The Best Brands With Stylish Work Essentials

If you’re anything like me, your wardrobe is divided into two sections: work essentials and weekend pieces. The two categories certainly overlap, but for the most part, have distinguishing differences, like crops versus button-down,s to state the obvious. I’ll admit I used to favor shopping for weekend items over office pieces any day, but that’s changed as I’ve become more career-focused. I also credit the below brands, which have made it exciting and easy to shop for work essentials and 9-to-5 items I truly look forward to wearing.

Once you find your go-to brands for office basics, shopping for work essentials will quickly become an activity you enjoy instead of something that feels like a task. Over the past six years, the below brands have become the first places I look whenever I’m in need of a work wardrobe pick-me-up. The best part is each brand offers a range of clothing options, so if you’re in a rush, you can pop in just one place and knock out all your office updates. From basics like knit cardigans and sweaters you can layer over any look to on-trend pieces like a printed skirt or redefined white blouse, there’s always something for everyone when you shop the brands ahead.

Theory

Theory is known for its quality basics like tailored trousers and well-constructed blazers. Although these are great picks from the brand, I'm currently eyeing this long sleeve cardigan, which I plan to wear tucked in for an ultra-polished look. 

Madewell

Whether you're shopping at the mall or online, Madewell is a great place to stock up on everything you need for a stylish work wardrobe at a reasonable price. From winter-ready outerwear to the skinny jeans celeb stylist Micaela Erlanger swears by, you're sure to find something you can wear on repeat. 

Tibi

Tibi is at the top of every fashion girl's shopping wishlist. The pieces range from on-trend boots and shoes to modern blazer silhouettes. It's definitely a must for the fashion-forward shopper. 

3x1

While 3x1 gained recognition for its epic denim selection, the brand has now expanded into everyday essentials like perfecting a white tee and designing quality knitwear. I've been eyeing the below fitted cardigan since I first saw it. 

Who What Wear

I included our Who What Wear collection because not only is it one of my go-to brands for affordable clothes to wear to work but it's also the brand nearly all of my friends tell me they shop for quick office-outfit updates. 

Khaite

Khaite is another brand on every fashion girl's radar. The brand offers everything from simple yet thoughtfully crafted jeans to the coolest white top sure to gain you compliments. The statement designs are subtle enough to wear on loop at the office while still feeling super chic. 

DKNY

You can't go wrong at DKNY; the brand has a little bit of everything no matter your style. Looking for a simple black blazer you can wear year after year? Put DKNY at the top of your list. I'm also very much into the brand's blouse selection. 

Vince

Silky slip skirts, fitted turtlenecks, polished outerwear—these are all items you'll find with Vince. In my opinion, the brand was one of the first to make slip skirts popular again. 

L'Agence

I typically look to L'Agence for special pieces I want to add to my work wardrobe, like a beautiful silk blouse or a pretty printed dress. The California-based label is where you'll find the chicest Parisian-inspired items.

The Row

The Row never disappoints, and we can't think of anything more luxurious than a closet full of the pieces designed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. From oversize outerwear to trousers you never thought you could pull off, this is the brand we aspire to wear. 

Victoria, Victoria Beckham 

Leave it to Posh Spice to design the chicest work and everyday essentials. We wouldn't expect anything less from the former singer, to be honest. Victoria Beckham's diffusion line is full of sleek silhouettes and crisp button-downs (to name a few favorites). Her namesake line is also a wonderful place to find office essentials. 

Frame 

Frame is another brand known for its denim selection but has broadened its designs with workwear collections and RTW pieces. I'm particularly eyeing this sweater and still need to add Frame's signature blazer to my wardrobe.