Printed Tie Belt Dress ($46)

This week, we’ve talked about pencil skirts, blouses, blazers and good undergarments, but I’ve saved the best for last.

I love dresses.  They are so easy and chic.  If you don’t wear dresses to work, I highly encourage you to give it a try.  They’re the best thing for when you’re running late to work and need to look pulled together in a hurry or when you need to be professionally dressed but comfortable at the same time.

This dress from Neiman Marcus Last Call would be perfect for summertime on the Hill.  Switch out the flimsy tie belt for something a bit more substantial, and you could wear it with wedge sandals on casual days or with high heels for work.

I  like Dorothy Perkins for inexpensive dresses that are long enough for work.  This colorblock dress is fantastic.  I loved yesterday’s mint sheath, and this red one is just as chic.  This coral tulip-dress is really pretty.  And this full-skirted dress with a sheer yoke is perfect for evening events.

If you’re not crazy about DP, Limited has some nice dresses, I especially like this Sophie Theallet-designed shirt dress and this ponte peplum sheath.

Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft also carry a wide selection of dresses that are great for work.  This cross-front dress is a great three-season option.  And I adore this stripe dress; it would look great under a red cardigan.

If you have a Hill-Staffer amount of money to spend, I think Nordstrom has the best selection of $100-$200 work dresses out there.  This faux-wrap is an easy classic.  This ruched sheath dress is a versatile choice (but it could benefit from a belt).  And this printed Tahari is just calling my name!

If you’re petite, I love this combo dress and this brightly colored ikat print dress.  If you’re plus size, this belted navy is pure office-chic and this orange dress is fun and bright.