16 Best Women's Work Outfits for 2023

May 18, 2023

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You don’t have to work harder to look smarter.

For better or for worse, gone are the widespread WFH days. Plenty of people are back together in the office, where the whole business up top, pajamas on the bottom situation simply won't do. As such, there's no time like the present to re-up your work wardrobe.

But today's modern business attire isn't what it once was. Gone are staunch suits and rigid black blazers. In their place, plenty of trendy finds: jumpsuits, wide-leg work pants, and bodysuits with elevated denim. In many cases, even a nice pair of sneakers is just as acceptable as a more sophisticated loafer or heel.

Because of this, the best work clothes are all around you. Turn to any of your favorite retailers—big department stores like Nordstrom, fast-fashion houses like Zara, and more niche retailers like Kim Kardashian's Skims—and you'll find plenty of choices to suit all seasons, styles, and budgets.

To help spark some ideas to take you through the rest of 2023, we scoured brands for our favorites, cherry-picking the best, most highly rated styles for more casual office environments, as well as more formal.

When the office AC has you shivering over your keyboard, it's helpful to have a comfortable sweater close at hand. Drape this ribbed number over your chair. It's tailored and looks more like a blazer than a stuffy cardigan, so you can pair it with any number of outfits, from jeans and a top to breezy dresses and skirts.

These bestselling pants—available in 10 colors up to size 16—are both comfortable and flattering. Wearers say they can rock them for hours at a time without feeling restrictive. Not to mention, they're a closet staple you'll reach for over and over. Pair them with a skin-hugging bodysuit, a drapey tank, a tailored blouse, or your favorite slouchy sweater.

Business casual can feel a bit ambiguous, but generally it means something that looks sharp but is a little more relaxed than traditional office attire. For that, we love this blazer. It has all the hallmarks of a formal jacket—gold buttons, a collared neck, and flap front pockets—but can easily be paired with jeans.

Every closet should have a basic black or white bodysuit to pair with work pants, like wide-leg trousers or elevated denim, and midi skirts. Why? It provides a super tailored look without having to fuss with the perfect tuck and layers expertly with blazers, sweaters, or a moto jacket.

For something more feminine and flirty, consider this high-waisted, swingy retro-inspired skirt. With a silk tank, the blue-and-white floral pattern is perfect for the spring and summer months, but it can also serve as a transitional piece with the right sweater.

In a chilly office, it pays to have your shoulders covered, and this utility dress delivers without enveloping the frame. It's cinched at the waist to help add shade, plus has a flattering tapered hem.

For offices that skew more formal, here's a crisp button-down Oprah raves about. The brand's acronym—AYR—stands for "All Year Round," because you can comfortably wear its duds during any season. The fit is oversize but has a touch of stretch. Plus, the front pocket is roomy enough to utilize. Need we mention how timeless the stripes are?

A structured jumpsuit is one of the trendiest picks for modern offices—namely because all you have to do is pull it on, Still, the right one, complete with wedges and accessories—looks as chic as can be.

Features like a point collar, button-front closure, and chest pockets may make this shirtdress suitable for the office, but it's a pick you'll pluck for other occasions, too—an afternoon out with family, a sightseeing tour, and more. The striped number looks great with sneakers, loafers, or sandals.

You really can't go wrong with a wrap dress, whether you pair it with loafers, sneakers, or your favorite wedges. The style is easy-breezy and transcends environments—slip it on for an important presentation, don it for a bridal shower, or throw it on with sneakers when you're in vacation mode.

Skinny ponte pants are a classic that will never go out of style. Top them with an oxford shirt or a blouse and a pair of heels, and you'll instantly looking presentation-ready.

Every commuter needs a do-it-all tote, and this one from Kate Spade delivers. It has a roomy interior for stashing everything a day at the office requires: a 13-inch laptop, your lunch, book, and more. It even comes with a detachable wristlet pouch that can double as your wallet.

A cross between a loafer and a mule, these shoes by Sam Edelman are everyday go-tos. Pair them with jeans and a blouse, or rock them with a trendy jumpsuit. The black is a classic you can't go wrong with, but we love the white for spring and summer, too.

Denim? In the office? In more casual modern business settings, the everyday go-to is totally acceptable—especially in such a sophisticated silhouette. We love the season-less cream color of these pants, but they come in other washes, too.

Proof that you don't have to spend a pretty penny on a work wardrobe, this budget-friendly find looks smart with everything from ponte pants to flared denim. Heels, loafers, or sneakers—the choice is yours, depending on how formal you want to go.

If you're going to wear sneakers to the office, make sure you choose a pair with clean lines and minimal distressing—like these retro court shoes by Tory Burch. The leather shoes complement both casual dresses and pants alike.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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