As professional stylists, we’re expert shoppers. We know what stores to avoid and which to seek out for any occasion. The biggest request we get from clients is, what are the best places to buy work clothes?
Fast fashion has flooded the market, making it hard for people to find what they really need for a day at the office. Luckily, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and scoped out the ten places best places for workwear. From department stores to men’s and women’s specialty shops, keep reading to find your best fit.
Bloomingdale’s
It’s no secret that Bloomingdale’s is a literal one-stop shop for apparel and accessories. This classic department store has everything you need, from workwear to workout clothes.
Why we recommend:
Like most department stores, part of the appeal of Bloomingdale’s is that it has everything you need in one place. With just one trip, you can shop hundreds of top-tier brands in standard and plus sizes. But the real reason we recommend Bloomingdales is their additional services.
You can trust them for in-house alterations services and personal shopping services. This is the place if you’re looking for an elevated shopping experience.
Who it’s for:
Everyone. Especially anyone who doesn’t have the time to go to a laundry list of different stores.
Dress codes
Business Formal, Business Casual, Power Casual, Casual
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is another department store that gets the formula right. They have tons of variety and locations, so it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Why we recommend:
Number one: accessibility. There are more than 350 Nordstrom locations in the US. To go along with that, just because they’re easy to get to doesn’t mean the quality drops.
The second reason we love Nordstrom for clients is that, similar to Bloomingdale’s, they offer extra services. They give you a phenomenal top-to-bottom experience, from in-store styling sessions to tailoring.
Who it’s for:
Everyone. Particularly busy mall shoppers looking for extra customer care.
Dress codes:
Business Formal, business casual, power casual, casual.
Officine Générale
Pierre Maheo created Officine Générale in 2002 as a brand that embodies fluidity, uncompromising quality, and ethical production.
Why we recommend:
Officine Générale is the embodiment of effortless Parisian style. Each piece is carefully crafted in Europe from superior organic and fair materials. On top of their unwavering quality standards, this label also creates timeless wardrobe essentials anyone can wear for any dress code.
Who it’s for:
Everyone. Thanks to their focus on timelessness and unisex designs, you can wear Officine Générale regardless of age, gender, or career path.
Dress codes:
Business Formal, business casual, power casual, casual.
MM La Fleur
Originator of the term “power casual,” MM La Fleur offers classic quality-crafted work pieces for successful women. Sarah LaFleur was inspired to launch the brand with Miyako Nakamura and Narie Foster after feeling frustrated by the lack of practical and stylish women’s workwear options.
Why we recommend:
As lovers of the Power Casual dress code, we recommend MM La Fleur. Their clothes are the perfect balance of laidback and sophisticated. You can wear them to the office, a work conference, or a dinner date without skipping a beat. If you’re looking to build a capsule wardrobe, start here.
Who it’s for:
Professional women who want to step up their work wardrobe without feeling stuffy.
Dress codes:
Power casual, business casual
11 Honoré
11 Honoré offers updated, stylish, and wearable plus-sized clothing with a luxury perspective. The company opened in 2017 as an e-retailer for American plus-sized fashion before eventually launching its signature label in 2020.
Why we recommend:
11 Honore gives plus-sized clients the wardrobe staples and hero pieces they deserve. As stylists, we’ve seen the limited plus offerings so many brands have— if they have any at all. But 11 Honore is the answer to that dilemma. They create plus clothing you’ll actually want to wear. No baggy tents, out-of-date grandma clothes, or cheap drop-shipped pieces that’ll break down after a few wears.
Who it’s for:
Plus-sized clients looking for trend-aware clothing that still feels put-together and polished.
Dress codes:
Business formal, business casual, power casual, casual.
Pari Passu
Pari Passu founder Shanna decided to create the brand after working with Melissa McCarthy to develop a plus-size line. The project inspired her to fill the gap she saw in the market — well-fitting, modern, and chic options for women over size 12.
Why we recommend:
“Pari Passu” means “with equal step” in Latin, a fitting name for this company that brings wardrobe workhorses to plus-size styling. We love this brand for those staple pieces professionals need. Like the perfect black blazers, trousers you never want to take off, and effortless tops.
Who it’s for:
Plus-sized women who want a versatile, minimalist wardrobe or those who need work basics.
Dress codes:
Business casual, power casual
Veronica Beard
Sister-in-law dream team Veronica Miele Beard and Veronica Swanson Beard created the company in 2010. They were on a mission to create a collection of contemporary classics that modern women want and need in their wardrobes.
Why we recommend:
Veronica Beard is the chic way to add pops of personality to your closet. They find stylish ways to add trend-aware twists to clothing. From bright colors, 70s-inspired florals, and mod-style silhouettes, Veronica Beard leaves plenty of room for play.
Who it’s for:
Young professional women
Dress codes:
Business casual, power casual, casual
Cuyana
Women-built brand Cuyana is the minimalist shopper’s dream location. They offer artisan-crafted, quality leather goods and clothing with timelessness in mind.
Why we recommend:
Their mantra is “Fewer, better.” They understand the power of having a closet based on quality, not quantity.
This doesn’t end at you’re closet, either. They’ve also committed to having 100% of their product be made from sustainable materials and offer care, donation, and resell services to extend the life of your collection.
We especially love their leather totes and handbags, which make for the perfect everyday carry.
Who it’s for:
Professional women ready to level up their wardrobe and move away from fast fashion.
Dress codes
Business Casual, Power Casual, Casual
Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder started as a stylist on a mission to bring out the modern gentleman in every guy. Now, Todd Snyder stores are the go-to for men’s modern, everyday style.
Why we recommend:
Todd Snyder is a master of putting the cool back into menswear. You can rely on this brand for office-approved pieces that don’t make you feel like you’re trying too hard.
Who it’s for:
Men
Dress codes:
Business Formal, Business Casual, Power Casual, Casual
Mr Porter
For head-to-toe men’s style, look no further than Mr Porter. Their website houses curated recommendations and offerings for clothing, shoes, accessories, watches, grooming, and more.
Why we recommend:
We’re big believers in making shopping simple, and Mr Porter does just that. You don’t have to waste time opening too many tabs on five different websites just to find one piece that works. Instead, use Mr Porter as your hub for luxury apparel and accessories.
Who it’s for:
Men looking for high-end outfitting
Dress codes:
Business Formal, Business Casual, Power Casual, Casual
Want Next Level Wardrobe to hand-pick your wardrobe from the best places to buy work clothes? Apply for our in-person and virtual styling services for women and men! We have a team of experts ready to revolutionize how you dress and shop. (For good.)
