The Find: An Office Dress
Sep 16, 2020
At most retailers, the clothes hitting shelves for Fall 2020 were designed almost a year ago. These long timelines mean that Ann Taylor is still stocking office-appropriate styles even though none of us are at the office. This disconnect between reality and what’s on store shelves has led many shoppers to abandon their favorite retailers entirely. But not me.
I’m on the hunt.
Think of it this way. If I buy a phenomenal business suit, dress or pumps today, I can store them for next year and have a fresh wardrobe ready to go. A wardrobe likely purchased at 50%-off. So I’m on the prowl for pieces that are so special that I will still love them next September. And this dress is one of those pieces.
This Blouson Sheath Dress in deep brown is a total classic. The styling is perfect for day-to-night. The color is not one you see everyday. And the cool sleeves and neckline make it a really interesting piece.
Sizes run misses and petite, 0-16. And did I mention it’s machine washable? So it would be a great dress to bring on a business trip or when you’re campaigning.
Looking for pieces that don’t have to wait until next year?
+ This glass cocktail ring is very cool. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
+ This v-neck mixed media top has a relaxed feel in a classic shape that’s versatile enough for work or weekend.
+ This raglan sleeve top comes in a vibrant print that would look great on a Zoom call.
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Totally agree! I have all the joggers and leggings I need to make it through the pandemic and now I’m on the lookout for classics at a good discount that will be timeless whenever we are back in the office. Thanks for all the business attire recommendations and thank you readers for all the feedback!
LOVE that dress.
I’m still going to court regularly, but with careful stalking of the AT website and a lack of fear of final sale, since I know my sizes there, I’ve basically re-done my whole wardrobe. I’m lucky to still be employed, I know, but it’s worked out really well for me. Forget 50% off, try 70 lol.
I have to say that I’m so relieved to find *any* traditional in-office clothes appropriate for the work place from retailers or posted by bloggers these days. There are plenty of us still working in the office every day because our jobs cannot be done from home. I work in a traditional law firm and I have been in the office throughout this pandemic. I would actually appreciate if you continue to feature and post about normal in-office work clothes for those of us who are still in our offices and expected to dress professionally.
I hear you. I’m not at an office and our dress code is loose anyway, but I still think it helps to have some boundaries and clothes help me with that. I flipped through a Land’s End catalogue (I know not tie height of fashion) that actually titled a layout of bathrobes and PJs as comfy work from home.
I second this! While I completely acknowledge that most people are working from home, as someone has been working in the office nearly the entire time, it has been hard to see nothing but WFH content everywhere I look. Especially when it comes to resources like your blog that I have relied on for work attire advice for years, I am so appreciative of content that recognizes that not everyone has the option to wear athleisure during this time. I know that at least where I work in DC, more and more people are returning to in-office work, so I’m guessing there may be others who feel the same. Thanks for sharing this and hope to see more!
I’ll post some more in-office content. I didn’t realize so many were at the office. Our whole city is basically work from home.
Agree completely! I’ve been in my office the entire pandemic, so I still need office clothing. The only concession for us is that we can go casual, which means jeans are ok. But I have meetings with VPs/Upper Management multiple days a week, so I’m still needing business causal office clothing.
Not sure about everyone else, but my office is currently doing a week in, week out rotation to space out the cubicles – so the people to my left and right are WFH this week, and then we’ll switch. There’s also maybe a foot of plexiglass up between the cubicles, though I was told that predates COVID…
Anyway, it’s a business casual office, so I do still need nice tops to pair with not-jeans. I would be so, so sad if the AT/LOFT family goes under permanently. Many of AT’s more “fashion-y” seasonal tops/dresses are so versatile for dressing up or down. That mixed-media top is a perfect example.