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.
Ava & Aiden Ponte V-Neck Dress ($69)
Preston & York Aurelia Dress ($89)
Boden Westminster Dress ($103, petite and tall)
Antonio Melani Benny Dress ($159)
ASOS Roll Neck Pleated Dress ($91)
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.
Anne Klein Women’s Short Sleeve Dress ($129)
Here are a couple of options for plus-size ladies.
Julia Jordan Cap Sleeve Dress ($95)
*I know I put up this dress yesterday, but it’s so great, let’s go for twice.
Most of my favorite dresses, particularly the ones with sleeves, came from Dress Barn surprisingly enough. And all were between $40 and $60.
Some pointers on tailoring would be helpful. Maybe a whole post.
I’d also love to hear your tips on tailoring. What to ask for? How to know where to go?
These are all fab! I love, love, love dresses because you simply toss it on, add an accessory or two and you’re done!
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.
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!)
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
oh, and they have sleeved versions as well.
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.
I take my usual size.
They offer garment measurements for every size.