9 to 5 Workwear: Top Online Workwear Retailers

Did you know that a lot of your favorite contemporary brands have recently begun to offer workwear sections online?

Ann Taylor Tropical Wool One Button Jacket

I love this! Now us working women have a much wider range of fashionable options for the office.  I've listed my favorites below - broken down into categories.  Something to keep in mind when shopping online is the height of the individual modeling the clothes. For example, in some photos in this post, hemlines may appear short because most models are 5"10 - 5"11. If you're going to make an online purchase, always remember to check out the "size and fit" section of the item so that you can see how tall the model is.  Click the link below to see what brands made my list of the Top Online Workwear Retailers. 

Affordable:

If you don't want to break the bank, my favorite affordable brands for workwear are Asos and Express.

This Asos Midi Skater Dress is super cute and not too short.  This option (which has to be paired with a blazer for the office, because of the cut-out back) is a great neutral color.  The length is also good.  This pencil skirt is a great choice; it is not too form fitting, has an appropriate length and is fun because of the scalloped hemline.

Express has a "Wear to Work" Section, too.  If you click on that link,  you'll be taken to a page that features all of their office worthy picks.  I love navigating the Express website because the pictures are large and good quality.  By far, the winner for me is their Portofino Shirt.  This is their stand out office piece.  This high quality shirt comes in over 20 colors and print variations.  It's tailored for a slim, feminine fit and it's machine washable.  Love!  Coming in a close second is the heavily lauded Editor Pant, arguably one of the best bang-for-your buck office wear piece out there.  If you're thinner, a more flattering option is the Columnist Pant.

Separates:

Up next is Alice & Olivia.  They not only have amazing dresses and going-out options, but they have a "Wear to Work" section as well. When you register for their e-mails, you get 15% off your order of $250 or more.  I like the Zoe Button Down Dress  as a good Casual Friday option. It's a modern twist on a traditional shirt dress with roll up sleeves that can be tacked up for an even more laid back feel (It's currently on sale for over 50% off).

A surprising brand is American Apparel. Yes!  Did you know that the brand who is responsible for that perfectly soft and lived-in t-shirt is now bringing you great work separates?  While some pieces are a bit too casual for office settings, there are still some great options.  My choices from American Apparel are the Crepe Pant and the Sturdy Leather Tote.  Some picks for younger ladies entering the work force are the Unisex Italian Check Button Down and this women's blazer.

Full Suiting:

For full suiting I like Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. 

I'll admit it; Banana had lost me in recent years.  I was not drawn to their clothes and was bored because it seemed like everything they were putting out was the same as last season's collection.  In my opinion, they've turned it around because now, their "Style At Work" section is awesome.  I really like their Tweed Layered Sheath dress - It's all one piece but creates the illusion of a two part ensemble.  This Piped Non-Iron shirt is calling my name.  This would look great with a high waisted pencil skirt - and you don't have to iron or steam it!! Such a time saver and a huge plus!  You know what else is a big draw for suiting? Companies that have clothing to fit all body types.  Banana Republic offers regular, petite and tall sizing. Check out the Cropped Sateen Blazer, currently 40% off retail with promo code BRSUMMER.

Ann Taylor is running a promo on their site - 30% off all suiting for two days only (this also includes dresses!)  A single button blazer is one of my favorite professional pieces.  I think it looks modern but still maintains the level of professionalism that you want in the workplace. This one is one of my favorites.   The Ann Taylor Signature Stretch Trousers are great for work because they offer a relaxed, stretch fit and are one of the highest customer rated pants Ann Taylor offers.

Ann Taylor Floral Jacquard Sheath Dress

Strictly Dresses:

4.Collective is a relatively new workwear brand that has emerged on the NYC Fashion scene.  They focus strictly on dresses that are appropriate for the office but that can take you into evening without any effort. I'm passionate about this brand in particular, because they produce high quality pieces that are beautifully constructed and fun to wear.  These dresses are feminine and just really pretty.

My favorites include the Summer Tweed Split Neck Dress, Tropical Viscose 3/4 Length Dress,  and the Crepe Cap Sleeve Flounce Dress, all below.  4.Collective is also carried by some of your favorite online sources, like Shopbop & Neimans.

Pricier:

And lastly, no workwear post is complete without a J.Crew mention.  Although a higher price point, you can wait for a good sale and can oftentimes snag some beautiful stuff.  Right now, they have a 30% off promotion taking place with promo code SHOPNOW. I especially like shopping online for this one because sometimes, their actual stores don't offers suiting.  For example, I know my local J.Crew at the Village of Merrick Park has no full suits.  This is an incentive to shop online, and apply the discount codes :)  Much like Banana Republic, J.Crew also offers Petite, Regular and Tall sizing. 

I've talked about this before on the blog - The No.2 Pencil Skirt from J.Crew is an awesome office option.  It falls at the knee, is extremely figure flattering, and comes in an endless variety of patterns and colors.  The extra long version of this skirt is the Telegraph Pencil Skirt. 

I hope you found this post helpful!  Please let me know by leaving me a comment :)