Let’s face it, warm weather may be delightful, but the challenge of selecting work attire during sweltering temperatures can be daunting. Balancing comfort with professionalism while adhering to office dress codes can feel like an additional task. Additionally, traditional business attire can sometimes be monotonous, adding to the stress of getting dressed. However, fret not, as there’s a solution that doesn’t require breaking a sweat: investing in professional dresses.
Dresses are a versatile piece of clothing that seamlessly blend warm-weather comfort with work-appropriate formality. While certain styles, such as strapless, halter, and spaghetti-strap dresses, may not be suitable for a professional setting, there are plenty of options that exude professionalism while satisfying your HR department’s standards. To ease your search, I’ve compiled a list of the finest professional dresses tailored to fit various budgets and workplace environments. Whether you’re looking for casual or formal attire, this curated selection ensures that your warm-weather style will receive a stylish upgrade this season, and perhaps even give your career a boost.
BABATON
Profession Dress
$198
Professional indeed.
COS
Sleeveless Pleated Maxi Dress
$135
Pleated dresses are always polished.
ZW COLLECTION
Belted Wrinkled Dress
$90
Clothing with intentional wrinkles is quite chic, amirite?
MESHKI
Sawyer Sleeveless Buttoned Maxi Dress in Navy
$115
The gold buttons didn’t need to go that hard, but okay!
H&M
Draped Dress
$38
If you’re going to wear a minidress to work, try to look for one that fits the following criteria: long sleeves, high neckline, and the hemline reaches past your fingertips.
SOURCE UNKNOWN
Fitted Maxi Dress in Black
$138
Maxi dresses are made for the office.
DONNA KARAN
Mock Neck Wrap Dress
$139
It’s made from a lightweight material, so you won’t have to worry about sweating.
MANGO
Knotted Cotton Dress
$40
Simple but stunning.
REFORMATION
Renaie Dress
$248
Workin’ girls, apply here.
BANANA REPUBLIC
Lina Linen Midi Dress
$160
Sweltering summer days will have nothing on this sweet number.
BY ANTHROPOLOGIE
Cap-Sleeve V-Neck Ruched Slim Midi Dress
$168
It also comes in black and olive, BTW.
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG FOR TARGET
Collared Sleeveless Vintage Weave Sweaterknit Midi Wrap Dress
$45
Printed wrap dresses are perfect for the office.
J.CREW
Elena Shirtdress in Cotton Poplin
$168
You can’t go wrong with a shirtdress.
MASSIMO DUTTI
Asymmetric Satin Dress With Tie Detail
$199
A dress that can be worn from the office to the outdoor patio.
TED BAKER
Day Dress
$395
Barbie, but make it corporate.
TOCCIN
Naomi Asymmetric Dress
$495
Pinstripes on point.
NINETY PERCENT
Priam Dress in Bracken
$336
Personally, Ninety Percent is my favorite place to shop for professional dresses.
ME+EM
Travel Tailoring Boat Neck Midi Dress
$425
Pro tip: Look for dresses with boat necklines to ensure they’re office-appropriate.