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.

Hunting for the best loafers to wear with work outfits?

We've talked about flats for work a lot, including investment ballet flats, the best foldable flats, sophisticated strappy flats, nude flats, and interview flats — but we haven't talked about loafers in way too long!

What are your favorite loafers to wear with work outfits? Do you see yourself being an all flats, all the time kind of woman going forward, or do you still wear heels occasionally?

{related: check out our Guide to Comfortable Heels!}

The Best Loafers for Work Outfits

The Best Loafer Overall: Sam Edelman

Sam Edelman shoes are often reader favorites — they have crazy cushioning inside, they're affordable, and they're generally on trend. These loafers are no different — they're $150-$170 new but you can often find them for under $100, come in a bunch of colors and patterns.

(Other Sam Edelman classics readers have loved over the years: this pump and this ballet flat.)

The Best Comfort Loafer: Vionic

Another reader favorite, especially for comfort shoes? Vionic. At $135, these shoes are affordable but stylish. The insole is cushioned, with arch support — but is also removable if you have your own favorite insole. You can find them at Zappos and Nordstrom.

More options for comfort: Dr. Scholl's, Rothy's, Birdies (and, honestly, the Sam Edelmans!).

The Best Classic Loafer: Sperry

If you're looking for a super classic option, Sperry has been mentioned a number of times by the readers. They're affordable (right around $100), really highly rated for comfort, and they even have a traditional penny keeper strap.

Another classic option: G.H. Bass loafers.

The Best Feminine Loafer: Tory Burch

We've featured these sleek Tory Burch loafers a lot in the past year or two — they come in a bunch of colors and are a great mix of elegant and preppy. You can currently find them in more than 15 colors at Nordstrom, with a bunch of colors on sale.

They're $298-$348 new, but you may find them under $200 if you're lucky.

The Best Lug Sole Loafer: Madewell

If you're looking for a '90s-inspired lug soled loafer, Madewell has one of the best options — it's luggy without being platformy, if that makes sense. The shoes are made with “LITE” leather — Low Impact to the Environment leather that uses less energy and water than the standard tanning process.

You can get the shoes at Zappos or Madewell.

The Best Splurge Loafer: Ferragamo

Ferragamo shoes are always reader favorites for comfort — one of those IYKYK brands, especially at this price point. They come in lug soles, drivers, and the pictured classic loafers, which are $895.

Another good option for a splurge: Gucci's horsebit loafers. (AGL loafers are another worthy splurge, but for about half the price.)

The Best Foldable, Washable Loafer: Rothy's

Rothy's has a number of different types of loafers — drivers, moccasins, lounge loafers, and the almond-toed loafers we've pictured here.

Most of them come in 10+ colors, sizes 5-13, and are washable, lightweight, and foldable.

Similar options include Birdies, Skechers, and Vivaia.

Other Comfortable Flats for Work We Love

Classic Flats for Work

Some of our favorite comfortable flats for work as of 2024 include M.M.LaFleur, AGL, and French Sole. On the more affordable side, check out Rothy's, Sam Edelman, and Rockport. We've also rounded up the best loafers for work, and our favorite sneakers for work outfits!

Stylish Strappy Flats

Stylish strappy flats can be hard to find! As of 2024, these are some of our favorites — also, in general, check J.Crew and Valentino (on the pricier side, obviously). Nordstrom also has a surprisingly large selection!

Investment Flats to Splurge On

If you want to make an investment in flats, these are some of the most classic options. AGL and Ferragamo are reader favorites for comfort, while Chloé, Chanel and Valentino are all recognizable status symbols.

The Best Washable Flats

There are a ton of machine washable flats these days, and we just rounded up some great options at CorporetteMoms! Whether you need or want these because you're a parent, a pet owner, or a medical worker — or just someone who tends to hate shoes that aren't pristine — there are a ton of affordable and polished styles of washable flats to choose from.

Some of our favorites are these:

The Best Foldable Flats

These can be amazing if you're a) traveling for work and want something super lightweight that won't drag down your bag, or b) you're adjusting to heels or new shoes and just aren't sure how long you're going to last in them. (I've sometimes brought these along on date nights with my husband if I'm really out of practice with heels!)

Readers, do tell: What do you think are the best comfortable flats for work? 

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post The Best Loafers 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.

What are your best dresses for work this year, readers — what are you hunting for, what do you love, and what dress trends are you frustrated by? I know a lot of readers dislike the “rufflepuff” styles, as they call them, for example.

(We try to keep this roundup updated — other more specific dress roundups we've done recently include plus size work dresses, work dresses with pockets, day to night work dresses, fit and flare work dresses, work dresses with matching blazers, colorful sheath dresses for work, work dresses with built-in shapewear, and (over at CorporetteMoms), the best maternity dresses for work.)

{related: these are all of the best work dresses we've loved recently, from our daily Workwear Reports}

What Makes a Dress Appropriate for Work

For my $.02, here's what I think makes a great dress for work:

• thick enough straps or sleeves that there is no chance of bra straps showing through — look for lingerie snaps inside dresses to keep your bra in place, or ask your tailor to add them if you have a problem with falling bra straps
• a work-appropriate length that isn’t too trendy — usually within an inch of your kneecap (here was our last discussion on when a dress is too short for work) 
• if there's a slit, it doesn't rise too high when you're seated (sit down and do the mirror test to make sure!)?
• a fit that is tailored and polished but not “bodycon” — no one wants to work long hours in skintight clothing!
• pockets, which can be great (because, well, pockets!) but often add a lot of bulk and detract from the sleekness (I still almost always want pockets, but that’s me.)
• sleeves, which can also be a double-edged sword — sleeveless styles will inevitably layer better underneath cardigans and blazers. That said, sleeveless looks are not appropriate for every office — so know your office culture if you plan on wearing a sleeveless dress by itself.

Important Details About Work Dresses You Might Not Know

Finally, note that on some sheath dresses you may have to cut your vents for the skirt — if there’s a little X sewn into the bottom of the vent, that probably isn’t supposed to be there. If your office is extremely conservative, you may want to check out our guide to pantyhose — for the rest of you, if you're hunting for something comfortable to wear beneath your work dresses, readers love these comfortable “slip shorts” from Jockey; you can also look for a ton of shapewear.

(OK one more point:  If your dress is part of a suiting set, be sure to dryclean all your pieces together so they show the same wear and tear.)

{related: check out our Guide to Comfortable Heels!}

Where to Find Great Dresses for Work in 2024

Having looked around at a bunch of stores this morning… pickings are kind of slim if you don't want the “rufflepuff” look, as many commenters call it. There are a lot of tiered dresses, racerback dresses, floofy dresses, and so, so many mini (or maxi) dresses, neither of which are traditionally appropriate for work. (Know your office, but in our last discussion on skirt length most readers agreed that knee length or just above is the ideal length for work dresses.)

In general, broad strokes, if you're on the hunt for good dresses for work, I'd check some of these stores — also keep an eye on our page of best work dresses, which collects all the dresses Elizabeth has recommended for our morning workwear reports.

• MM.LaFleur
• J.Crew
• BOSS
• T. Tahari
• Lands' End
• Quince
• Amazon seller Miusol
• Amazon seller MUXXN
• Hobbs
• ASOS can be tricky to recommend any particular dress because inventory changes so frequently, but don't forget about their super affordable dresses for work…

If you're on the hunt for more conservative, traditional dresses for work, these are some of our long-standing favorite dresses…

Great Sheath Dresses for Work

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!

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.

The Best Work Dresses with Pockets

As of 2024, some of the best work dresses with pockets include M.M.LaFleur, J.Crew, Lands' End, Elie Tahari, and Boden… Some of our latest favorites are below! If you're on a budget, Quince has a great basic, this business casual Amazon dress has pockets, and Amazon seller VFShow has a number of dresses with pockets! Both Amazon and Etsy make it pretty easy to find dresses with pockets, as well.

A Few Trendy Work Dresses I'm Liking Right Now…

A Classy But Affordable Work Dress: Quince

This short-sleeved dress from Quince looks like a great summer basic at a fantastic price. As Elizabeth noted, “I know cap sleeves aren’t for everyone, but I find them to be one of the better options for wearing under a jacket or sweater.”

In addition to beige, the dress also comes in your classic black, charcoal, and navy if you’re looking for something a little more traditional. 

The dress is $49.90 at Quince. It comes in sizes XS–XL.

The Best Work Dress That Comes in a Zillion Colors: Amazon Seller MUXXN

There used to be a Facebook group for lawyer moms (it's currently archived, alas), but a lottttt of women were singing the praises of this dress from MUXXN for work, and on Amazon it has 13,500 great reviews. For my $.02, I'd recommend sizing up — but I love that it comes in a zillion colors, is only $30, and comes in sizes S–3X.

(It's important to note that the fabric is a bit more like a polyester T-shirt than a thick ponte — but I love looking at all the real women sharing pictures of themselves in the dress.)

If you're hunting for other colorful sheath dresses for work, some other great options right now include Donna Morgan, Calvin Klein, MMLF, and Boden. Another great Amazon option: Miusol and the other dresses we mentioned in our roundup of what to buy at Amazon for work outfits (based on reader favorites).

A Feminine but Sedate Work Dress: J.Crew Factory

If you're hunting for an affordable dress, this J.Crew Factory one is a pretty good option — it's $69 today, comes in 2 colors, sizes 0-18.

Another really affordable option is this modal surplice dress from Lands' End; some colors are as low as $23 today. It's available in regular, petite, and plus sizes with a ton of different color options. Another great affordable option: this bright Eloquii dress that we've featured before, down to $39 today and available in 5 colors, sizes 14-28.

A Great Fit & Flare Work Dress with Pockets: Elie Tahari

A great fit and flare work dress can be hard to find, even more so if you want pockets — that's why I love this classic option from Elie Tahari! The dress is based off the neckline from their best-selling Judith blouses.

It's available in sizes 0-16 for $448.

(Another fit and flare work dress with pockets: this plus-size bestseller from City Chic.)

The Best Washable Wool Work Dress: Lands' End

In addition to the modal surplice dress mentioned above, Lands' End is a great spot for washable wool dresses like the one above (it comes in regular and plus sizes); they also have a few colors of a boring but solid ponte dress in regular, petite, and plus sizes.

The Best Desk to Dinner Dress: M.M.LaFleur

This dress may be my favorite one in the bunch, and it makes a great day to night dress — I love the wide boatneck, the drapey sleeves, the side ruching — it's classic but fun as well. As I mentioned above, MM.LaFleur has a TON of great dresses for work.

This one comes in many colors, sizes 0P-18, for $345. (And it's machine washable and made with recycled polyester.)

Other brands with lots of machine washable work dresses include British brands Hobbs (sizes 0-14) and Boden.

The Work Dress You'll Have Forever: St. John

If you're looking for a timeless sheath dress that's a bit of a splurge, this St. John dress has been around for a zillion years in their classic Milano knit, described as a “dense, wool-blend” (50% viscose, “dry clean”) that “maintains its shape and offers near-seasonless wearability.” Nice! At $795, it's one of the pricier options — reviewers note that it runs large, and as many readers have noted, you can often find great deals on St. John at resale sites and during big Nordstrom sales.

Other great options for a splurge include Theory, Hugo Boss, and Black Halo (their Jackie dress is still going strong after 10+ years, and I swear Nordstrom just brought it back to their product catalog.)

Readers, what dresses for work are you liking these days?

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post The Hunt: The Best 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.

As temperatures start to climb, that blazer starts to look less and less attractive — constricting! hot! layers! oh my! And of course, if you CAN get away with it at your workplace or job, you ditch the blazer for a sleeved sheath dress, only keep it in your office as a topper for air conditioning, or find other professional things to wear.

Still, for those of you who want to wear blazers in hotter temperatures (at conferences, cocktail parties, and other networking events that may be indoors or outdoors), I thought we’d round up some summer blazers in linen, cotton, and other lightweight fabrics — we looked at lightweight blazers last year, but it’s time for an update.

Linen! Seersucker! Cotton pique! Eyelet! There are a million varieties on the lightweight summer blazers — we thought we’d round up some of the best.

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

The Best Summer Blazers for Women: Our Favorites

Hunting for lightweight blazers in linen and other fabrics? As of 2024, J.Crew's Helena blazer in stretch linen is a bestseller, as is this super affordable Quince blazer and this Old Navy blazer (regular, tall, and petite up to 4X). Along related lines (all machine washable!), check out Uniqlo's Airsense jacket (lightweight and stretchy), Madewell's Drapeweave line (lightweight and drapey) and Brooks Brothers' Soft Icons line (lightweight and drapey).

The Best Washable Blazers for Women

As of 2024, these are some of the reader favorites that are also machine washable blazers…

The Best White Blazers for Summer

Not all white blazers are cooling and lightweight, of course — but they can be a really stylish look for summer, and a great way to summer-fy your entire work wardrobe.

As of April 2024, some of our favorite stylish white blazers for work include options from J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Ann Taylor, Liverpool, and Amazon (Cicy Bell, The Drop). If you're looking to splurge, try Smythe or L'Agence.

The Best Summer Blazers: A Closer Look at the Styles

The Best Summer Blazer in Linen: J.Crew Helena

This stretch linen blazer is a bestseller at J.Crew, where they offer it in SEVEN colors for $178-$198, and in sizes 000-24, 00P-12P, 2T-20T.

I like that you can make it a set (with select colors, at least) with the matching Carolina pants and this vest.

The patch pockets are also great, both to give it a collegiate flair as well as a place to keep your building card, business cards, or even just a place to hide your tampon on the way to office bathroom.

The Best Affordable Summer Blazer: Uniqlo

We've featured Uniqlo's AirSense line a few times — these jackets have “UV cut technology,” and are made from a “[i]ncredibly lightweight, stretchy, comfortable fabric with a premium texture, jointly developed with Toray Industries, Inc.” They’re designed to be wrinkle-resistant for easy care, and have “DRY technology.” (I can’t find a description of DRY technology, except to note that they sell men’s active shirts from the same fabric.)

Commenters love to note how lightweight the suit is.

In addition to being breezy, you can get matching pieces for a really affordable price: the jacket is $80, and the pants are $40; both are available in sizes XXS-XXL.

Other great options for affordable summer blazers for women: Quince and Old Navy; you can also find some good sales on Madewell's Drapeweave blazers.

The Best Summer Blazer for Travel: M.M.LaFleur

Lightweight, machine washable, and wrinkle resistant — those are some of the many reasons people love M.M.LaFleur's #1 bestselling blazer. It's currently available in six colors in sizes 00-20 for $335, and you can find matching pieces like multiple dresses and pants, different cuts for blazers, and skirts, all in their OrigamiTech fabric.

The Best Summer Blazer for a Splurge: Smythe

Smythe has a number of linen blazers, but this green linen and silk number is my absolute favorite. Silk and linen are both incredibly cooling fabrics on their own — but they can both be incredibly wrinkly on their own. When combined though you usually get a bit more structure, as well as better wrinkle releasing.

The pictured blazer is $895 at Nordstrom; you can find more linen options from Smythe at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks.

Another good option for a splurge: Veronica Beard has a bunch of beautiful linen blazers. Looking for something more affordable, but still in linen and silk? This beautiful blue Hobbs blazer is on sale, and Ann Taylor has a pretty turquoise suit set in a linen/silk blend.

The Best Summer Blazer in Cotton/Linen: Cinq à Sept

This Cinq à Sept blazer in a linen/cotton blend looks fabulous — I especially like the ruched sleeves for a summery touch here. (The brand's much-loved Khloe blazer also has ruched sleeves.)

The blazer is available in sizes 2-14 for $395.

Another great option: this L'Agence blazer, which may be our Suit of the Week this week it's so gorgeous… Also, Frank & Eileen's “performance linen blazer” is a blend of 50% cotton, 48% linen, and 2% elastyne.

On the more affordable side of things, check out this GibsonLook blazer in an 80% linen/20% cotton blend.

Looking for plus sizes? This Marina Rinaldi option is gorgeous.

The Best Seersucker Blazer for Women: J.Crew Factory

We featured this J.Crew Factory blazer about a week ago, in anticipation of Seersucker Thursday… but seersucker is a classic fabric for Southern summers because it's very cooling!

The blazer is $149, but today's sale offers an additional 60% off. It comes in sizes 00-24 and has a few matching pieces.

Another good option for seersucker: this Brooks Brothers set, or this Max Mara blazer marked 50% off.

The Best Summer Blazer in Cotton Pique: Ann Taylor

Cotton pique is another fabric that I tend to think of for summer blazers — but it can be hard to find!

My definition of cotton pique is a textured, almost puckered cotton that holds its shape better than a plain cotton weave. I also tend to think of these as being 100% cotton, but it seems like there are a lot of cotton/poly blends out there at the moment…

Ann Taylor has a number of promising blazers in a cotton pique, though — the pictured blazer comes in this cream as well as a kelly green, and there are some blazers in purple as well.

Other Great Summer Work Clothes for Women

Wondering what else to wear to work in the summer? Here are some of our latest favorites. You may also want to check out our roundup of the easiest office up-dos!

Summer Work Pants

Some of our favorite summer work pants for women as of 2024 include options from Nic + Zoe, M.M.LaFleur, Ministry of Supply, Uniqlo — and Banana Republic Factory sometimes has pants in their AirStretch line, also!

Opaque White T-Shirts

Hunting for opaque white T-shirts for work? As of 2024, we'd suggest checking the double-layer lines from Boden, Express, Old Navy, and Hobbs, as well as great sources for basic Pima cotton such as L.L.Bean, Uniqlo, Everlane, Banana Republic, and Talbots. (This $268 tee also gets great reviews for opacity, and Elizabeth swears by this tee under $30!)

As of 2024, the best spots to check for nude-for-you undergarments are Gap, Old Navy, or Nubian Skin for tons of options — Victoria's Secret also has a bunch!

White Pants for Work

Some of our favorite white pants for work as of April 2024 include Nic + Zoe, Talbots, Spanx, Favorite Daughter, Everlane, Lafayette 148 New York, Vince, and Cinq à Sept! For budget-friendly options, try Old Navy or Tapata. If your office is OK with 5-pocket styles and/or denim, check out the highly rated Wit & Wisdom and NYDJ pants.

Work Dresses with Pockets

As of 2024, some of the best work dresses with pockets include M.M.LaFleur, J.Crew, Lands' End, Elie Tahari, and Boden… Some of our latest favorites are below! If you're on a budget, Quince has a great basic, this business casual Amazon dress has pockets, and Amazon seller VFShow has a number of dresses with pockets! Both Amazon and Etsy make it pretty easy to find dresses with pockets, as well.

Lightweight, Seasonless Sweaters

Our latest favorite lightweight sweaters for work include this Nic + Zoe cardigan and this M.M.LaFleur jardigan; readers have also sung the praises of these beach sweaters at J.Crew Factory. We've also rounded up 100% cotton sweaters, as well as the classic summer sweater, the twinset.

Products to Keep You Cool On Your Commute

These are some interesting products to help you cool down or stay cool on your commute… see more clever products like this in our Amazon shop!

Our Latest Favorite Sunscreens

Don't forget sun protection (especially face, hands, and chest)! Sunscreens readers have loved over the years are pictured above: Elta MD, Supergoop!, and this $17 sunscreen (Kat's favorite). Sephora's 2024 Sun Safety Kit is also out and a huge hit with readers. If you're hunting for cute rash guards, check out J.Crew, Boden, Coolibar, and Athleta.

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

The post The Best Summer Blazers for Women appeared first on Corporette.com.

Lightweight, summer dress pants and summer work pants for women can be difficult to find — you want to look professional, yet be cool, and of course you don't want to look like a wrinkled mess. (We've also gotten reader questions from active women who do a ton of sports and activities in the summer that result in bruised legs, making them prefer pants to skirts in the summer.) Let's discuss…

Ladies, do you prefer to wear pants year-round — and if so, what fabrics and styles do you prefer in summer? Any classic pants you buy year after year in new colors? 

Some of our main fashion articles that might be of interest include our Ultimate Guide to Business Casual, Wardrobe Essentials for Work, and The Corporette Guide to Comfortable Heels — all constantly updated! If you're just starting out or on a budget, check out our Affordable Office Clothes roundup — and if you're plus-sized, check out our Plus-Size Picks for Work.

We've also talked about other summer topics, such as how makeup in the summer changes, how to look professional when it's hot out, and how to stay cool on your commute on really hot days. (We've also talked about whether pantyhose in summer is actually a thing or not…)

In terms of dress pants for women, we've rounded up the best work pants for women in general, talked about the perfect pants fit for women, how to wash your pants, and where to find pants with pockets.

{related: guide for summer associates}

General Tips on Summer Work Pants for Women

Some general tips at the outset for stylish summer dress pants for work:

• Watch the pockets — even even regular five-pocket styles can be too casual for most offices (but know your office!), so be especially wary of cargo pockets
• look for details like pintucked creases down the front — the pintucked creases have a way of keeping the look sharp and structured even as the pants loosen up through the day
• check out our tips on how to avoid sheer pants if you're leaning towards wearing white pants for summer
• if you hate ironing, always hang your pants upside down using a pants hanger — the weight of the waistband will drag them down! (This is also a great tip for washable pants for work outfits!)

Our Latest Favorite Summer Work Pants

Some of our favorite summer work pants for women as of 2024 include options from Nic + Zoe, M.M.LaFleur, Ministry of Supply, Uniqlo — and Banana Republic Factory sometimes has pants in their AirStretch line, also!

Lightweight Summer Pant Suits

Hunting for travel-friendly suits for women or lightweight suits? As of 2024, some of our favorites include these brands/lines: 1) M.M.LaFleur, 2) Ministry of Supply, 3) Paul Smith, and 4) Talbots. (Not pictured: Eddie Bauer and Suitably! Brooks Brothers also occasionally has suiting in their BrooksCool line, and Uniqlo occasionally has Airism suiting. ) You may also want to check out our roundup of washable suits for women!

Types of Summer Dress Pants for Women

Summer Dress Pants in Stretch Cotton

For a more conservative business casual office, stretch cotton is probably the first line of defense. These are widely available in ankle pants; you can also find some stretch cotton trouser options.

For a more conservative business casual office, I would look for full-length cotton pants without lining. These are increasingly difficult to find, though!

In 2024, you can find cute summer work pants in stretch cotton at Brooks Brothers, Frank & Eileen, Spanx, Vince, and Ann Taylor.

Summer Dress Pants in Cotton Pique

Textured cotton pique pants can be lighter than regular cotton, but hold their shape a bit better — and they wrinkle a bit less than linen trousers.

Good options for summer work pants in cotton pique include Krazy Larry, Ann Taylor, and Loft.

Summer Dress Pants in Seersucker

Seersucker options can be great (particularly in certain parts of the country, like DC, where they have Seersucker Thursday!) — and they often offer matching blazers for women.

Stylish Summer Work Pants in Drapey Fabrics

Know your office well, but note that there are now a ton of relaxed pants in crepe and other flowy materials — perfect for hot days. The trick is finding ones that have a breathable blend instead of 100% polyester… Blends with TENCEL and bamboo both tend to be good options to look for.

Good options in 2024 for drapey summer work pants include Everlane, Madewell, Ministry of Supply, and Brooks Brothers. AG's Caden pants are also made of a TENCEL blend.

Stylish Summer Dress Pants: Linen

Linen is the obvious choice for hot summer days — but it's so hard to find a great pair for work. Still: here are just some days where you need to be in a suit or something else Very Professional, weather be damned — a summer associate lawn party, an old courthouse, some other sweltering summer event — and linen is the obvious choice here.

Note that a cotton linen blend will wrinkle less; also note that the closer to 100% linen an option is, there may be opacity problems (yay) and shape-retention problems (i.e. serious stretching out).

(Another warning: you may think that palazzo linen pants are a classic for summer… but I don't wear mine anymore since my then-pre-schooler asked why mommy was wearing pajamas. So… maybe keep those for the beach.)

Good options in 2024 for linen dress pants include Banana Republic Factory, Boden, Theory, NYDJ*, and J.Crew Factory.

Summer Work Pants in Seasonless Fabrics or Tropical Wool

These aren't going to be your lightest options, but if you can find them they're going to hold up better, be wearable for more seasons, and probably have matching blazers and other pieces.

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!

Can You Wear Athleisure Pants to Work in the Summer?

Readers in the past have noted that they love golf pants, and there are a ton of athleisure pants that are very acceptable for a lot of offices.

Know your office, of course, but in 2024 some of the reader favorites for lightweight athleisure pants include Athleta's Brooklyn pants, Adidas Golf pants, and these Lululemon pants.

Great Summer Work Pants for Business Casual and Conservative Offices

Uniqlo Smart Pants

These are shockingly lightweight, very comfortable (many styles are pull-on only), and usually have pockets. They're regularly $39 at Uniqlo.

Banana Republic Factory AirStretch

Banana Republic Factory often has pants in their AirStretch line. The brand describes them as “light as air and engineered with performance technology, this ultra flexible fabric is consciously crafted from 86% recycled polyester, 14% spandex.” Nice!

The pictured, tapered pants are available in three colors sizes XXS-XXL — they were $75 but are marked down today.

Nic & Zoe Wonderstretch

These are the priciest of the bunch, at $128–$138, but readers love these for a great reason — their pull-on waistband makes them extraordinarily comfortable! They're also machine washable. 

(Elizabeth thought these pants were a very similar dupe if you're hunting for more colors or prints!)

Ministry of Supply Velocity Pants

Reviewers love these machine washable and “naturally wrinkle resistant” pants for hot weather. They also offer a comfort waistband with encased elastic in the back for a clean look in front, slanted full-hand front pockets back patch pockets, and pintuck stitching on the front and back leg.

The pictured pants are available in three colors in sizes XXS-XXL for $185; there's also a tapered version in this fabric. You may also want to check out their crepe fabric and “kinetic twill;” both are also great for breathability.

M.M.LaFleur OrigamiTech

M.M.LaFleur has some pants in an “airy” fabric, but their OrigamiTech is one of their bestsellers and is lightweight, easy to fold, machine washable, and wrinkle resistant. There are matching blazers and dresses, as well.

The pictured Colby pants are $235 and available in 8 colors, sizes 00-20.

Readers, how about you — which are your favorite lightweight summer pants for women? 

Other Great Summer Work Clothes for Women

Wondering what else to wear to work in the summer? Here are some of our latest favorites. You may also want to check out our roundup of the easiest office up-dos!

Opaque White T-Shirts

Hunting for opaque white T-shirts for work? As of 2024, we'd suggest checking the double-layer lines from Boden, Express, Old Navy, and Hobbs, as well as great sources for basic Pima cotton such as L.L.Bean, Uniqlo, Everlane, Banana Republic, and Talbots. (This $268 tee also gets great reviews for opacity, and Elizabeth swears by this tee under $30!)

As of 2024, the best spots to check for nude-for-you undergarments are Gap, Old Navy, or Nubian Skin for tons of options — Victoria's Secret also has a bunch!

Lightweight Blazers

Hunting for lightweight blazers for summer in linen and other fabrics? As of 2024, J.Crew's Helena blazer in stretch linen is a bestseller, as is this super affordable Quince blazer and Old Navy (regular, tall, and petite up to 4X). Along related lines (all machine washable!), check out Uniqlo's Airsense jacket (lightweight and stretchy), Madewell's Drapeweave line (lightweight and drapey) and Brooks Brothers' seersucker line (lightweight and cooling). You can find silk/linen blazers at Ann Taylor and Hobbs; Ann Taylor also has a number of cotton pique options.

White Blazers

As of April 2024, some of our favorite stylish white blazers for work include options from J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, Ann Taylor, Liverpool, and Amazon (Cicy Bell, The Drop). If you're looking to splurge, try Smythe or L'Agence.

White Pants for Work

Some of our favorite white pants for work as of April 2024 include Nic + Zoe, Talbots, Spanx, Favorite Daughter, Everlane, Lafayette 148 New York, Vince, and Cinq à Sept! For budget-friendly options, try Old Navy or Tapata. If your office is OK with 5-pocket styles and/or denim, check out the highly rated Wit & Wisdom and NYDJ pants.

Work Dresses with Pockets

As of 2024, some of the best work dresses with pockets include M.M.LaFleur, J.Crew, Lands' End, Elie Tahari, and Boden… Some of our latest favorites are below! If you're on a budget, Quince has a great basic, this business casual Amazon dress has pockets, and Amazon seller VFShow has a number of dresses with pockets! Both Amazon and Etsy make it pretty easy to find dresses with pockets, as well.

Lightweight, Seasonless Sweaters

Our latest favorite lightweight sweaters for work include this Nic + Zoe cardigan and this M.M.LaFleur jardigan. We've also rounded up 100% cotton sweaters, as well as the classic summer sweater, the twinset.

100% silk sweaters are incredibly hard to find at the moment, but Nordstrom has a very limited collection, and J.Crew has a short-sleeve silk sweater.

Some of our favorite silk-cashmere sweaters for work include these from LaLigne and Brooks Brothers; if you're looking to splurge, Akris has a bunch right now.

As of 2024, you can find cotton-cashmere sweaters at Quince, L.L.Bean, and Reformation. You can also sometimes find them from brands like Nordstrom Signature.

Another lightweight but luxe option: cashmere-linen sweaters, such as this option from Vineyard Vines.

Hunting for cotton-merino blends? Everlane has a bunch as of Feb. 2024.

Products to Keep You Cool On Your Commute

These are some interesting products to help you cool down or stay cool on your commute… see more clever products like this in our Amazon shop!

Our Latest Favorite Sunscreens

Don't forget sun protection (especially face, hands, and chest)! Sunscreens readers have loved over the years are pictured above: Elta MD, Supergoop!, and this $17 sunscreen (Kat's favorite). Sephora's 2024 Sun Safety Kit is also out and a huge hit with readers. If you're hunting for cute rash guards, check out J.Crew, Boden, Coolibar, and Athleta.

More Great Work Pants for Women

The Best Work Pants for Women Overall

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.

Women's Dress Pants by Fit: Plus, Petite, Curvy, Tall, and Plus-Size Petites

The Best Plus-Size Pants for the Office

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.

The Most Comfortable Dress Pants

There are a bunch of great pull-on pants for the office in 2024. Some of our longstanding favorites include those from Athleta*, Everlane, Eileen Fisher*, Betabrand*, and Uniqlo. If you're looking for something a bit more polished but still ultra comfy, check out Nic & Zoe* or NYDJ*. (Brands with plus sizes are marked with asterisks.)

Some particular styles we love are below:

The Best Work Pants for Curvy Girls

Hunting for work pants if you're curvy? As of 2024, you can find them at Ann Taylor (regular and petite sizes 00-18), Banana Republic Factory (00-20, 00P-14P, 00T-20T), Loft (regular, petite, and tall sizes 00-18), and White House Black Market (00-18, regular, short, and long). Talbots also offers some options in sizes regular, petite, plus, and plus-size petites, as does Lane Bryant. (Banana Republic seems to have temporarily stopped making them, unfortunately.)

The Best Pants in Tall Sizes

Hunting for tall cuts in extended sizes? As of 2023, we suggest you check out Aritzia (00T-16T) (known for being very small!), Banana Republic Factory (00T-20T), Betabrand (XSL-3XL), J.Crew (00T-20T), J.Crew Factory (00T-20T), Express (0L-18L), and White House Black Market (00L-18L). For larger sizes, check out Eloquii (14T-32T) and Ulla Popken (12L-34L).

The Best Petite Work Pants

There are a ton of petite work pants right now. Some reader-favorite stores and brands include Liverpool, Banana Republic Factory (00P-18P), J.Crew Factory (00P-12P), Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Boden, J.Crew (00P-12P), Spanx, Boss, Hobbs, Lafayette 148 New York (0P-16P), and Reiss; Nordstrom is always a great place to check. Quince also has both 30″ and 32″ lengths.

The Best Plus-Size Petite Work Pants

As of 2024, this is where you can find plus-size petites…

• Alfani (at Macy's)
• ASOS
• Avenue
• Dillards
• Eloquii
• eShakti (up to 6X/36W/custom)
• J.Jill (14P-20P)
• Lafayette 148 New York (up to size 16P)
• Lands' End (lots up to 18P, with select options for plus-petite sizes up to 26)
• Lane Bryant (up to 28)
• NYDJ (up to 18P)
• Spanx
• Sumissura (custom)
• Talbots
• Tapata (Amazon seller with options up to XXLP)
• Ulla Popken (short sizes 12S-38S)

More Seasonal Dress Pants

Machine Washable Dress Pants

Some of our favorite washable pants for work in 2024 include Nic & Zoe, M.M.LaFleur, Uniqlo, Everlane, Eileen Fisher, J.Crew, Ann Taylor, Old Navy, and more. Note that our roundups of pull-on pants for the office and summer work pants also include a ton of washable pants!)

White Dress Pants for Work

Some of our favorite white pants for work as of April 2024 include Nic + Zoe, Talbots, Spanx, Favorite Daughter, Everlane, Lafayette 148 New York, Vince, and Cinq à Sept! For budget-friendly options, try Old Navy or Tapata. If your office is OK with 5-pocket styles and/or denim, check out the highly rated Wit & Wisdom and NYDJ pants.

Affordable Women's Office Pants

As of 2024, I think my top pick for affordable dress pants for women would be Uniqlo — they're under $50 and come in petite, regular, and tall sizes — and the inseam length is alterable for $0-$5 (anywhere between 16″-25.5″). I know readers have spoken highly of Old Navy's Pixie pants over the years, as well. If the pant comes in regular, petite, short, tall, long, or maternity sizes, we've marked that with R/P/S/T/L/M below. Another great option: people swear the Quince pants are dupes for Spanx.

Stock photo via Pexels / Elina Volkova.

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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.

Short-sleeved sweater tees are trending a bit right now — and they're great work basics, so I thought we'd round some up.

I've always been a fan of sweater tees, particularly beneath blazers and suit jackets, for a number of reasons. They don't gape like blouses! They're thicker and often more opaque than simple t-shirts! And — and this has been a big one for me since I personally hate tucking: they generally still look polished even if they're untucked.

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

Our Latest Favorite Short-Sleeved Sweaters

Some of our favorite short-sleeved sweater tees for 2024 include Quince ($45!), Ann Taylor, J.Crew,* and this Amazon bestseller. (* plus sizes too!) If you're hunting for something fancier, check out Kule; Tuckernuck also has one in a cashmere/silk. As of 2024, Nordstrom and Anthropologie both have a huge selection of sweater tees. (All of the ones below come in white and black, as well as other colors!)

Stylish Short-Sleeved Sweater Tees of 2024

The Best Budget Sweater Tee: Amazon/Foshow

This Amazon sweater has been around for a few years now, and has been a reader favorite for many of them.

I like the wide variety of colors and patterns offered (as well as the necklines, I feel like a sweater tee with a V-neck is hard to find!). The top is under $30 at Amazon.

The Most Affordable Cashmere Tee: Quince

Quince is one of the most affordable options for cashmere tees. Their Mongolian Cashmere Tee has been a bestseller at their site, and currently has 3200+ great reviews.

It's available in 12 different colors, in sizes XS-XL. (I'm not sure how often the colors and styles change — I feel like the two striped options they have right now are new, and other colors they had in the past, like light blue, are missing at the moment.)

The Best Summer Sweater for Petites: Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor has a bunch of summer sweaters and short-sleeved sweater tees at the moment, most available in regular and petite sizes. They offer a few basics all the time, with the rest being seasonal colors and patterns.

This wide-ribbed sweater tee looks great (and has a 5-star rating) — I like the wide ribbed fabric and the slightly puffy elbow-length sleeves. I've pictured it in magenta shadow, but it comes in four other colors as well. It's available in classic and petite sizes XXS-XXL for $60 today.

(This bright floral one in the same color as the pictured one is gorgeous, and I also like elegant this cashmere puff sleeve.)

The Best Silk Sweater Tee: Brooks Brothers

I just found this one today and I'm really excited — this elegant “shawl collar” sweater has been a reader favorite and best-seller at Brooks Brothers for at least a decade, but this is the first time I've seen it in a short-sleeved iteration.

It's available in three colors, and is even on sale today: it was $148, then marked to $75, then take an extra 20% off at checkout.

The Best Sweater Tee in Plus Sizes: J.Crew

J.Crew doesn't use plus size models, but they've done a great job expanding their offerings to almost always offer plus sizes, up to 3X. This “slightly shrunken sweater tee” comes in a bunch of fun, springy colors — and it's only $98 at full price. Nice!

They also offer a “relaxed cashmere sweater tee” for just a bit more, $118, with even more colors, including black and white.

The Best Short-Sleeved Sweater with Patterns: Maeve

Anthropologie has had a great stock of sweater tees in recent months, with almost always something interesting from Maeve.

We've seen a few iterations of their Harmon sweater, in particular, with this plaid number being one of their newest options — I love that it comes in regular, petite, and plus sizes, and all for $98.

(I also really like this diagonally ribbed sweater tee in white, as well as this gorgeous floral short-sleeve sweater (down to lucky sizes in some colors).

The Best Wool Sweater Tee: The Reset

The Reset is a newer brand to me, but I really like the elevated basics they have. They have a number of sweater tees at the moment; I think this “essential pullover” is my favorite.

It's made from “100% Fine Merino Cashfeel Wool,” and the brand suggests you hand wash it cold and use a sweater brush or sweater shaver regularly to remove pilling.

It's available in sizes XS-XL, for $188.

Another good option in this price range (but in cashmere): Kule.

The Best Short-Sleeved Sweaters for a Splurge: Nordstrom

Nordstrom's short-sleeve sweater game has also been on point lately, but with the inventory changing frequently. Some of my favorite options for today include:

• this cream cashmere polo from The Row for $1750
• this olive sweater tee from Akris with a contrast neckline (and back) for $495
• this happy purple polo sweater from Theory for $295
• this black and sand short-sleeved sweater from Vince for $295

Short-Sleeved Sweaters with Matching Cardigans

Sometimes, twinsets come with a matching short-sleeved sweater instead of a sweater tank (“shell”) — personally I've never liked to wear them as twinsets because the sleeves always look a bit funny under cardigans, but when I've found them I've often bought them together and worn them as separates or, when in need of layering for warmth, with the sweater tee beneath the blazer, and the cardigan slung around my shoulders. (I.e., classic preppy.)

Twinsets aren't hugely popular right now, of course — but you can still find them at classic spots like Brooks Brothers, and (no short-sleeved options in stock at the moment, but check back if you like this look): Talbots and J.Crew Factory. (This is the pictured paisley one… and, yowzers, there's a matching dress and pants.)

Like this feature? Check out other recent installments!

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Sure, we all know what work wardrobe essentials 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. Today: we're hunting for budget-friendly interview suits for women!

Obviously, we cover a Suit of the Week every week, and we have our regularly updated Guide to Interview Suits as well as our recent overview of brands of suits for women for every budget— but we haven't specifically looked for a budget-friendly interview suit for women in a few years, so let's round them up!

Readers, which are your favorite budget-friendly interview suits?

If you’re on the hunt for basic suiting for women, in addition to our major roundup of the best suits for women in every budget, we've also done roundups for suits if you're petite, tall, plus-sized, or pregnant — as well as how to wear a suit in general.

Some of our main fashion articles that might be of interest include our Ultimate Guide to Business Casual, Wardrobe Essentials for Work, and The Corporette Guide to Comfortable Heels — all constantly updated! If you're just starting out or on a budget, check out our Affordable Office Clothes roundup — and if you're plus-sized, check out our Plus-Size Picks for Work.

Here's our latest discussion on the top brands for affordable women's suits, as well as our previous discussion on cheap interview suits, as well as our discussion of whether you can mix black separates to make a suit (noooooooo!).

What to Look For In an Interview Suit for Women

In general, if you're hunting for an interview suit, keep an eye out for options with a) suiting separates b) available in a solid, dark, neutral color, c) that fit your budget.

By buying suiting separates you can get a better fit off the rack (such as by buying a size 10 pant and a size 12 blazer, and maybe even a petite skirt even if everything else is a regular size) — and you can make several outfits, particularly if there are two blazers, such as one that's collarless and one that's the traditional lapel+button.

Our Guide to Basic Suiting has a lot more details on basic features to look for.

Remember to dry clean all suit separates together! We've also done a guide to the best suiting alterations for women.

The Best Budget-Friendly Interview Suits for Women

Some of our favorite budget-friendly interview suits for women include stores like Banana Republic Factory*†, J.Crew Factory*†, Mango*, and Express†, as well as widely available brands like Anne Klein Executive, Vince Camuto*, Calvin Klein*†, and Tahari ASL. For a vintage vibe, check Amazon seller Marycrafts*. (* = some plus sizes also, † = petites)

The Best Brands for Affordable Women's Business Suits

Some of our favorite brands for affordable women's suits include stores like Banana Republic Factory*, J.Crew Factory*, Mango*, and Express, as well as widely available brands like Anne Klein Executive, Vince Camuto*, Calvin Klein*, and Tahari ASL.

In the past, readers have also mentioned Dress Barn, Kohls, and Target as good “first suit” stores.

Marycrafts

I would not recommend a Marycrafts suit for a BigLaw interview or the like — but if you're seriously in need of a dirt cheap interview suit for women, you should check out Amazon seller Marycrafts.

The clothes tend to have a bit of a vintage vibe, but you can usually get either a skirt suit or pant suit (both pieces!) for under $75.

Express

I hesitate to recommend Express suiting, even for budget-friendly interview suits, because I tend to associate it with looks that are often too tight and too curve-hugging — but if you know that going in you can be wary when picking out a suit.

A major con to budget-friendly suit separates is that the pants can often feel frumpy (one of the reasons skirt suits can be easier!) so it's a major pro that Express blazers pair with their Editor and Columnist pants, loved by readers and on our list of great washable pants for work.

If you’re a fan of their Editor/Columnist pants, do check out their matching blazers and other suiting options.

Sale to watch for: 50% off — you can probably expect to pay less than $165 for both pieces. They also offer short and long lengths, which is great if you're shorter or taller!

Banana Republic Factory

BR’s outlet section has a lot of good finds for work, particularly on the more affordable, classic side of things (including a TON of washable suits!). Note that because these pieces may be produced just for the Factory Store it may mean that there are differences in fit and quality — so keep that in mind when ordering.

We frequently feature them in our Suit of the Week posts because they often branch into fun colors and prints. Selections include regular, petite, and tall sizes up to 20, as well as (occasionally) “curvy” fit pants. Their Sculpted suiting line is their most basic sort of interview suits.

Sale to watch for: 30% off. 

Vince Camuto

Vince Camuto, sold at Nordstrom, Macy's, and other department stores, often makes really affordable, basic women's suiting (sometimes in plus sizes, as well, although at the moment pickings look pretty scarce there).

The notched blazer we've pictured here has been around for many years, in a lot of different fabrics and colors — it's about as classic as you can get.

Expect to pay around $200, unless you can find the brand on sale — that does happen but it seems to be at a time when they're restocking so the sales are often down to lucky sizes.

(Note that Nordstrom has an excellent return policy, though!)

Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein is another great option sold at department stores like Macy's, and they come in petites. Because the brand is sold as separates, you can get the size you need.

The exact blazer we've pictured comes in black and charcoal (as well as an odd denim-like navy).

Macy's has a ton of similar options from similar brands that offer separates like Kasper, T Tahari, and Calvin Klein.

J.Crew Factory

J.Crew’s factory outlet is a great source for workwear, particularly affordable wool suiting separates — inventory comes and goes, but when it’s in stock it’s pretty great.

They almost always have basic cotton suiting — this isn't ideal for interviews because it can get wrinkly, but they can be great basics for other suit days (particularly in the heat of summer).

Level Up: The Best Suits to Get For Slightly More Money

Mid-Range Suits for Women

Of course, we'd be remiss in this article without noting that Ann Taylor, J.Crew, and Banana Republic are options to consider if you're on the hunt for budget-friendly interview suits for women — they can feel a bit pricier, but are great first suits if you like the fit.

For Ann Taylor, look for the tropical wool suiting or the all-season stretch — both will be great basics to take you from interviews to the first days on the job. Prices range from $98-$140 at Ann Taylor (with lots of different options for the fit of pants, as well as petite and tall sizes up to size 18).

Meanwhile, over at J.Crew, note that they have phased out their longstanding suiting collection of Super 120s wool in favor of “Italian stretch wool” and “bi-stretch cotton” — the wool will be better for interviews than cotton, which will wrinkle easier (but be better for hot summer workdays).

Some of our favorite mid-range suits for women (which sometimes have such frequent sales that they come down to the same range as our “budget” suits) include Ann Taylor, J.Crew, Talbots, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, and Antonio Melani. (Talbots and J.Crew usually have plus sizes, and the others offer petites.)

Investment Women's Suits for Interviews

Some of our favorite “investment” suits for women include brands like Theory, Reiss, Hugo Boss, M.M.LaFleur, and Brooks Brothers — expect to pay north of $500 for both pieces.

Readers, what are your favorite styles and brands for the affordable interview suit for women? What stores am I missing — have you found great budget-friendly interview suits at ASOS, Zara, Amazon, or any other stores? What do you look for in a suit for interviews? 

Stock photo via Deposit Photos / IgorVetushko.

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