We know you're currently busy freely browsing the internet, but we're interrupting to remind you of the hard truth: The majority of your week is spent at work. And unless you're one of the lucky few who works in a laid-back tech environment or a frenzied creative field, your closet is separated into two camps: weekend (otherwise known as fun) clothes and office clothes. So how do you pull together a stellar 9-to-5 wardrobe that'll keep you comfortable while you're cramped at your desk, but also make you feel confident for face time with your boss? Our response: First, step away from the black pencil skirt and those three-inch pumps you've had since your first post-grad interview.
You work hard for that paycheck and shouldn't have to spend it all just to look work-appropriate. So we're bringing you five legit sites to scoop up affordable and office-ready dresses, blazers, shoes, and bags. While not every item can fall under our dream $50 budget, a few of these retailers have the solution pieces you'll want to invest in. If you're going to be in these clothes for eight-plus hours a day, five days a week, you want them to last. Click through to check out these must-shop brands and give your cohorts something stylish to talk about at the water cooler.
This San Francisco shop is all about clean colors and oversized designs that somehow still come off as perfectly tailored. Here, you'll find classic yet fashion-forward pieces like overlay dresses and off-the-shoulder tops for under $100.
Modern Citizen Sutherland Relaxed Open Blazer, $92, available at Modern Citizen.
These relaxed trousers look just comfortable enough to survive a full day at a desk.
Modern Citizen Cate Pleated Boyfriend Trouser, $82, available at Modern Citizen.
Ready to be paired with all your high-waisted slacks.
Modern Citizen Akani Tie-Back Blouse, $78, available at Modern Citizen.
The style site launched a collaborative line with Target this spring, and it’s full of workwear essentials. Check the site frequently, as they’ll be cycling out designs on a regular basis. The best part? Almost every one of their pieces also comes in plus sizes!
Who What Wear x Target Skinny Crop Pant, $32.99, available at Target.
A dress you can confidently wear to happy hour.
Who What Wear x Target Sleeveless Midi Shirt Dress, $32.99, available at Target.
We're always on the prowl for ways to do less laundry. A simple V-neck blouse is versatile enough to be worn three different ways in the same week.
Who What Wear x Target V-Neck Tunic, $24.99 $21.24, available at Target.
If your office style reflects your weekend getups, then La Ligne is your new best friend. The brand's comfy-casual designs are dressy enough for the office but fun enough for those summer getaways (and you'll feel better about investing a little more cash, since the clothes will get double the use). All of La Ligne’s designs are made with a little extra flair, giving your 9-to-5 #OOTD a little more life.
La Ligne French Cuff Shirt, $195, available at La Ligne.
Your office sweater (you know, the one that you don't quite love enough to wear regularly so it sits at your desk as a backup when the AC is blasting): You can finally toss it. La Ligne's AAA sweater has extra-long sleeves, which means extra warmth for those cold office days.
La Ligne AAA Sweater, $275, available at La Ligne.
You can now add trendy, clean, crisp, and well-tailored to our favorite office-appropriate adjectives.
La Ligne Pipeline Pant, $275, available at La Ligne.
Of Mercer is a uniform haven. Everything is under $250, including tailored suiting that would normally set you back upwards of $500 elsewhere. Check out the Of Mercer Starter Kit if you're new to the workwear scene, or just looking for office-appropriate style tips.
Of Mercer Stanton Dress, $175, available at Of Mercer.
Basic studs that work well with any outfit combo are always a good buy.
Of Mercer Everyday Stud Earrings, $35, available at Of Mercer.
Down with the stuffy pencil-skirted dress. This shift's flared hem gives off a trapeze-dress look that we can definitely get behind.
Of Mercer Mott Shift Dress, $185, available at Of Mercer.
One of our favorite fast-fashion accessory shops secretly stocks all of your workwear needs. Buy it all, since you've finally found a shoe store that won't cost you more than your month's rent.
Charles & Keith Mary-Jane Pumps, $49, available at Charles & Keith.
Sling this over your shoulder for your morning commute, grab it by the handle for after-work cocktails.
Charles & Keith Round Handle City Bag, $89, available at Charles & Keith.
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