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Womens/Clothing/Dresses & Jumpsuits/Work

Top 10 Business Casual Dresses

The Internet's Guide To Finding The Perfect Business Casual Dress

Image credits: bananarepublic

“What do I wear?” is the last thing you want to be asking yourself before a workday, but if the question keeps popping into your head, it’s time to take a hard look at the office-appropriate options in your closet. Ideally, you should have a few pairs of slacks, some go-to blouses and blazers, and most importantly, a solid lineup of business casual dresses. 

What To Look For In A Business Casual Dress

If you don’t know what business casual means, you’re not alone. In truth, business casual looks different depending on the office and industry. For example, a tech startup may be okay with jeans and a cardigan, while a finance company may prefer a more polished look such as wide-leg slacks and a button-down shirt

Even so, there are a few rules you can follow to ensure you’re adhering to a business casual dress code: 

  • Avoid showing too much skin (e.g., go for a midi dress instead of a mini)
  • Wear close-toed shoes (such as loafers, mules, and work pumps
  • Go for darker colors (navy, black, grey, etc.)
  • Choose semi-formal pieces such as blazers, slacks, and business casual dresses

With these rules in mind, let’s talk about office-appropriate dresses. Typically, these styles will hit just above the knee or lower and have more structure to them than something like a sundress would. Many have design additions like collars and built-in waist belts, but simple sheaths also fall into the business casual dress category. Also, while patterns and vibrant colors aren’t necessarily looked down on, most women's work dresses come in more subtle shades and patterns.

How We Found The Internet’s Best Business Casual Dresses

You know the drill: In order to determine which products deserve a spot on our Top 10 lists, we put our data-powered ranking algorithm to work. This tool uses information from reviews, best-seller lists, and social media in order to find and score the top options in a given category. Ahead, see which business casual dresses shoppers swear by, from recognizable names like J.Crew, Quince, and Banana Republic.

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October 11, 2024

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: bananarepublic
Rank & Style Approved

bananarepublic

Banana Republic Everywhere Ponte Sheath Dress

Overall Score

4.3

10

Banana Republic Everywhere Ponte Sheath Dress

4.3

14 User Reviews

2.2

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Business Casual Sheath Dress

THE DETAILS
Simple and stunning, this sheath dress from Banana Republic has a high neckline and perfectly placed seams. It's made from the brand's signature Ponte di Roma fabric, a stretchy material that retains its shape no matter how long your work day is. 

MORE TO LOVE
This is one of the more comfortable business casual dresses out there. It's soft and unlined, and you can purchase it in tall, petite and regular sizes. 

More Colors

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Ann Taylor Belted Pleated Dress In Wool Blend Stretch

Overall Score

4.3

09

Ann Taylor Belted Pleated Dress In Wool Blend Stretch

5

2 User Reviews

2.1

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Business Casual Belted Dress

THE DETAILS
Pleated skirts are currently trending, and you can embrace the look with this stylish business casual dress from Ann Taylor. Defined by its cap sleeves and delicate waist belt, this sophisticated style has a hidden back zipper for an ultra-polished look.

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING
"I absolutely love this dress! The fit was perfect, hugging me in all the right places without feeling tight or uncomfortable. The fabric feels high quality and soft, making it a joy to wear. The color is even more stunning in person, a vibrant shade of plum that really stands out."


Modern Citizen Fei Tie-Front Organic Cotton Dress

Overall Score

4.35

08

Modern Citizen Fei Tie-Front Organic Cotton Dress

5

52 User Reviews

2.4

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Cotton Business Casual Dress

THE DETAILS
Modern Citizen has reimagined the t-shirt dress for the office, resulting in the Fei Tie-Front Organic Cotton Dress. Made from body-hugging jersey cotton, this business casual dress features cap sleeves, a round neckline, and a cinched waist. 

MORE TO LOVE
Pick up this chic dress in four stunning colors: Black, Mulberry, Nori, and Maritime.

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Quince 100% Silk Jersey Midi Wrap Dress

Overall Score

4.4

07

Quince 100% Silk Jersey Midi Wrap Dress

4.6

34 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

0

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Business Casual Wrap Dress

THE STYLE
Make room in your closet, because Quince's Silk Jersey Midi Wrap Dress is a must-have. Described as the perfect LBD by reviewers, this wrap-style frock is easy to dress up or down. Did we mention it's wrinkle-resistant?

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING
"With pearls and an updo, it can be formal enough to wear to a fancy party. I usually wear it for work (teaching) with boots & a bold necklace. But it's also comfortable enough to wear around the house."

More Colors

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Nordstrom Pleated A-Line Dress

Overall Score

4.4

06

Nordstrom Pleated A-Line Dress

3.9

81 User Reviews

2.5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Business Casual A-Line Dress

THE STYLE
Flattering as can be, Nordstrom's Pleated A-Line Dress makes use of a Bateau neckline and a drop waist. The shape of this dress is ideal for layering a blazer on top, and there's a shade for everyone amongst the six color varieties it's available in. 

EXTRA DETAILS
According to Nordstrom, this dress runs slightly large.

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Tuckernuck Chloe Dress

Overall Score

4.5

05

Tuckernuck Chloe Dress

4.5

427 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Business Casual Dress With Pockets

THE STYLE
Office-appropriate dresses are rarely as cool as Tuckernuck's Chloe Dress. With a spread collar, short wing sleeves, and a structured silhouette, this button-front style is ready to be the talk of the board room.

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING
"Such a classic style. As a thin and tall woman (5'10") you never know what is going to fit right or wrong. Clothes are made for average height and width women, so if you order too large to accommodate for height and shoulders you end up swimming in the clothes. I was able to order my typical size and it fits great!"

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Inclusive

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Banana Republic Wool-Blend Scuba Midi Dress

Overall Score

4.5

04

Banana Republic Wool-Blend Scuba Midi Dress

5

8 User Reviews

2.1

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Stretch Business Casual Dress

THE STYLE
At $250, the Wool-Blend Scuba Midi Dress from Banana Republic is teetering into investment piece territory. However, the high-quality fabric and timeless shape of this dress make it worth every dollar.

EXTRA DETAILS
This business casual dress has a center-front seam. Its fabric was cut on the bias to create an elegant drape.

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Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Cap Sleeve Dress

Overall Score

4.65

03

Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Cap Sleeve Dress

4.8

478 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Affordable Business Casual Dress

THE STYLE
Feminine and classic, this polished dress has cap sleeves and a tailored waist. It's made from Quince's best-selling Ultra-Stretch Ponte fabric, a wrinkle-resistant material that stands up to repeat wears.

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING
"This is the perfect work dress. The material is good quality and fits perfectly on a 'normal' body type. I have a large chest and belly and this dress is by far the most flattering dress I own. I wear it constantly to work and change it up with shoes, boots and cardigans."

More Colors

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Tuckernuck Tweed Jackie Dress

Overall Score

4.7

02

Tuckernuck Tweed Jackie Dress

4.8

1025 User Reviews

3.1

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Business Casual Tweed Dress

THE STYLE
Add some prep to your work wardrobe with Tuckernuck's Tweed Jackie Dress. Inspired by the iconic former First Lady, this dress features a braided neckline and golden button details. You can snag it in a variety of colors. 

EXTRA DETAILS
Lucky for us all, this style is machine washable and comes in a wide range of sizes (XXS to XXXL). 

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J.Crew Resume Dress

Overall Score

4.75

01

J.Crew Resume Dress

4.5

209 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Business Casual Dress Overall

THE STYLE
The "Resume Dress" lives up to its name. One of J.Crew's best-sellers for years now, it's no wonder our algorithm identified this style as the best business casual dress on the internet. Throw on some simple pumps and go get that offer letter.

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING
"It’s such a classic style that can easily go from boardroom to dining out with just a few accessories. I own multiple colors because it’s THAT GOOD!"

More Colors

More Colors

Inclusive

Inclusive

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