How to Style Work Dresses For Office Appropriate Looks

We know getting work dresses right can feel tricky, so our stylists are on-hand with advice to help you look and feel fantastic in the office this summer season. Whether you’re in the market for a work wardrobe refresh or are stuck on how to accessorise your favourite office dresses, Joe Browns has you covered.

Your work dress code is a good place to start to understand the types of clothing that are appropriate for the day to day. ‘Business dress’ sets a formal tone, whereas ‘dress for your day’ tends to be favoured for more casual work environments. It gets a little tricky if the dress code is ‘smart casual’, but our stylists are here to make that particular style much easier for you!

Bold colours, jacquard patterns, and fitted shapes mean business, making them ideal smart work dresses. Add a houndstooth blazer and chunky gold jewellery, and you’ve got yourself a polished outfit that looks the part in any boardroom.

Soft fabrics, comfy fits, and seamless to pair with trainers. If you ask us, that’s what makes the perfect casual dress for work! A wrap-around dress is especially versatile and simple to dress up or down for different occasions, from after-work drinks as the sun sets or a relaxing weekend away with friends.

The smart casual dress code can feel vague, and that’s because it is! But smart casual office dresses are your opportunity to create sophisticated looks with flair to show off your personality.

Our stylists recommend pairing a smart work dress with parred back flats or a classic denim jacket, and elevating a casual dress with statement accessories, like a gorgeous silky scarf or soft leather handbag. Et voila, you’ve cracked the code for smart casual office dresses!

We’ve got our fingers and toes crossed for a hot summer season because we’ve got the perfect dresses for it. For looks that keep you confident and comfortable when the sun’s shining, lightweight summer work dresses are absolute musts.

From Bridgerton inspired tea dresses to breezy boho maxi dresses, your wardrobe’s your oyster to creating summer office outfits worthy of the boardwalk. Breathable fabrics, like cotton, will help you stay cool when temperatures soar. Linen’s also one of the most popular fabrics for the summer thanks to its loose weave that maximises airflow.

And while the British weather may not be predictable, summer layering is. Short sleeved cardigans, cotton scarves, and denim waistcoasts are go-tos to pop over summer work dresses to keep you warm as the sun sets.

For more playful officewear, why not take inspiration from across the pond? Western style clothes are trending and we reckon offices will be full of inspired looks this summer. Add a suede bag, tassled waistcoat, or heeled western boots for a stand-out office outfit that’s totally in style.

At Joe Browns, we’re passionate about making you feel your best in what you wear, whether that’s at home, on holiday, or in the office. With the guidance above and our three pointers below, you’re set to make stylish work outfits that keep you poised during meetings or comfy at your desk.

The secret to feeling confident about what you wear to work is knowing what the general style of the office is. Your manager should be able to give you a dress code which should signpost what’s acceptable to wear. Take inspiration from your colleagues, too - if you like the shape or fit of someone else’s dress or skirt, why not ask them where it’s from? (Bonus points if they say ‘Joe Browns’!)

Remember, you’re going to be wearing this dress all day, so it needs to make you feel fabulous - and have a comfy fit! If you’re spending most of the workday sitting down, opt for a loose, flowy dress over one that’s tight or fitted.

When putting together your full look, remember to take your commute into account. Wedged heels might pair beautifully with a floral-printed midi dress but might not be as comfy as flat espadrille sandals or statement white trainers. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you’ll feel!

Remember, fashion is dynamic, so what you wear this year might not be what you wear next year. And that’s OK! The beauty of workwear dressing is that you can change and refresh your style whenever you like. From tying a western leather belt that’s been at the back of your wardrobe for years around a new casual dress to sprucing up your office looks with bright tea dresses, what you wear to work is your chance to express your style and personality.