Which were your favorite posts of the year, readers? Here are some of my favorite posts and discussion posts, as well as our top posts of the year by traffic statistics!

(Feel free to use this post for threadjacking!)

Note that you can check out this page for our top posts of all time!

The Top Corporette Articles of 2023!

1. Which are the Best Sneakers for Work Outfits? (major update)
2. Guide to Business Casual for Women (major update)
3. The 16 Best Blazers for Women in 2023
4. The Most Comfortable Work Heels
5. The Best Luxury Bags for Work
6. How to Wear Black and Navy Together (major update)
7. Where to Find Stylish Suits for Petite Women
8. The Best Washable Blazers for Women
9. What Nails Are Appropriate for the Office in 2023?
10. The Best Sweater Jackets for the Office (major update)

Kat's Other Favorite 2023 Corporette Posts

Some Non-Basic Hunts…

These were all either written or significantly updated in 2023…

• The Best Stylish Petite Suits
• 6 Stylish Day-to-Night Dresses
• Great Flannel Pants for Women
• The Best Reversible Workwear for Your Next Business Trip
• The Best Office Chairs for Women
• 3 Dramatic Blazers You Can Buy at Etsy
• Where to Find Work Pants If You're Curvy
• The Best Washable Blazers for Women
• The Best Briefcases for Women
• Where to Find Chanel-Style Jackets for Work
• The Best Opaque White T-Shirts for Work
• 10 Great Silk Blouses for Work
• 20 Cool Desk Accessories for Your Office
• Where to Find Blouses in Pretty Prints
• The Best Fake Collars for Work Outfits

Other Articles We Liked

• How to Deal with Sensory Issues at Work
• How to Add Art Deco Style to Your Office
• The Most Affordable Office Clothes for Women
• How to Check for Inactive Retirement Accounts
• Where to Shop for Judicial Attire

Some fun discussions with readers…

• What Makes Outfits, Hair, and Makeup Look Dated?
• What Are Reasonable Boundaries When You're Highly Paid?
• The Best Women's Pajamas to Give as Holiday Gifts
• What Are Your Thoughts on Being “Basic”?
• What Would You Do for Work If You Could Do Anything?
• The New Rules of Phone Etiquette for 2023
• Open Thread: How Did You Meet Your Partner?
• How Often Do You Fantasize About Quitting?
• Long Hair, Older Women, and Work
• Can You Bring Homemade Cookies For Your Boss?
• Do You Feel Pressure to Have a New Outfit Every Day?
• How to Get Ready for Work Quickly
• How Has the Pandemic Changed Your Thoughts on Retirement (If At All)?
• The Ideal Work Location: WFH, Office, Hybrid… ?
• Are You “Aging Intentionally” With Botox, Dysport, and More?

The post Our Favorite Articles of 2023 appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

Readers had an interesting conversation a while ago about how if they only go into the office rarely they don't want to be in “basic law student interview garb” — and instead were on the hunt for statement dresses for interviews, important meetings, and more. Challenge accepted! After a bit of hunting for what to call these statement-making dresses, let's go with “power dresses,” even though that feels maybe a few years ago. (What else would you call these kinds of dresses, ladies?)

I'll include links to some of our more basic sheath dress roundups and the like — you can always add accessories like blazers, necklaces, sweaters and more to make them more interesting! — but if you want more interesting dresses for the office, let's go on a hunt.

(First, let's all bow a head to one of the OGs here: Claire Underwood. We never did a roundup but if anyone else suffered through Seasons 6 and 7 of Younger, I also think of Quinn Tyler.)

In addition to some Hall of Famers above, we definitely have some usual suspects — if I were on a hunt for a standout, power dress for work I'd check MM.LaFleur, Diane von Furstenberg, Black Halo, and Karen Millen. On the (much) higher end I'd check Roland Mouret, Akris, Victoria Beckham, and Chiara Boni La Petite Robe.

Readers, how about you — where would you start your hunt for a statement-making power dress for work?

Classic Dresses for Work You Can Dress Up or Down

Some of the best dresses for work as of 2024 include options from J.Crew, BOSS, T. Tahari, and Lands' End. For really affordable options, check out Quince and Amazon sellers Miusol or MUXXN. We've also rounded up the best plus-size dresses for work!

As of 2024, some of our favorite plus-size dresses for work include options from Lands' End, Karen Kane, CeCe, Talbots, J.Crew, Universal Standard, and Eloquii – also check Karen Millen, Pari Passu, and Tanya Taylor for more unusual choices.

Power Dresses for Work: One & Done Statement Dressing

Origami-Like Dresses

I tend to love dresses like this with lots of interesting folds and tucks, as you might have while folding an origami crane. I love these because they're usually pretty easy as they're usually a faux wrap.

The pictured one is from ASOS (and only $54!!), but I'll round up a few others below…

Architectural and Structured Power Dresses

I always think of this kind of dress as “architectural” in that it feels like more design work has gone into it in some way — prominent darts that are meant to be seen, or a detail that feels extra sharp. I'd even include J.Crew's Resume Dress here.

The one above is Roland Mouret (GORGEOUS) – but a few other options are below.

Asymmetrical Details on Power Dresses for Work

Here's a fun fact about me: despite writing the word “asymmetrical” like weekly for almost 15 years now I still can't spell it.

STILL: One of my favorite ways of statement dressing for work includes asymmetrical dresses (and tops) that make everything feel a little fresh and new.

Many times these dresses will feature cutouts or slashes/keyholes in interesting places — just remember to know your office here! I would caution that “unexpected skin” may not go over well at many offices, to which I would include the usual areas (cleavage, upper thigh) but also your lower back, your midriff, and more.

One of the classic asymmetrical power dresses is the Black Halo Jackie dress; Of Mercer has a great version as well. A few others are rounded up below.

Wrap Dresses

These are classics, and for great reason — but definitely wear a slip beneath them the first time you wear them if they're a real wrap (instead of a faux wrap). The DVF wrap dress is still around (pictured); the rumor last time was to size up at least one size to help them wrap more tightly. Other favorites we've mentioned over the years include Kiyonna and the faux wrap dress from Karen Kane. (On resale sites keep an eye out for BCBG and DVF wrap dresses.)

A few other cute wrap dresses on the market right now include these…

The Shirt Dress

I'm not a HUGE fan of these since personally I feel like they're less flattering on curves and you often have to deal with gaping issues. Definitely consider wearing them with a slip the first time you wear one (this slip looks great), and do check out some of our DIY solutions for gaping.

The dress pictured above is from The Kit; check out other options for shirt dresses below.

Readers, what are your favorite power dresses for work — for days when you don't want to wear a suit, but want to make a statement?

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post The Hunt: Power Dresses for Work appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

One of the big trends of the past two years or so has been the rise of work-appropriate bodysuits, so we thought we'd round up the best bodysuits for work outfits!

For my $.02, if you're a fan of bodysuits, there are a ton of great ways to wear them to work. They can be a really easy, sleek, polished look, especially when paired with wide trousers, flared skirts, and more.

{related: how to keep shirts neatly tucked}

When Can You Wear Bodysuits with Work Outfits?

A few caveats about wearing bodysuits with work outfits (i.e., stuff no one else will tell you to consider):

• Crazy cleavage is never appropriate for work — some of the more plungey looks may require a camisole or demi-camisole.
• Beware of your underwear — If your lacy bra is showing through, you may want to choose a T-shirt bra instead. Similarly, if avoiding VPL is important to you, definitely test out bodysuits before you wear them with work outfits.
• Yes, please wear your regular thongs/panties/undies with them — if you go commando I suspect most garments will not last as long.

For everyone saying, are you KIDDING, there is no way I'm wearing a bodysuit to work, I’ve shared my theory before: Denim styles affect workwear styles because you end up buying new tops for new denim shapes, and in turn you end up wanting to wear those newer tops to work.

As looser, more voluminous bottoms come more and more into fashion, tighter tops like bodysuits are EVERYWHERE. (So are cropped tops, but here's why you probably shouldn't wear a crop top to work.)

Readers, what are your thoughts on bodysuits? What do you think are the best bodysuits for work outfits?

Our Latest Favorite Classic Bodysuits for Work Outfits

If you want a sleek, polished look, don't miss out on the classic bodysuits for work outfits. Some of our 2024 favorites include Everlane, MangoPop, Paige, Commando, SKIMS, Madewell, and Wolford. You can also try these unusual suspenders to keep shirts tucked neatly!

Sad trombone for the brand Tuxe, which apparently went out of business.

The Best Bodysuits for Work in 2024

Some of our favorite bodysuits for work outfits include these options…

The Everlane bodysuit pictured above is a nice, basic crew neck for $35 — compare that to fancier versions from Wolford for $110-$220.

More spots to look for basic bodysuit T-shirts, and long-sleeved tops for layering with office looks: SKIMS, Madewell, Naked Wardrobe, Gap, Free People, Commando, Express, White House Black Market, and Yummie.

Hunting for simple bodysuits in plus sizes? Check Girlfriend Collective (up to 6X), Good American (5X), SKIMS, and Madewell, and Venus

The Best Square-Necked Bodysuit: Soma

I'm excited to see so many square-neck dressy work t-shirts right now — in my opinion a square neck is hard to find and looks especially sleek as a layering option under suits and more.

I like this square-necked bodysuit from Soma, but Amazon seller MangoPop also has one that looks great, as does Everlane.

The Best Blousy Bodysuit for Work: Favorite Daughter

Favorite Daughter has a number of silky tops that look like blouses but are actually bodysuits — and they're really highly rated. I particularly like the larger cuffs. The pictured “Take Me Seriously” bodysuit is $198.

Looking for budget-friendly options to try the trend? Try Express, Alfani, Eloquii, Donna Karan, Amazon, and Gap.

The Best Crisp, Collared Blouse Bodysuit for Work: Commando

WHOA. Collared blouse bodysuits are back, ladies.

These were all the rage a thousand years ago (Victoria's Secret made them!) and then they disappeared for a while.

Some great options in 2024 include Commando and Spanx, but Zappos has a good amount. The exact one we've pictured is $228, at Nordstrom.

(This bodysuit at Amazon has the look of a popover blouse, if you're on the hunt, and Venus has a ton of really affordable options — and they come in plus sizes! Wolford, Paige, Good American, and Free People has also made them in the past, as have Alfani and Eloquii.)

Another option if you only want a collar peeking out beneath a sweater: go for a fake collar, aka a dickie.

Hunting for great fake collars for layered work outfits? As of Jan. 2024, Amazon has a zillion options for fake shirt collars as well as faux turtlenecks; also check out Etsy sellers Putney Home Design, bloominglace as well as others. On the fancy side of things, it's hard to beat Lele Sadoughi's faux collars. (Amazon also has a number of twofer sweaters, with that layered look built in!)

(Of course, if you're looking for a dickey to layer with a blazer, Veronica Beard makes the blazers and the dickeys — Quince also has zippered inserts for blazers.

The Best Turtleneck Bodysuit for Work Outfits: Madewell

Is there anything more classic than a sleek turtleneck? These are a nice variation on the more basic T-shirt styles that look great at work, particularly with some of the wider trousers that are coming back in.

You can find them at Madewell (the pictured one is a bestseller, XXS-3X) as well as from Everlane, Commando, Spanx, and Yummie and Wolford. (This Wolford one in particular is a bestseller.)

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post The Hunt: The Best Bodysuits for Work Outfits appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

Here's a timely question, readers: Which are the best sneakers for work outfits? When are “sneakers for work” appropriate in your offices? Do you think there's a generational divide here?

Here at Corporette, we've always taken the position that sneakers are fine — for your commute. I certainly wore my Chucks with suits on a lot of commutes, and kind of thought it was a cute look… again, for my commute. But retailers have been showing sneakers with outfits for years (some of the product photos we've featured are pictured below), so I thought it was prime time for a discussion.

Readers even recently had a threadjack pondering this issue (with several saying sneakers were never appropriate for work outfits). I've included some of the choices from Team Sneakers for Work below.

{related: The Ultimate Guide to Business Casual for Women}

Table of Contents:

• The Best Sneakers to Wear with Work Outfits in 2024
• The Best Overall Sneakers for Work Outfits: Cole Haan (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Affordable Sneakers for Work: Cariuma (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Classic Sneakers for Work: Superga (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Athletic Sneakers for Work: J.Crew (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Comfort Sneakers for the Office: Vionic (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Sneakers for Lousy Weather On Your Commute: AllBirds (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Pricey Sneaker for Work ($$$): Tory Burch (read our thoughts / buy)
• The Best Fancy Sneaker for Work ($$$$): Loewe (read our thoughts / buy)
• What to Look For in Sneakers to Wear with Work Outfits
• How to Keep Your Sneakers Looking Clean
• Sneakers For Your Commute
• Weekend Sneakers

The Best Sneakers to Wear to Work in 2024

Without further ado, here are our favorite sneakers to wear to work in 2024!

Best Overall Sneakers for Work Outfits

Cole Haan Grand Pro Topspin

I think this sneaker meets all of the qualifications we're looking for in an office-appropriate sneaker — in particular, the contrasting details such as the beige leather strip around the sole and the lighter beige details on the tongue and back of the shoe are great standouts.

The other HUGE pro here is that Cole Haan is an established, safe brand that is known for making office-appropriate shoes for both men and women — which means that your non-fashion-y boss will almost certainly have seen the shoes if they've been in a store recently.

Another great option here: Cole Haan's oxford sneakers, available in a wide range of colors for both women and men, are $170 at spots like Zappos.

Best Affordable Sneakers for Work

Cariuma OC Low

$79 at Cariuma

Cariumas are consciously made in ethical factories, using natural premium materials, with carbon neutral shipping — and more. The look to old-school sneakers isn't by accident — they've branded themselves as “old-school looks; new school ethics.” Accordingly, the rubber used is collected through an ethical tapping, the vegan insole is made from cork, and the cotton is all organic.

The shoes are $79, available in sizes 5-13 in canvas, suede, leather, and a TON of colors.

Looking for something even MORE affordable? Check out the old-school classics such as Converse, Superga, Keds, or more.

The Best Classic Sneakers for Work

Superga Cotu

$69 at Zappos

$69 at Nordstrom

Like a lot of the “classic” sneakers, the Superga has been around for a loooong time. According to the Nordstrom product page:

“founder Walter Martiny designed the first Superga sneaker in Torino, Italy, in 1911. But it wasn't until 1925 that he expanded his collection to include vulcanized-rubber soles, and in doing so created the now-iconic 2750 tennis shoe. The brand's classic minimalist styles and new hits—beloved by Italians for weekends and getaways — now count fans all around the world.”

For some reason, I always associate Superga with Extremely Fashionable People (perhaps because I've always been a Converse girl myself). Any of the classics can work, though, especially if they're part of your personality and you're comfortable with them.

The Best Athletic Sneakers for Work

J.Crew Colorblock Trainers

$89-$118 at J.Crew

Know your office very well before you try to wear an athletic-looking sneaker to work as part of your outfit. A lot of older people in the workforce will strongly associate this with movies like Working Girl, where the heroine commuted from Staten Island into the city wearing white sneakers with black hose.

THAT SAID, I'm seeing J.Crew colorblock trainers everywhere (particularly this beige-on-beige one pictured), so they deserve a mention.

There are a TON of different options in terms of colorways — for the office I'd keep it relatively neutral. (These particular shoes are 50% off full price at the moment, so if you're interested, now is the time!)

The Best Comfort Sneakers for the Office

Vionic Zinah

$119 at Amazon

There are, of course, a ton of options for the most comfortable sneaker. VIONIC has built-in arch support, as well as a podiatrist-designed footbed.

Here's how the company describes their comfort system:

“The innovative biomechanics of THREE-ZONE COMFORT deliver enhanced stability with a deep heel cup, superior forefoot cushioning, and ultimate arch support midsole. These essential contact points hug your foot's natural curves in all of our casual, dress, active, and slipper styles.”

If you have foot issues, this is definitely one of the top brands to check out. They're available in whole sizes 5-11 for $120.

Other great comfort options: Vionic makes insoles, so you can add those to any shoe of your choosing. AllBirds (below) also get rave reviews for comfort, and readers have also sung the praises of Kizik shoes.

The Best Sneakers for Lousy Weather On Your Commute

AllBirds Mizzle Shoes

$125-$165 at AllBirds

Readers have noted that they really love their Allbirds to wear with work outfits, singing the praises of the extreme comfort of the brand. Their water-repellent shoes are renowned for being great in bad weather, so they're getting our pick for the best sneakers for lousy weather on your commute.

As the company notes, they've combined “cozy ZQ Merino wool and a bio-based water repellent shield [so that] our rain-ready sneaker keeps your feet predictably dry in unpredictable weather.” Nice.

They're available in whole sizes 5-11, in both classic and limited edition colors, for $125-$165 (depending on the style of shoe).

Rothy's has similar styles that are washable.

The Best Pricey Sneaker for Work ($$$)

Tory Burch Ladybug

$288 at Zappos

$288 at Tory Burch

There are a lot of pricey middle options! Tory Burch has some of my favorites, though — not only are they at the more affordable end of this range (roughly $250-$500), but they're simple yet elevated.

The Ladybug sneaker comes in a bunch of different colorways, but they're all predominantly white sneakers.

Reviewers call the sneakers “quite comfortable” and note that they “look super cute with dresses!”

They're available in half-sizes 5-11 for $288.

Another nice option from Tory Burch: the slightly more athletic-looking Hank sneakers. Other option in this middle price range from other brands include P448, Common Project, Rag & Bone, and Acne Studios.

The Best Fancy Sneaker for Work ($$$$)

Loewe Flow Runner Sneakers

$790 at Bergdorf Goodman

$690-$790 at Saks

There are a lot of options for Very Fancy sneakers if you're looking to spend a lot of money — Golden Goose, Gucci, Chloé, Maison Margiela, and more. For my $.02, my vote goes to the Loewe Flow sneakers.

Yes, they're much more athletic-looking than a lot of the other sneakers we've featured… but the distinctive cursive L, the multicolored sole, the colorblocking, the leather and rubber details — all of this adds up to a *chef's kiss* beautiful sneaker.

What to Look For in Sneakers to Wear with Work Outfits

Here are the things I think you should look for in work sneakers:

• They don't look like they were run over in the street.
• They're not super chunky/athletic.
• Look for a design that is just a BIT more than your basic white sneaker — interesting stitching, a contrasting detail

If you need outfit inspiration advice, we highly recommend watching the movie I Care A Lot (currently streaming on Netflix) — lots of colorful suits worn with sneakers.

As always, the most important part of knowing which sneaker to wear to work is knowing your office. Our advice here is the same as it always is: Look to the mid-levels above you for fashion inspiration, not the CEO, partners, or other C-suite people — they've earned the right to wear whatever they want.

For example, in a March 2023 conversation, some readers noted that Golden Gooses were great for their office, but others noted that a “distressed” shoe, no matter how expensive, just wasn't appropriate for their offices.

Another important thing to note: When you wear sneakers to work may be highly dependent on what kind of day you're having, who you're meeting with, and more. You may want to keep a pair of neutral flats or heels in your office just in case — here are some of our latest roundups of comfortable work heels, as well as the most comfortable flats for work.

(Another note: If your bosses are “non-fashion people” and tend to be a bit curmudgeonly, tread really carefully before wearing sneakers to work.)

How to Keep Your Sneakers Looking Clean

Whatever sneakers you're wearing, we love this reader trick: Magic Erasers work great on cleaning dingier white soles and sometimes white leather also.

A lot of brands are also making washable sneakers (notably, Rothy's and Allbirds) — and you can get a specialized bag for your washing machine so they don't knock around.

{related: check out our roundups of foldable flats and washable flats!}

Sneakers For Your Commute

For my $.02, a lot of the newer (expensive!) sneakers look like the kind of thing I kept in my gym locker in middle school — they were so fugly they could stay at school because I'd never want to wear them elsewhere. But obviously, tastes and styles change, and after a bit of adjustment (and seeing it enough places), those of us on the older side adapt. This is partly why I've always suggested being really wary of a new trend or aesthetic that wasn't popular five years ago — but at the rate that fashion moves these days, that may be difficult (and, I suppose, another vote for classic style for work outfits because you're more likely to get more wear out of them).

Commuting Shoes: Sneaker Flats That Will Blend in With Trousers

The main claim to fame for these kinds of sneaker flats is that if you're working in a really conservative office and want to wear comfortable shoes for your commute, but not have a coworker look too closely and think, “Hey, there she is in her sneakers again,” these will blend in. (We've even had conversations in the past about whether commuting shoes should be swapped in the lobby or even outside your office building!)

I will freely admit that these are not chosen because they're “cute” — many are pretty hideous, in my opinion. But they blend with work clothes and are comfortable, and lightweight enough to carry in your bag if you want to.

Reader favorites that have been called out over the years:

Note that if your trousers are hemmed to wear with heels, these shoes might not be the best because your hems might drag on the ground — you could either look for platform sneakers, or go for commuting shoes like comfort brands with chunky heels such as FLY London, Dansko, Eileen Fisher, and Børn.

Sneaker Sneakers for Weekends: The Classics

We've actually had a conversation about what your weekend sneakers say about you — some of the “classic” sneakers we discussed are below…

Pictured below (by color), Row 1: black / gray / gray / white; Row 2: white / white / green / black

What do you think, readers: Are you on Team Sneakers for Work, or on Team Please Wear Shoes? Where would you draw the line for which sneakers are acceptable for work and which aren't? (For example, certain colors like white or black, only “well taken care of sneakers,” sneakers with a specific sole color (e.g., the way that historically, heels with a cork sole aren't appropriate for work?)

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

Stock photos via Pexels / Godisable Jacob.

The post Which Are the Best Sneakers for Work Outfits? appeared first on Corporette.com.

Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.

While seasonless wool pants are warm enough, and velvet and corduroy pants are great for more casual days, I thought we'd go on a hunt for the best women's winter dress pants for cozy but professional work outfits.

Personally I've always loved the softness and drape of wool flannel pants, and although the styles change from year to year, I always feel like that's a polished look for the office.

Wool blend pants are also great, although they can be on the itchy side, particularly if unlined — you may want to check out our last discussion on what to wear beneath unlined pants, and I'll drop a collage with links to my top suggestion for what to wear beneath unlined pants — thin long johns.

(Particularly for silk long johns, but true of lots of the other ones out right now — they do an amazing job of blocking the wind when you're outside but not adding too much extra warmth or bulk when you're inside, so they're great for ALL pants, but particularly as a layer between you and itchy wool pants.) 

Ladies, what are you wearing to work on the coldest days — are you on Team Fleece Tights? Team Wool Pants? Or have you found another solution for staying warm on your commute on the coldest days?

{related: what to wear to work when it's cold outside}

Pictured at top: red velvet / green corduroy / black wool blend / lavender cashmere silk blend / olive wool flannel

Admin note: this post was originally published in 2019, but we've completely updated our product selections for Dec. 2023 but kept the original comments on the post.

My Top Choice for Women's Winter Dress Pants: Wool Flannel Pants

Flannel pants are, I think, the holy grail if you're looking for warm winter pants. They don't have the itch of wool or tweed, but they drape better and feel more versatile than velvet or other options. Of course, the downside is that you often end up paying a lot for them…

Loft is a surprisingly good spot to check for affordable wool flannel pants — for a few years now they've had a nice selection. This year, it's a pleated, wide look that we're seeing at a LOT of different stores.

{related: 6 great flannel pants for women in 2023}

(Menswear blog Die, Workwear has a good comparison on flannel pants vs wool twill pants if you're interested — wool twill is a bit harder to find for women, but it can be done — M.M.LaFleur has a bunch as of 2022. For my money I'd still prefer the softer option (flannel), but that's just me.)

Another Great Option for Women's Winter Dress Pants: Other Wool Pants and Wool Blends

I'm separating out wool flannel because I think it's the softest, the warmest, and the most versatile — but there are a zillion other wool blends and woolen fabrics, including wool gabardine and wool blended with something for stretch.

These may be itchy, though — note that silk long johns are amazing for this because they're soft, block the wind, and don't add bulk or too much extra warmth when you're inside.

Tweeds may be a wool or polyester — but for my $.02 I've always preferred tweeds as a skirt than a pant because the inner thighs of pants may wear unevenly and/or get nubbly.

Seasonless Wool Pants

Note that seasonless wool (aka tropical wool and  “lightweight wool,”) is also great for winter, but, as we've noted before when advising on whether you can wear a tropical wool suit in winter, they may be a bit chilly on the windiest and coldest days.

As of 2024, some of our favorite seasonless wool suiting includes Ann Taylor on the affordable side, and Theory, Brooks Brothers, M.M.LaFleur and Argent on the more expensive side. Talbots' line of seasonless wool suiting includes regular, petite, plus, plus-size petite, and tall sizes. See our roundup of the best women's suits of 2024 here!

{related: how to dress professionally on the coldest days}

Warm Winter Dress Pants, Luxe Edition: Cashmere

Cashmere pants are easier to find than ever, but a lot of these (a LOT of them) are barely one step above athleisure or even lounge pants — so know your office. The more structured cashmere pants are going to be more appropriate for conservative offices.

You can find a ton of cashmere blends (usually cashmere/silk, but sometimes cashmere/wool) from the very high end brands like Akris, Max Mara, Lafayette 148 New York, Loro Piana, and more — accordingly, Nordstrom and higher end department stores are good spots to check.

Velvet & Corduroy Pants for Work Outfits

I'm putting velvet and corduroy together because they both can go either way, although corduroy is inherently more casual and velvet is inherently more dressy. But if you see either fabric in a five-pocket style (like denim), the pants may only be acceptable for a more casual office in general (or, say, a weekend workday in a conservative office). (Know your office!)

Some readers have noted that they also believe velvet is too festive/holiday for workwear… for my $.02, I think the cut of the pants matters a lot.

In fact, if you see cut like trousers or other work pants, or even just without pockets (or only welt pockets), then they're far more acceptable to wear to conservative offices. Note that the swish-swish sound both pants make while walking can be a problem in an office with very quiet hallways — and that lint can also be a problem with both.

(If you're having a lint emergency at work, a Fed Ex mailing pouch works in a pinch…)

{related: how to do business casual in cold weather}

Some of our all-time favorite cords (again, mostly for casual offices) include the Kut from the Kloth ones at Nordstrom, available in regular, petite, and plus sizes. If you prefer a tighter fit, check out corduroy from denim brands like AG; if you prefer a looser but still tailored look check out NYDJ cords. Madewell also has a ton of great cords right now, and I'm drooling over all the colors of these cropped, flared cords from Tuckernuck.

BONUS Category for Warm Women's Dress Pants: Long Johns and Silk Leggings

One last thing worth noting: long johns can be lifesavers, whether you're using them to make an already warm pair of pants SUPER warm, to warm up a favorite pair of less seasonal pants (such as a washable pant for work probably in a cotton blend), or to use as a liner for an unlined suit pants.

These are particularly great when the problem is the wind (such as in a city like Chicago) more than the temperature — especially because while a silk long john will block the wind, it won't overheat you once you get inside.

Readers, which are your favorite warm women's dress pants for the office? Which fabrics are your favorite — which wear the longest — and where have you bought them recently?

{related: what to wear to work in winter}

Our Favorite Dress Pants for Work in General

These would all be great with the long underwear pictured above…

As of 2024, we think the best work pants for women include longtime favorites such as Nic & Zoe, Theory, NYDJ, J.Crew, and M.M.LaFleur — as well as trendy brands like Spanx, Favorite Daughter, and Everlane. For budget-friendly styles, check Quince, Old Navy, and Amazon seller Tapata.

Hunting for the best plus-size pants for work? As of 2024, favorites include Eloquii, Nic & Zoe, NYDJ, Universal Standard, Eileen Fisher, Maree Pour Toi, Liverpool, J.Crew, and Lafayette 148 New York.

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

{related: interview coats: the best coats to wear over a suit in winter}

Social media photo credit (businesswoman in pants and winter coat) via Deposit Photos / Astroid.

The post The Hunt: The Best Women’s Dress Pants for Winter appeared first on Corporette.com.

Here's a fun question: what to wear to an holiday office party? We have six ideas below, all great whether it's for your holiday company party, your SO's office party, or some other holiday networking party.

As a general rule, pick two from the categories below and mix with regular workwear, unless you are 100% sure cocktail attire (or black tie!) is appropriate. A good clue: if the party is on a workday and all employees are invited (not just management types), take our suggestions here. 

As always, I suggest young businesswomen avoid showing cleavage, as well as what I'll call “unexpected” skin (think cutout dresses, etc). Even bare arms may not be appropriate — know your office!) You should also be wary of anything requiring a special bra.

We're shared some of our top picks for your holiday office party below…

{related: all our best tips on holiday business etiquette}

{related: here are some fancy but easy updos for the office or beyond}

Festive Blazer

Hunting for festive blazers for 2023/24? Stay tuned for a bigger roundup, but on the affordable side we like J.Crew Factory and Loft — and this Eliza J one is almost always in stock. On the more expensive side, check Reiss, Paige, and L'Agence. (Love this green iridescent houndstooth from L'Agence, also!)

I've always loved a festive blazer. Not only can you maintain a maximum of professionalism, but I often find that a layered look is the best way to dress for the holiday office party: party blazer + statement necklace, or party blazer + bright work dress, for example. You can also use your festive blazer to extend the life of your weekend clothes and wear things that wouldn't normally be appropriate to wear to work.

For example, a jumpsuit, a heavily sequined top, or even something like a leather skirt or a lace top that requires a strapless bra — all of these things look great beneath a festive blazer.

You'll be surprised how often you wear it, and how many years you'll get wear out of it — your own holiday parties, your SO's holiday parties, vague networking events, even “desk to dinner” events where you really don't feel like donning a dress or anything sparkly. Personally I've always preferred the structure of a blazer, but a sparkly cardigan can also work here.

{related: what to wear to a business cocktail party}

Polished Party Skirts

A party skirt is one of the easiest things to find and wear, but be wary of spending too much money on it — it will be memorable, and because it kind of is your outfit, it's going to be hard to wear it again year after year.

Keep the hem length appropriate for the office, and note that the fancier (and less office-appropriate) the skirt feels, the more subdued your top and shoes should be. Note that some skirts straddle the line between office and party — they're less festive, but more versatile (and you can pair them with something else sparkly on top).

Some Recent Picks for Party Skirts To Wear to Your Office Holiday Party

Below are some of our favorite polished party skirts as of Oct. 2022 – we've primarily avoided miniskirts because they show a lot of leg, which isn't appropriate for every office party — but know yourself and your office. (As someone who's only 5'4″, also, I find that a lot of “mini” skirts are almost knee-length on me.)

{related: the best semi-formal attire for business events}

Selected Sequins, Lace, and Leather

Sequins, lace, and leather aren't usually office-appropriate — we've talked specifically about lace at the office and leather skirts at the office before.

But when deciding what to wear to your office holiday party, you can break some of these rules, provided that you're not going all out.

Example: a sweater with a few sequins on it, or even a sheer sequined camisole (worn with an opaque black camisole beneath it) are fine, particularly when paired with a festive blazer or fuzzy cardigan.

But the all-sequin legging or all-sequin dress can be… well… a bit much for an office holiday party.

Some of Our Recent Favorite Office-Appropriate Sequins, Lace, Velvet and Leather

Note that regardless of how it's shown on the model, you should a) not wear a sheer top to an office party, and you probably should not wear a crop top or anything that exposes your belly. Depending on the office environment you may want to keep a cardigan, shawl, or shrug with you if your top exposes a lot of your arms, such as with a halter top.

{related: what not to wear to a black-tie affair for work}

Party Pants

Another great option: party pants. Paired with a regular work staple like a button-front or a cashmere sweater (ooh, or this DvF ballerina sweater), party pants are celebratory and happy, but not too crazy. Look for velvet, jacquard, limited sequins — and tuxedo pants or dramatically wide, flowy trousers can also be great for this kind of event.

For my $.02, I'd avoid any pant that makes people wonder if they're actually seeing skin (such as black lace underlaid with a beige satin), and in general, be wary of leather and of too-tight leggings.

Recent Picks for Festive-but-Professional Party Pants

Stay tuned for our favorite party pants to wear to holiday office parties in 2023!

Work-acceptable velvet pants can also work here!

{related: how to do black tie on a budget}

Office-Appropriate Party Dresses and Jumpsuits

For my money, this is the hardest one to get right. Sometimes a bright dress or blouse feels festive but will feel like a snoozefest at the party itself. Sometimes a lace dress will feel ladylike and elegant, but other times it may feel like you've unwittingly gotten dressed for a wedding when you just have a step up from what you would normally wear to work.

A few notes in general: Watch your hem length, as well as cleavage. I wouldn't recommend a dress with bare shoulders (i.e., strapless) — layer it with something else like a cardigan or blazer, but if you end up taking that layer off, don't worry too much.

Sometimes a party dress can be worn to work; sometimes that's going to be harder.

Recent Picks for Jumpsuits and Party Dresses for Professional Settings

Some of our favorite jumpsuits and party dresses for professional settings include these as of Oct. 2022… depending on the event, you may also want to check out our latest favorite colorful sheath dresses (great for alumni events, or just get darker colors like navy).

{related: where do you draw the line between wedding wear and office-wear?}

Desk to Party: Cocktail Jewelry

It's true, statement necklaces aren't as popular as they once were — but I still say there's nothing better for an office holiday party, and no better way to instantly jazz up a regular work dress or the like. Add one other thing from this list and you're golden.

More Holiday Party Accessories

As of Dec. 2023, these are some of our latest favorite party shoes — also consider using shoe clips on some of your regular shoes if you're on a budget! These under $50 ones are best sellers at Amazon…

{related: here's our roundup of the best foldable flats}

How to Save on Holiday Party Attire for Office Parties

A general note: Rent the Runway is perfect for these kind of purchases, particularly if you have several parties to go to over a few days. (Or, hey, it's a perfect excuse to set up a date night or girls' night out if you don't have several parties.) Other great deals can be found at Nordstrom, Poshmark and more!

(Want $30 off your first Rent the Runway order? Here's our referral code.)

{related: what to wear to a black-tie dinner for a benefit}

Ladies, what are your favorite things to wear to office holiday parties? Have you seen any fashion gaffes with regard to office holiday party attire (or been victim to any gaffes yourself)? 

Stock photo via Pexels / cottonbro.

N.B. This post was originally written in 2015, but updated substantially in Oct. 2022.

The post What to Wear to a Holiday Office Party appeared first on Corporette.com.