Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
9 dresses with sleeves that are perfect for wearing to the office this summer
11 months ago
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3 min read
While these finds are great for the office, they work just as well for weddings, dinner and weekends with friends.
Deciding what to wear to work isn’t always the most joyous of tasks. Black trousers and a shirt are a standard go-to, while suits and dresses are an easy option when you want to look a little more stylish with minimal effort in the mornings. Finding the right dress, however, is often quite a challenge.
Here at Stylist, we’ve built up quite a wishlist of options that can also be worn on the weekends, to weddings and out with friends. After all, we all want our wardrobes to work a little bit harder so we can enjoy each item in a variety of ways.
One sticking point we often have with dresses, though, is that so many great designs come without sleeves, and many of us feel a little more comfortable with our arms covered up. So, we went in search of frocks that are formal in fit, stylish and come complete with long or three-quarter-length sleeves.
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Asos Design Curve tie-waist puff-sleeve midi dress
Khaki has seen quite a resurgence since being a standout shade on the Saint Laurent autumn/winter catwalks. Working as a neutral, it pairs perfectly with cream and brown shades.
Shop Asos Design Curve tie waist puff sleeve midi dress, £44
Monsoon Millie shirt dress yellow
Now we’re firmly in the summer months, it’s nice to add a bit of colour to our outfits and few fashion finds are as eye-catching as this yellow option. Complete with floral embroidery around the hem and on the sleeve, it’s perfect for warmer weather yet still formal in fit.
Whistles Veda linen-blend dress
LBDs (little black dresses) are one of fashion’s favourite items for a reason – they really do work for every occasion. This sleek Whistles dress immediately caught our eye as an elegant option that’s also lightweight thanks to its linen-lyocell blend.
Cos asymettric draped midi dress
Cos is home to a huge range of work-appropriate pieces, including this draped dress. In a vibrant red shade, it will become a standout in a whole host of wardrobes while still being easy to style.
New Look Curves black floral long-sleeved midi dress
While colour can be a great way to liven up any workwear outfit, black and white shades sometimes feel a little more comfortable when you don’t want to stand out. To break up the sea of all-black outfits, a pretty print will inject some personality into your wardrobe – like this number from New Look.
Shop New Look Curves black floral long-sleeved midi dress, £35.99
Nobody's Child red linen-blend balloon sleeve Zora midi dress
Whether you wear this vibrant red dress to the office, a wedding or at the weekend, it’ll become an effortless way to look a little more elevated. Complete with long balloon sleeves, a structured waist and made from a linen-blend fabric, it will see you through this summer and many more.
Shop Nobody’s Child red linen-blend balloon sleeve Zora midi dress, £130
M&S floral midaxi tea dress
While floral dresses can appear a little twee, this abstract design massively differs. Elevating your classic block colour design, it adds great interest without being overwhelming.
Reiss Malika belted cap sleeve midi dress
Like a staple white shirt, neutral shirt dresses are a great go-to for almost any occasion – formal office environments included. With dark contrasting buttons, a tie waist and three-quarter sleeves, this one is simplistic yet chic.
Rixo Izzy shirt dress
Rixo dresses are famous for being bright and bold, and this pretty pink style is no exception. With a sweet polka dot pattern, it’s striking yet still formal thanks to a more modest cut.
Images: courtesy of brands
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