Whether a dress is suitable for the office depends on the dress code, fit and styling. A simple model with a calm neckline or collar is easy to combine in many workplaces. A dress also forms a complete outfit in one go.
Why a dress works at the office
A dress is one garment that forms a complete outfit. You do not have to think about what goes with which trouser. That saves time in the morning, and it gives a calm, considered impression. In summer a dress is also airy, because you do not wear a separate trouser and top over each other.
The risk is that a dress comes across as too summery, too casual or too festive. Pay particular attention to length, cut and any top layer.
The three rules for a professional dress
- Length: choose a length that suits your workplace and stays comfortable when seated.
- Cut: choose a simple model with a calm neckline or a collar. A polo dress has that collar built in.
- Layer: a cardigan or jacket over the dress makes it more formal and is also handy in an air-conditioned office.
The polo dress: a smart base
The Marianne in white is a polo dress made of 95% polyester and 5% elastane. The polo collar gives structure to the neck, so the dress immediately looks more polished than a dress without a collar. White is fresh and summery, but needs some attention with underwear: choose a skin tone. You can find more options at Boulevard for women.
The cardigan as an extension of the dress
A fine-knit cardigan can make a dress a little more formal. The Veronique cardigan in light grey is made of 100% lyocell. Worn open, the cardigan gives a clear vertical line. The Eleanor cardigan in white is ribbed and made of 79.9% viscose and 20.1% polyamide. White on white gives a light, monochrome combination.
The jacket as a formal layer
For client meetings or a presentation, choose the Lavinia jacket in glacier blue. This cropped tweed jacket is made of polyester and ends above the hip. Thanks to the short length, the waist of the dress stays visible and the whole gets structure. Glacier blue is a soft, cool colour that combines well with white.
Or a jumpsuit after all?
If you do not wear a dress but still want one piece, you can choose a jumpsuit. The Clarissa in cream is a linen jumpsuit made of 40% linen, 40% viscose, 10% cotton and 10% polyester. Linen has a natural, loose drape and suits warm weather well. It is an alternative if you find a dress too delicate for the bike or the train.
Shoes and accessories
| Item | Professional | Less suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Shoes | Loafers, ballet flats, low pumps | Flip-flops, trainers, high platforms |
| Bag | Structured, calm colour | Beach bag or festival bag |
| Jewellery | Fine necklace, small earrings | Large, striking pieces |
| Hosiery | Skin tone or none, depending on the sector | Striking prints |
Combining in three looks
- Ordinary working day: white polo dress with a light grey cardigan and loafers.
- Important meeting: white polo dress with the glacier blue jacket, small earrings and low pumps.
- Summery Friday: white polo dress without a layer, with a light scarf and sandals with a closed back.
Looking for more inspiration for a complete work wardrobe? Take a look at Office for Women.
Professional and cool at the same time
In the middle of summer an office is sometimes warm and the journey there even warmer. A dress has the advantage that air can flow underneath. Choose a model with a slightly roomier fit at the hips and carry your cardigan or jacket in your bag until you are at the office. At your desk you then put it on when the air conditioning kicks in, and take it off when you get warm. That way you switch between outside and inside without changing your look.
Also wear shoes that let your feet breathe but still stay polished, such as loafers made of soft leather or ballet flats with a closed toe. Whether open sandals are appropriate depends on the workplace.
Buying an office dress: what to look out for
- Test it seated. The length must also be right when seated, without the fabric riding up.
- Check the fabric against the light. White and light shades can be see-through. Choose underwear in a skin tone.
- Look at the armholes. You must be able to lift your arm without the dress coming with it.
- Assess the collar or neckline. If you keep having to pull it up, the cut is not suitable for the office.
- Think about washability. A dress that you wear often must be easy to care for.
From summer to autumn
A good office dress can also be worn in autumn. Add a thin knitted cardigan, light tights and a closed shoe, and the same dress is a completely different piece. That way you can use the same garment in several seasons. So when buying, think of a neutral colour that you can wear in several seasons, and a cut under or over which you can slip an extra layer later.
What you had better leave out
Above all, check whether neckline, back, slit and fabric suit the dress code of your workplace. Also take sitting into account: a dress that rides up when you sit feels insecure and draws attention. Test it beforehand seated in front of a mirror. A fabric with a little elastane gives that extra room.
Caring for your office dress
Hang your dress up after wearing and let it air. Only wash it when necessary, at the temperature on the label. Steam or iron only according to the care label. Take a look at our care instructions for general guidelines.
Shop the look
Marianne: polo dress, white
Veronique: fine-knit cardigan, light grey
Eleanor: ribbed knitted cardigan, white
Lavinia: cropped tweed jacket, glacier blue
Clarissa: linen jumpsuit, cream
Frequently asked questions
What length of dress is suitable for the office?
That differs per workplace. Above all, check that the length stays comfortable and appropriate when seated.
Can I wear a white dress to the office?
Yes, if the fabric is not see-through and you wear underwear in a skin tone. A cardigan or jacket makes it more professional.
What do I wear over a dress at the office?
A fine-knit cardigan or a short jacket. Both make the dress more formal and keep you warm in an air-conditioned office.
Which shoes suit a professional dress?
Loafers, ballet flats and low pumps are classic options. Other shoes can also work, depending on the dress code.
