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9 Black Work Dresses to Simplify Your Morning Routine
Versatile work dresses that make getting ready easier.
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If you’re anything like us, you’re in the middle of your seasonal closet purge. After you’ve gotten rid of everything that fails to bring you joy (or has brought so much joy it’s now unraveling), you may need to add a few new staples to your rotation. What better place to start than with versatile black work dresses that you’ll wear for years? Here are nine favorites.
Black Work Dresses
The Wardrobe Heroine: the Etsuko
One of our original styles (and still our best-selling dress to date), the Etsuko is known as the “Monday Morning Savior.” One woman donned hers to take her company public; another wore it to officiate a wedding; and one has been known to practice yoga in hers. With useful pockets, a belted waist, and machine-washable fabric, the Etsuko is a triple threat.
The Conference-to-Cocktails Dress: the Rachel
Think of the Rachel as your secret weapon: It may look simple, but the subtle design details set it apart from your typical LBD. The dignified V-neck, flattering seams, and wonderfully comfortable ponte fabric make it a piece you’ll reach for again and again.
The Hot Commodity: the Tory
We don’t like to play favorites, but when the Tory dress racked up a 1,600-person waitlist, we couldn’t deny that it was more special than your average black work dress. Made from machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant Japanese crepe, this dress features a faux-wrap detail—meaning it looks elegant but won’t fall open in the middle of a meeting.
The Reliable Classic: the Annie
It’s 9:00 a.m., your alarm didn’t go off, and you have exactly five minutes to get dressed for your morning meeting. Pas de problème with the trusty Annie dress, a study in simplicity and function. Its easy A-line fit, machine-washable fabric, and flattering neckline will both beautify and simplify your morning routine.
The “I’m in Charge” Dress: the Akiko
Maybe it’s the contrasting fabrics creating the illusion of a top tucked into a skirt; maybe it’s the single pocket offering a convenient place to carry your phone; maybe it’s the full-length sleeves. Whatever it is, the Akiko means business. Try it out on days when you need to command the room.
The Never-fail Dress: the Lydia
The beauty is in the details of this MM classic, which features elegant twisted straps, artfully curved seams, and snaps to hold your bra straps in place. Crafted from our stretchy ponte fabric like the Rachel, the Lydia is as comfortable as it is polished.
The Presentation Dress: the Sarah
We love a modern power shoulder, and the Sarah’s is one of the chicest we’ve encountered. This machine-washable shift has a way of instilling confidence in the wearer—perhaps because it’s named after one of the boldest women we know, our CEO.
The Pajama Dress: the Casey
We love workwear, and we also love pajamas. Enter the Casey, a sleek, curve-hugging sheath whose stretchy fabric will help you feel as comfortable in the conference room as you do curled up on your couch.
The Business-trip Companion: the Katie
Thanks to a tailored silhouette and tons of stretch, the Katie travels beautifully. Its wrinkle-resistant fabric is ideal for flights, and the slit in the skirt makes clambering into and out of cabs a breeze.
Written By
Alexandra Johnson
Alexandra Johnson is the brand manager at MM.LaFleur, where she started out as a summer intern. Her happy place is the room housing Monet's Water Lilies at MoMA.
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