The French say it best: métro, boulot, dodo. This translates as ‘the daily grind’ in English, but the literal translation is particularly emphatic: tube, work, sleep. No matter how used to embarking on a nine-to-five you get, it can become increasingly difficult to bring fun and colour into your quotidian routine without becoming exhausted and burnt out.
Coffee with a friend before work? Far too early a wake-up. Post-work tipples with colleagues? Running the risk of a wicked hangover in tomorrow’s meeting isn’t worth it. Where we’re unable to slot in mid-week fun, we rely on our hobbies and interests to improve our moods and provide an energy boost. One unbeatable way of doing this is via retail therapy – after all, you’re not working hard at generating a disposable income for nothing.
When it comes to hobbies and interests, fashion ranks incredibly high on the list. In being restricted by office dress codes and the desire for daily comfort, we often lose the ability to express ourselves through clothing. Yet sometimes all it takes to generate a boost is a little bit of inspiration. Who better to create a workwear mood board around than the iconic Princess of Wales?
Renowned for her ability to style both luxury and high-street dresses with class, elegance and a pop of personality, Kate has nailed the concept of business-casual-chic.
Dramatic, contrasting collars and cuffs paired with polka dots offer a vintage-inspired aesthetic which can be dressed up with a pair of kitten heels, or down with your favourite pair of white trainers – depending on the occasion.
Though the Princess was channelling her family’s Scottish heritage with this long-sleeved number, tartan dresses are decidedly in this season. As are wrap-around dresses, and pieces with Chanel-style buttons – as Blake lively kindly demonstrates for us.
While power suits are certainly a fantastic way to bulk out your work wardrobe (especially when they’re as beautiful and comfortable as those in Issy Miyake’s Pleats Please range), some of us prefer the free-flowing comfort and femininity of a classic dress.
We’ve created an edit of the best work-appropriate dresses on the market.
Shop our top picks below.
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Bouclé dress
Available in both black and white for chic comfort no matter the season, this short-sleeved bouclé dress from H&M is exactly what a French It-girl would wear if she had an occupation other than socialising. We adore the subtle fringed hem and pockets.
Buy now £44.99, H&M
Paulina Antique Rose Print Tie Neck Mini Dress
Fabricated from eco-friendly viscose, this precious collared dress by Joanie features a wonderful velvet bolo tie. Swap out your winter-ready 70 denier tights for a sparkly pair, as pictured, for a versatile night-on-the-town piece.
Buy now £69.00, Joanie
Turtle neck knit dress
Roll-neck jumpers are an autumn/winter staple, and they’re even better when available as cosy dresses. This option from Mango is stocked in a range of colours, but the warming camel-toned hue feels the most work-appropriate. Pair with cable knit tights and knee-high boots for the ultimate cosy look.
Buy now £35.99, Mango
Rina Trapeze Dress
A brilliant option for Casual Friday, this denim trapeze dress from Whistles is the embodiment of comfort. Pair with a cashmere turtleneck during those extra cold months.
Buy now £159.00, Whistles
Textured Midi Shirt Dress
Offering simultaneously subtle and dramatic flair, this tailored shirt dress by Jigsaw features a beautiful, cinched waist effect through triangular patterns and some exaggerated cuffs.
Buy now £195.00, Jigsaw
Tie-dye mesh dress
Transitional dressing has never been easier than with this tie-dye effect mesh dress from Mango. The pleated, tailored design and optional skinny belt paired with the warm tonal hues of ochre and teal make this piece a true statement wardrobe staple.
Buy now £59.99, Mango
Arket Frill Dress
Simple, sleek and effortless, this silky smooth black dress from Arket features delicate drills at the centre seam as well as the back of the sleeves for a pop of personality.
Buy now £87.00, Arket
Wilma Crepe Midi Dress
Take a page out of the Princess of Wales’ style handbook with this gorgeous fifties-inspired dress by Ghost.
Buy now £149.00, Ghost
Printed Midi Shirt Dress
With its stunning oh-so ‘70s colourway and silky, free-flowing cut, this collared shirt dress by Cos would be coveted by the likes of Daisy Jones herself.
Buy now £110.00, COS
Cotton Blend Checked Midaxi Waisted Dress
Gingham dresses popularised by Ganni have had a grip on us consumers for the last couple of winters, and we’re certainly not complaining. A value-for-money high street alternative is this gorgeous, cinched option from M&S, which is available in a wide range of sizes. We love how it’s been styled with a pair of chunky loafers and a bold scarf.
Buy now £45.00, M&S
Long-Sleeved Plissé Midi Dress
Ever since Issy Miyake created his iconic Pleats Please range, the contemporary, effortlessly stylish design has boomed in popularity. We’re big fans of this take on a classic thinly pleated dress by Cos, which is realised in a pleasing dark green hue.
Buy now £110.00, COS
Bethany Polka Floral Tea Dress
Mocha and chocolate-coloured clothing has seen a renaissance as of late, with it being deemed the colour of the season by many sartorial enthusiasts. This deep brown and white patterned piece by Kitri that has an exaggerated collar and cinched sleeves offers a delightful vintage feel.
Buy now £165.00, Kitri
Green Piper Cord Pinny Mini Dress
Pinafore dresses are a versatile capsule wardrobe staple. This one from Nobody’s Child is available in a variety of corduroy colours and patterns.
Buy now £55.00, Nobody’s Child
Relaxed Knitted Mini Dress
Classic and – most importantly – comfortable, a knitted A-line dress will serve as a workwear essential all year round. Chanel-esque golden quarter-length buttons certainly help to sweeten the deal.
Buy now £98.00, Boden
