An all-in-one work dress is not just your average dress. It’s a dress that is modish, convenient to wear, and makes you feel put together in as quick as 3,2,1. Essentially, it’s a sophisticated chic number that will have you covered even on your worse days.
If you don’t already own or make it a conscious effort to shop for all-in-one work dresses, the question is: why aren’t you? We round up our current favourite one-and-done dresses that you’ll expect to find in our wardrobes. Pro-tip: don’t just go for simple and wearable everyday dresses. Look a little further to those dresses that boast of compelling elements, such as puffed shoulders, asymmetrical hemlines, and elaborate sleeves.
Plus, not only are these picks the solution to your mid-week hump day attire, but they’re also the best quick outfit to a last-minute girls brunch date on the weekends. Or pretty much any occasion that requires you to look amazing (see: every day).
Photo: Showbit
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We know how it is when it comes to the quickest and most foolproof wardrobe solution for lazy work days – LBDs are always the way to go, but that just gets boring (and frankly, a little amateur) over time. It’s high time to welcome the not-so-little black dress. Starting with this black maxi dress with slightly puffed sleeves from Khaite. The general sensibilities of the LBD still remain, but with an extra element of flair.
Photo: Farfetch
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Still riding on the high of S/S’19’s puffed sleeves and yellow coloured trend, this high neck gingham midi dress is speaking to our souls. We love the sense of regality that the heightened collar, Rouleau-button fastening at the front and long voluminous sleeves are serving us. Finish it off with knee-length sock boots for a polished fashionable working woman look.
Photo: Farfetch
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When we think gingham, our minds tend to associate the word with a less than spectacular black-and-white miniature checkered print. Staud here is debunking all of our uninspiring stereotypes of the gingham print and proving to us that even gingham can be refreshing and on trend with this vibrant neon green and pink pattern in a stretch-jacquard knit. Of course, we appreciate how this modern print was set atop a conventional mod dress silhouette. Pull off this number with our edit of neon accessories.
Photo: Staud
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Some dresses are the embodiment of “business in the front and party in the back”, but this dress is the epitome of business and party all at the same time. This glittery gold lurex midi dress is the perfect one-piece to throw on for hassle-free styling and also an ensemble that’s disco dancing-worthy. Go for gold by completing the look with gold jewellery and heels.
Photo: Farfetch
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When we’re feeling a tad bit feminine and sweet, we tend to turn to a flirty pink number to satiate that sartorial need. More often than not, we tend to forget that there are other colour palettes that are equally as pleasant and possibly less predictable. One good example would be pastel colours like powder blue, lavender purple or the mint green shade this Les Héroïnes is in. Adding to the flirty fun, this dress is shirred along the neckline and features Victorian-style cuffs. Carry a beaded bag and rock square-toe heels to keep with the vintage-looking theme.
Photo: Net-a-Porter
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It can be tough choosing between two colours that you love, which is why Tibi solved the issue for us with this two-toned panel bi-colour halterneck dress. Don this swishy dress with button details to the boardroom, then on a romantic date night out with your boo. Opt for transparent clear peep-toe heels to dial back on the colours and avoid looking too overwhelming.
Photo: Farfetch
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This Mother of Pearl number is the formula to instantly feeling elegant with very little effort. Polka dots are always cute, which is why this dress has a vote from us. It’s cut from lustrous silk-satin that drapes beautifully and is decorated in contrasting polka dots of varying sizes. It’s a twist on the universally flattering wrap dress style as it fastens with black tassel fringe ties. The slit of this dress allows for showing off some tasteful skin. Make your legs appear longer with gladiator lace-up sandals.
Photo: Net-a-Porter
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These are the reasons why we simply can’t exclude this Zara piece from this edit: 1) this peppy red colour makes for a fantastic pick-me-up coordinate for a dreary work week, 2) HR would wildly approve of this style and 3) it’s an easy peasy way to rock the Prefall ’19 dress-over-pants trend. Simply layer it over the brand’s matching slim leggings with vents or any other slim-cut trousers that already exist in your closet.
Photo: Zara
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If you are a diehard fan of Diane Von Furstenburg’s flowy floral sundresses, here’s an alternative that demands less from your wallet. It’s a no-brainer to style this dress. Tote a mini handle bag and slip into your favourite pair of mules for the ultimate look.
Photo: Topshop
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Everyone raves about black dresses but neglects its equally deserving sister – white dresses. Waste no time in mulling over matching separates when this classic lightweight satin number does the trick, most, if not all of the time. It’s time to pull out your statement bags and shoes – pretty much every pattern and colour goes with this white piece.
Photo: Net-a-Porter
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