Ask Belle: Eight Work Dresses Under-$175

May 21, 2015

Dear Belle,

I just started my first “real job,” and while I’m really excited, I also can’t find dresses that I like. All the ones I find are either too short or look really cheap.  Can you help me find a few for work that cost under-$175?  My office is a little conservative, but not suits every day kind of conservative.  And I’d love to find some sleeved dresses.

Love your blog! Hilary

Dresses with sleeves–that aren’t too short or too tight–should be on every woman’s hit list.  A sleeved dress is the perfect solution to the “closet full of nothing to wear” because it’s one piece, and it doesn’t need much sprucing up.  Here are a few that caught my eye.

Snip20150520_68

Ava & Aiden Ponte V-Neck Dress ($69)

Snip20150520_63

Preston & York Aurelia Dress ($89)

15WSPR_BQ040_TUR

Boden Westminster Dress ($103, petite and tall)

Snip20150520_64

Limited Wrap Dress ($89)

Snip20150520_65

Antonio Melani Benny Dress ($159)

image1xxl-4

ASOS Roll Neck Pleated Dress ($91)

15WSPR_WH757_GRY

Boden Annie Dress ($126, petite and tall)

*I own this dress.  I love it.  It has a little slip in the skirt to keep it appropriate, and it is so comfy.

Snip20150520_67

Anne Klein Women’s Short Sleeve Dress ($129)

 Here are a couple of options for plus-size ladies.

_10252805

Julia Jordan Cap Sleeve Dress ($95)

*I know I put up this dress yesterday, but it’s so great, let’s go for twice.

Snip20150521_69

Jessica Howard 3/4 Sleeve Dress ($99)

Ask The Edit, Style

share this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Addie says:

    Most of my favorite dresses, particularly the ones with sleeves, came from Dress Barn surprisingly enough. And all were between $40 and $60.

  2. SN says:

    Some pointers on tailoring would be helpful. Maybe a whole post.

  3. Curvy CEO says:

    These are all fab! I love, love, love dresses because you simply toss it on, add an accessory or two and you’re done!

  4. EAH says:

    The Boden Westminster dress is great I just bought it and wore it for the first time this week! It’s lined so its good for a well air conditioned office. Boden also has a lot of dress with sleeves; I like the Lindsey dress too.

    • Katherine says:

      2nd this — I’m way more comfortable in dresses than suits for work, and 95% of my work dresses are Boden (and the other 5% I WISH were Boden!)

  5. Amanda says:

    Lands End makes some great ponte dresses. Snag a couple when they’re have a sale for $35 a pop. So comfy, plus pockets! https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-sleeveless-ponte-sheath-dress-with-pockets/id_272080

  6. Erica says:

    What is your experience with the sizing for boden? I think a lot of their things are cute, but I can’t tell if they’ve fallen for the vanity sizing that so many American brands to now.

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

4

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Ask the Edit, Style, Top Posts | March 28, 2024

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

4

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 28, 2024

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty, Posts | March 27, 2024

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 27, 2024

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO