The Range: Work Dresses for Summer-to-Fall
Jul 27, 2022
I can’t believe I’m preparing for fall. I say this every year, but this year flew by. One big event led to another and soon, it’s August.
I’ll be on maternity leave until early Fall, so I’m preparing for an office return. Luckily, I found some phenomenal dresses that will transition easily from August to November.
C0balt is the color for women who wear black. This Calvin Klein Bow Neck Dress is sublime. It’s cut above the knee, so depending on your height, it might be a little short for work. At 5’7″, I should be just on the line of three-fingers-above-the-knee. In winter, I would just wear heavy black tights.
Preston & York is a nice brand for work attire. The dresses and suits can give you basic pieces with a little something extra. This dress has a vintage feel that I really like, and it’s more of a midi-length, which many women prefer.
This Calvin Klein tulip sleeve dress is a very popular one. It comes in a lot of colors, but I thought this dark green was especially flattering.
I love the neckline on this Maggy London mock neck sheath. Zappos has a couple of sizes, but Amazon has more if you want to hunt for yours. The dress runs size 0-16.
The color of this Donna Morgan sheath is amazing. It’s a deeper, rustier red, that is such a unique color. I also love the waist detail. I’m just sorry they don’t have it in all the sizes. Also, if you need more work dresses, Donna Morgan is a great place to shop. I find the selection at Nordstrom Rack to be the best.
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Love seeing the fall clothing! It’s my favorite season and the clothes are just the best that time of year.
These may be a bit more close fitting and fitted than you will want after your leave! You can size up, I know, but a bit more room in the dress might be nice.
Stunning selection as always!
Tip for anyone considering the Calvin Klein tulip sleeve dress: the green is truly gorgeous in person, but the material is oddly stretchy-crepey. If you’re pear shaped like me, you might consider going at least a size up for a fit that’s more “in the office” and less “in the club”. I actually ended up 2 sizes larger than my normal in the brand.
If you plan on pumping or nursing- shirt dresses and blouses with easy boob access are lifesavers!
Exactly! If you’re planning on pumping/breastfeeding, the work wardrobe will definitely be more limited. Zipper back dresses can work but separates are honestly much more convenient. I have a closet full of DC/Cap Hill appropriate, nice sheath dresses that are awaiting the end of my pumping days or the donation bin this winter.
“C0balt is the color for women who wear black.”
I feel seen.
Same!
My recommendation would be to plan an in person shopping trip right before you go back to work. You don’t know what size you’ll be yet and things change a lot after baby. Also, consider if you’ll be pumping at work. If so, dresses may not be a good option unless they pull down easily.
Luckily I’ve only had to go back to the office a few times after giving birth, but even almost a year later, I haven’t wanted to wear body-skimming dresses (even though that is most of my pre baby closet!) I found wrap dresses to be great since it’s forgiving in the mid section. As others have pointed out, if you plan on pumping at all at work (Which I did have to do), blouses/button up shirts or other items that don’t require you to completely undress will be much simpler and more comfortable for you, since pumping can take upwards of 30 minutes and you might not have all the comforts of home at your office nursing area.
The dresses are gorgeous though!
Love them! Excited for fall now, thank you!