptop up on a pillow?
Dara Cardigan Sweater
This fine wool cardigan can be worn over a tee or buttoned up on its own. You can dress it down with a pair of jeans or up with a pair of slacks or a skirt.
Lono Skirt
This rayon and spandex pleated midi skirt is like a classic school-girl skirt but designed for modern-day professional women.
7. Tanya Taylor
Tanya Taylor is known for its vibrant colors and says it's "painting the world [it wants] women to live in." The brand says it "strives to bring colorful confidence and high-energy happiness to women’s wardrobes." The collections are available in sizes 0 to 22 and have been worn by a diverse range of influential women including the Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyoncé, Kristen Wiig, Sandra Bullock, Gigi Hadid and more.
Lexi Dress
This wrap dress in a berry plaid print offers a "fit and flare" silhouette" that's flattering and adjustable thanks to the self-tie bow. You can pair it with all kinds of footwear from sneakers to boots to heels.
Kyra Knit Sweater
This funnel-neck sweater features letterman-style stripes in bold black and pink, rounded lantern sleeves and rib cuffs. So you can have a little more fun than with your traditional turtleneck.
Liza Dress
The Liza dress features a wrap top with a hidden side zipper and an adjustable tie at the waist to be both functional and feminine.
8. Wildfang
Wildfang is a queer-run business with a signature Wild Feminist collection. It regularly contributes to charity. In 2018 alone, Wildfang raised over $400k for charities, supporting reproductive, immigrant and women’s and human rights.
Empower Wildflower Tux Blazer
This tailored and padded blazer features an exclusive floral print. Plus, it goes up to a size XXL to suit all body types.
White Button-Down Shirt
With a slim-tailored, this white button-down is not your parent's shirt. It's a modern take on a classic that can be worn at home or at the office and beyond.
Ace Trousers
Wildfang calls these trousers "the only pants you need in your wardrobe," thanks to the welted pockets and convertible hem.
9. Khaite
Founded by Catherine Holstein in New York City, Khaite is "designed to be cherished, each piece proposes a fresh balance of opposing elements — past and future, masculine and feminine, strength and softness, structure and fluidity — while embodying a signature sensuality and ease.
The Gabby Dress
This satin, box-pleated shirtdress is the working woman's staple in 2021. It's both professional and flowy for mobility and breeze.
Turtle Neck Cate Bodysuit
This versatile knit bodysuit is made of stretchy wool jersey and snaps together at the bottom. It's soft, hugs the body and tucks cleanly into your bottoms.
The Ishani Top
The Ishani top is a soft, washed linen collared button-down shirt with accentuated, button-clasped pockets and cuffed sleeves. It's elegant but still a comfortable fabric and loose fit.
10. Eckhaus Latta
Eckhaus Latta is a gender-neutral clothing brand that's been touted by major mags. Vogue called it an "oasis in New York's retail scene." And Elle called it "A Messy Bun That Actually Looks Good."
Black Wide-Leg Jeans
Everyone needs a plain old pair of black jeans—preferably some wide-leg ones that offer maximum mobility. These unisex jeans are the perfect pair.
Patch Snood
Wear this Italian wool snood as a scarf, a headband or even a face cover to take you from the house to the office.
Sunset Lapped Baby Turtle Neck
Getting to work from home means getting to play around with some more fun colors that you might not dare to work to the office. This turtleneck is vibrant enough to keep you energized through the workday.
11. Donni
Donni started with just scarves. Alyssa Wasko founded the brand, named after her late father, Donni, when she started making scarves to cope with his passing. But the accessory line quickly grew to much, much more.
Mini Sherpa Neck Cuff
Pair this double-layered mini sherpa neck cuff (with a baroque pearl zipper) with any top to keep extra warm and give your outfit some more flare. It's like a more business-friendly scarf.
Short-Sleeve Henley Tee
This is not your average T-shirt. Donni's henley tee is a classic cotton stape, except it adds mother-of-pearl buttons and rolled cuffs to up the ante. Dress it up with a blazer or cardigan or down on its own with a pair of jeans.
Knit Sweater Trio
Work in an office that's somehow always freezing or at home with roommates or a partner who refuse to turn the heat up even just a smidge? This color-blocked wrap is a sweater, poncho, scarf, blanket and whatever else you need it to be.
12. Reformation
Reformation is a sustainable women's clothing line with a design mission "to make effortless silhouettes that celebrate the feminine figure." It prides itself on the natural fibers in its fabrics.
Kylie Dress
The Kylie knit dress is a "throw-on-and-go" dress. It features a slim fit in the bodice but a relaxed skirt so it doesn't feel skin-tight in the office. You can jazz it up with a nice jacket or wear it on its own.
Kaila Dress Es
The Kaila dress wraps around for a shapely and comfortable fit on any body type. While the bodice is fitted, the skirt is flowier, making it a seriously flattering style. Throw it on with a pair of booties and a jacket in the winter or strappy sandals in the summer, and that's it.
Zoe Skirt
This high-rise, mid-length, zippered skirt is slim-fitting in the waist but loose everywhere else. So it won't cling to you, and you can move around your house or your office freely in it.
13. Kirrin Finch
Kirrin Finch calls itself "conscientious menswear-inspired apparel" for everyone. It's designed to fit all kinds of female and non-binary bodies. Founded by Brooklyn-based couple Laura Moffat and Kelly Sanders Moffat, the goal is for shoppers to be able to be their authentic selves with items that express themselves.
Brown Tweed Blazer
This blazer was made in Italy from eco-friendly recycled wool. It's unstructured but completely lined with interior and exterior pockets for style and functionality.
Blue Chambray Mandarin Collar Shirt
Everyone needs a dress shirt in their work wardrobe. This minimalistic one is made of a medium-weight chambray cotton fabric and boasts a modern mandarin collar.
Pastel Cranberry Striped Shirt
Kirrin Finch is renowned for its androgynous button-down shirts. This 100 percent cotton poplin shirt is a classic.
14. Anna Quan
Australian designer Anna Huong's designs have caught the attention of stylists and bloggers all over the world. Simply, she elevates everyday garments.
Matilde Knit Maxi Skirt
This midi knit wrap skirt can be worn comfortably at home or professionally at the office, from season to season.
Paloma Top
Anna Quan's Paloma top is a simple, sleeveless knit top that can be worn on its own in the warmer months or under a blazer in the cooler months.
Ethan Short
Typically, shorts don't have much of a place in the office. But these shorts just might. They're longer and pleated wide-leg shorts that look just as nice as a standard pencil skirt. And, since you may be working from home anyway, you can get away with shorts.
15. DÔen
DÔen was founded by Margaret and Katherine Kleveland, who'd always wanted to open a women-owned business. They gave equity to each of the founding female members and are actively working to close the gender gap, save the planet and represent diversity.
Geneva Robe
This 100 percent cotton poplin robe dress features a vintage-inspired champignon floral print with mushrooms, butterflies and flowers. It's simple and feminine.
Margaux Dress
You can never have too many T-shirt dresses in your wardrobe, especially for times like these when most of us live out of loungewear. This ribbed crewneck dress is easy and classic.
Mildred Headband
Handmade in Italy, this viscose/silk velvet headband is the perfect addition to any outfit. Pull your hair out of your face while you're hard at work — in style.
16. Lola Pilar Hawaii
Inspired by Oahu, Kristen Reyno turns her own photographs into scarves. It's basically wearable art that's created by women for women. And it'll spruce up any outfit you put on.
Fronds of Mine Silk Scarf
This scarf was made in collaboration with Amanda Wongwui with Live A Lei Life. Wongqui makes heirloom leis — and there are four leis in each square on the scarf made with local flowers and seashells.
Chinatown Fruit Salad Scarf
This buttery silk twill scarf is made in Italy with hand-rolled edges and but designed in Hawaii. It features photographed fruit from around Oahu.
Live a Lei Life Scarf
This one was also done in collaboration with Amanda Wongwui with Live A Lei Life. It has 11 leis, each made with local flowers and seashells.
17. Dandelion Post
Dandelion Post, which was founded in 2015 in Oakland, California, sources clothing, accessories and home goods from small, creative, quality and sustainable brands and local designers. It touts its style as "casually chic and free-spirited."
Saddle Clara Flats
Who cares to wear high heels these days? These saddle tan leather loafer flats are just as jazzy, or you can wear them with a pair of jeans. They have a short heel of just half an inch.
Black Remy Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are like adult onesies. This one is flexible and roomy with a drawstring waist and side pockets for ample functionality.
Tan News Tote Bag
If you're constantly switching between your home office and actual office, you'll probably need a tote that can keep up. Carry your important papers and your personal items all in this big-enough, classy, vegetable-tanned leather bag.
18. Matriarch
Matriarch sheds the labels "menswear-inspired" and "boyfriend fit." Instead, it says it was founded to "give all genders access to premium-quality footwear." Brogues and wingtips don't have to be just for men.
Marlen Brogue
Do yourself a favor in 2021 and swaddle your feet in Portuguese vegetable-tanned leather. The unique color of these shoes comes from a proprietary blend of organic materials, meaning there's no synthetic coloring. And the outsoles are made of Vibram gumlite.
Rute Boots
These boots are also made of Portuguese vegetable-tanned leather with organic coloring and Vibram gumlite on the outsoles. They're a bit higher for more ankle warmth and security.
Root Longwing Brogue
19. Humble Hilo
Humble Hilo was founded by two mothers, Lauren and Erica, who are a self-proclaimed "passionate pair that mix fashion with philanthropy." They worked with nonprofit organizations in Guatemala for seven years and are now bringing a unique mix of fashion-forward items to the market. A portion of proceeds support one of three projects: Infant and Child Nutrition, Education and Microfinance for Women.
Hilo Backpack
Ditch the old briefcase. How about a backpack to store your work stuff? This 18-ounce cotton canvas bag with leather pockets and zippered pouches also has separate storage spaces inside for your laptop.
Braided Vegan Leather Hilo Convertible Bag
Made with vegan leather and gold hardware, this bag can be worn as a tote, a cross-body bag or a backpack. It's roomy inside with a zippered pocket to organize your things and a convenient magnetic closure.
Convertible Everyday Bag
This double-sided, handwoven wool bag can be worn as a tote, a cross-strap purse or a backpack for whatever kind of work day it is.
20. The Line by K
The Line by K started out as a one-woman company founded by fashion blogger-turned-designer, Karla Deras. She launched in 2015 and, since then, has grown her collection to high-quality pieces that don't sacrifice comfort. "The Line by K is my love letter to the women in my life who exemplify fearlessness, and an encouragement to the women who wear these pieces to feel the same,” she writes of her line.
Wayne Wrap Tee
This isn't your average long-sleeve white T-shirt. Rather, it's a wrap tee that cinches at the waist for a flattering fit.
Daisy Pant
Knit pants feel like wearing loungewear to the office. These are made from a variegated rib with an elasticized high-rise waist, and they specifically designed for working from home.
Felix Top
The Felix top was inspired by the brand's "necessity for elegance, comfort,and versatility." So it's made from a micro-Modal jersey and spandex with a high neckline and ruching at the waist for a fitted, feminine look that you could wear to work and to workout. Since, you know, your home is both your office and your gym these days.
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AnnaMarie Houlis is a multimedia journalist and an adventure aficionado with a keen cultural curiosity and an affinity for solo travel. She's an editor by day and a travel blogger at HerReport.org by night.
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