Ask Belle: Comfortable Dresses for Work

Dear Belle,

I’m an executive assistant at an investment bank. I don’t need to wear a suit or even a jacket. I like dresses but my weight fluctuates so I try to choose stretchier materials. Can you help me find some jersey or ponte dresses for work? I’d love a sleeve, short…long…don’t care.

So many thanks for your blog. Leila

When you can find a dress made from comfortable material that is styled for the office, you win. One of my favorite dresses is a jersey sheath that looks sleek but feels like a nightgown. So when women tell me that they don’t like getting dressed for work because they can’t find comfortable clothes, I tell them they’re not looking in the right place. Here are a few comfy office dresses.

Adrianna Papell Printed Sheath ($73) // Shabby Apple Real Beaut Dress ($92) // Velvet Ruched Jersey Dress ($285)

This Adrianna Papell jersey dress is a great option because the waistband gives it definition. Some jersey dresses are shapeless, so the waistband prevents that. This Maggy London faux wrap gives you the same effect. This Badgley Mischka dress has a vintage-inspired sleekness and a belt that gives it a great shape. Hard to believe it is ponte.

The next two dresses have ruching and draping for a figure flattering fit. Shabby Apple has a lot of great work-appropriate dresses in comfortable fabrics. Their Mrs. Porter dress has a chic shape and neckline. I also like their dotted Santa Monica dress.

Boden is another great source for dresses that look chic but are comfortable. It’s like work camouflage. The Betty Ottoman dress is fabulous. And I love their Aurelia dress.

Velvet makes amazingly comfortable tops and dresses. They’re the kind of pieces you find yourself reaching for whenever you have a case of ‘nothing to wear.’ They have a similar v-neck dress for $215. It also comes in a gorgeous eggplant hue. Their Gauze Whisper dress is a more affordable option.

Plus-size? Try this Michael Kors dress with a side gather. And I love the sleek style of this berry-colored Eloquii sheath dress. Petite? This red Anne Klein dress is fun. I also like this blue dress with asymmetrical neckline from Michael Kors.