The best smart work dresses so you’re always chic in the office

Shop the best workwear for summer and winter

Gone are the days where all the work-appropriate dresses you could find involved grey or pinstripe navy tailored numbers. High street stores and designers have upped their games to offer styles that both office-appropriate and tick all the right trend boxes.

If your office dress code is conservative, that doesn't mean you're confined to a midi black dress. This season, stores from Warehouse to Reiss and Cos offer smart alternatives in pastel hues or block colours, tailored to flatter any shape. Think fit 'n' flare or wraparound dresses.

Of course, you'll never go wrong with a crisp shirt dress either, whether it's a classic white shirt or something in a bolder colour. Statement sleeves are an easy way to update this style as a nod to the 70s revival trend.

For something a bit more daring, start playing around with prints and texture. This SS17, it's all about deck chair stripes and revisited florals, both of which are finished off nicely with a pair of heeled wedges like the ones favoured by the Duchess of Cambridge.

If you're not to uncover your shoulders at work, that's not an issue. Why not embrace the oversized sleeve trend, or opt for a short sleeve instead?

For the colder months, layering is key. Try a tailored bustier dress over a crisp white shirt, or a floaty frock over a high neck top. We're also looking at heavier fabrics, with crushed velvet making a bit comeback for AW17. Team these with a velvet court shoe or ankle boots. Skin-tight, high-high boots are also back on the scene next season, so if you dare, go for it.

Again, if your dress code isn't too strict, party season is a great time to try embroidered or embellished designs. Dresses with full tulle skirts scattered with sequins will be your go-to for party season. If you want to try a bold style but feeling apprehensive about shelling out, take a look at our Black Friday dresses deals edit to get in on the current trends at a fraction of the price.

Scroll down to shop our edit of the best work dresses that are suitable for the office, no matter the weather or the dress code.

HANDKERCHIEF HEM SKIRT

This sales buy is a smart season for this summer’s work wardrobe (and next year’s too!).

Shop now: HANDKERCHIEF HEM SKIRT for £135 from Reiss

Tie front dress

Wear with flat mules.

Shop now: TIE FRONT DRESS for £46 from Warehouse

CECILY BLUE SILK PRINTED DRESS

Just look at the lovely print on this dress.

Shop now: CECILY BLUE SILK PRINTED DRESS for £325 from L.K.Benett

PETER PILOTTO Adonia printed silk midi dress

We love this colourful frock.

Shop now: PETER PILOTTO Adonia printed silk midi dress for £393 from Net-A-Porter

Indira Lace Ruffle Dress

For an extra pop of colour, accessorise this dress with red statement earrings.

Shop now: Indira Lace Ruffle Dress for £199 from Whistles

DOUBLE BREASTED WAISTCOAT DRESS

This classic style can be worn on its own, or unbuttoned over a white shirt dress.

Shop now: DOUBLE BREASTED WAISTCOAT DRESS for £59.99 from ZARA

Studio by Preen Blue stripe shirt dress

Give the cold shoulder trend a whirl.

Shop now: Studio by Preen Blue stripe shirt dress for £20.70 from Debenhams

ROSETTA GETTY Open-back gingham cotton dress

How to do gingham in the office.

Shop now: ROSETTA GETTY Open-back gingham cotton dress for £800 from Net-A-Porter

SLEEVELESS DRESS WITH PLEATED WAIST

Yellow is undoubtedly the colour of the summer.

Shop now: SLEEVELESS DRESS WITH PLEATED WAIST for £79 from COS

Dress in silk chiffon

Make like the Duchess of Cambridge and embrace polka dots this season.

Shop now: Dress in silk chiffon for £269 from MARC CAIN

Petite Blue Shirt Dress

Wear this dress as it is or add a woven leather belt for extra style points.

Shop now: Petite Blue Shirt Dress for £250 from Jennifer Anne

Popelin dress

You can’t go wrong with the classic shirt dress.

Shop now: Popelin dress for £192.15 from TCN