10 Dresses That Work for the Office and Weekend Brunch

When you work in an office setting, there’s typically some type of dress code—either expected or enforced. You want to look your best when you’re dealing with co-workers, managers, or clients and customers. But, let’s face it, buying a separate wardrobe for work and the rest of your life can get expensive quickly. Thankfully, with the right dressy casual attire, you don’t have to.

Investing in a few dressy casual dresses is a great way to maximize your dollar, look great, and go from the office to brunch (or an evening out) without having to change.

There are a few key components to look for in dressy casual dresses, and we’ve got you covered so you can look amazing whether you’re in the office or enjoying bottomless mimosas with your girls.

The Classic Wrap Dress

You can’t go wrong with a wrap dress that gives you comfort and room to breathe. In the office, you can make it look more formal by adding a jacket or cardigan. Then, enjoy fun and freedom with it on the weekend! The great thing about this particular dress is that it comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can buy a few and switch them out without compromising fashion or function.

Something Vintage

There’s a reason the vintage look never really goes out of style. Not only does it work in a professional setting, but you’ll be the talk of your fashion-forward friends at brunch. Be bold if you love the vintage style, and go for fun cuts, colors, and patterns. You’ll feel like you just stepped into an episode of Mad Men, and you’ll look great doing it.

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are great for work because you don’t have to worry about the length being uncomfortable or violating any dress codes. Plus, they’re often made of knit, lightweight material that will ensure your comfort in the office. They also give off a casual vibe that is perfect for brunch, or even a day of running errands.

A Sweater Dress

Some people write off sweater dresses as being too casual. It’s true, if you opt for the chunky style that goes with a pair of leggings and tall boots, it could be a little too laid back to be considered dressy casual attire.

But, if you go with a more form-fitting option and pair it with heels or flats for work, you’ll be able to pull off the dressy-casual look while easily turning it into something more casual for a morning out with your friends.

Boho and Beautiful

Boho dresses are often pretty casual, thanks to their colorful patterns and lightweight fabrics. But, you can get away with them in an office setting if you go with something without a bold pattern and color. These dresses are comfortable, fun to wear, and you can transition from the office to a day off with ease!

Long-Sleeved

As we head toward fall and winter, it’s time to start thinking about how you can stay warm and comfortable in the office—especially if your company tends to keep the air conditioning on full blast until the first snowflake falls. Long-sleeved dresses are a great option. They can be dressed up or down easily, and make transitioning into a cozy autumn brunch or dinner a piece of cake.

The Little Black Dress

The “LBD” never goes out of style, and when you’re stumped for what kind of dressy-casual dresses to wear, it will never fail you! The options are endless, so choose a little black dress that fits your personal sense of style, helps you feel comfortable and confident, and is appropriate enough for work but fun enough for an outing with friends.

Sundresses

Not every office will allow you to wear a sundress, but more laid-back businesses will welcome it, and in these late summer months, a sundress is the perfect dressy-casual option to keep you cool and comfortable. Plus, you can wear sundresses to brunch, the beach, parties, or even weddings. It’s one of those dressy-casual dresses that really gives you your money’s worth.

A Pencil Dress

You’ve probably heard of a pencil skirt—and having a few in your wardrobe can be great for office attire. But, a pencil dress offers a great vintage vibe that works well in an office setting and just about anywhere else. Choose something sleek and fitting for a classic look, or go with a fishtail at the bottom to add a flirtatious touch.

Basic Button-Ups

Button-up blouses never go out of style, so why not switch things up with a button-up dress or shirt dress? They come in a variety of fabrics and styles, can be dressed up or down easily, and are cute and fun enough for a casual brunch without feeling overdressed.

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You don’t have to compromise comfort or a personal sense of style in the workplace. There are so many dressy-casual dresses to choose from that will take you from the office to brunch without having to worry about making a quick change. Keep some of these ideas in mind the next time you want to add something stylish and functional to your wardrobe that can be worn again and again!