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Laws of Motion
We were all told to "dress for the job you want." It's pretty sound advice, but back when I was an intern, my dream workwear wardrobe was out of reach because I couldn't afford the good stuff.
Now that I'm a little further into my career, I've collected some luxury pieces that I can build outfits around today and save for the future when I'm further up the corporate ladder.
When you invest in workwear that's actually worth the splurge, you're paying for more than just a label. Luxury workwear ticks big boxes: thoughtful engineering, premium fabrics, comfortable fits, and timeless designs.
Our team of style editors has done thorough research on where to shop for women's workwear clothes, and these four luxury brands proved to be worth the splurge. From power suiting to soft, quality basics, these will bring something special to the office wardrobe. Here's why they're worth your attention, money, and closet space.
Best overall: M.M. LaFleur
M.M. LaFleur
Size range: Varies by style, with most pieces ranging from XXS-XXL or 00-20
M.M. LaFleur has built a cult following by blending style, comfort, and thoughtful design — all with a professional edge. Its pieces are meant to last you from 6 a.m to 9.pm. Without extra effort, and features like adjustable pant hems and smart internal clips actually make a difference in real life.
"LaFleur designed her blouses with internal clips on the shoulders to keep your bra strap from falling down all day," says style editor Samantha Crozier. It's a small consideration, can actually make a difference in real life. You simply won't find that kind of attention to detail if you're relying on Express or H&M for all your workwear.
The female-founded start up was born in New York and is all about elevated silhouettes that look polished but never stiff. This makes them ideal whether you're networking at an after-hours event or traveling for business. Many fabrics are machine-washable and wrinkle-resistant, which feels like a luxury in itself.
Another one of our favorite aspects of M.M. LaFleur are its modular designs. Take the Foster Pants, for example. These stretchy work pants have concealed button hems, which lets you shorten or lengthen the inseams. Be sure to also check out its travel-friendly suits, which we found easy to wear right out of a suitcase.
Our editors' picks:
Best minimalist: Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher
Size range: XXS-3X, 0-28
We're confident that just about anybody can find at least one thing they love from Eileen Fisher. If your workday runs the gamut and you need an outfit that can fit in anywhere, Eileen Fisher's understated, beautifully cut basics will always come in clutch. The heritage brand is known for timeless silhouettes and top-tier fabrics that age gracefully.
There's a reason stylists keep recommending Eileen Fisher for capsule wardrobes: the clothes are comfortable, well made, size inclusive, and easy to mix and match. Think soft wool knits, breezy trousers, and classic blazers that you can style with what you already have in your closet.
"It's notable when three generations of women in my family each own one piece from the same clothing brand," writes senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase. "We all have our own ideas on how to style them, but we all agree Eileen Fisher is the queen of quality textiles."
Our editors' picks:
Best modern: Cuyana
Cuyana
Size range:XS-XL, 0-14
Not only does Cuyana makes some of our favorite luxury work bags for women, but its "Fewer, Better" philosophy aligns exactly with how our editors feel about shopping selectively.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed scrolling through pages upon pages of clothing items, so Cuyana keeps it simple with a condensed collection of modern, neutral-colored basics. Each one is expensive to be sure, but that's largely due to the certifiably sustainable materials and Cuyana's high standards for ethical production.
From its soft, single-origin sweaters to supportive base layers, these shape-shifting workhorses are essential to the modern feminine wardrobe. And if the current collection doesn't pique your fancy, we recommend checking out its Archive Sale for a retrospect into the brand's design evolution.
While not a traditional workwear brand in the suit-and-blazer sense, Tuckernuck's Workwear Edit proves that its buyers are familiar with the scope of the professional woman's wardrobe, from everyday essentials to floral prints and fun shapes that are sure to earn you some compliments.
It took some digging around the site, but through Tuckernuck we've discovered some of our favorite work pants for women and work dresses that transition from desk to dinner. If you're shopping its in-house label, check the material composition to be sure you're paying for more than a trendy tag.
Our editors' picks:
Best for a precise fit: Laws of Motion
Sarah Chiwaya/Business Insider
Size range: Distinct microsizes in the 00-40 range
Laws of Motion's claim to fame is providing precise fits in a way that doesn't require going to the tailor.It instead uses proprietary data science and AI-driven sizing to pinpoint hundreds of "microsizes," so your work clothes feel nearly custom-made.
Traditional sizing only fits a tiny fraction of bodies well. Laws of Motion remedies that with precision sizing that accounts for shape as much as size, making its workwear staples feel truly tailored. You can find your custom fit with just a 60-second quiz, or do a simple body scan right from your phone.
"The styles feel modern and powerful — I always feel ready to take on the world in Laws of Motion," says freelance writer fashion expert in her guide to the best plus-size workwear. "I also really appreciate the thoughtful details they incorporate in their designs, like the longer ribbon on the Legend's zipper pull, making it easier to zip up yourself — even if you have short arms like me!"
If you're totally new to the brand and skeptical of its unconventional size system, we suggest starting with a blazer. From chic longline versions to cheeky cropped tweed numbers, it has blazers that'll fit full busts, wide shoulders, long torsos, and everyone in between.
Our editors' picks:
FAQs on luxury workwear for women
Why buy luxury workwear when more office dress codes are leaning casual?
Even with relaxed office dress codes, these brands make pieces that can maintain their shape, look sharper on video calls, and last you for years. By spending more on fewer pieces, you're rewarded with higher quality materials, durable construction, and intuitive design details that help you get dressed in a way that looks effortlessly chic.
How should I balance investment pieces with everyday essentials?
Not everyone can afford a full closet of luxury workwear, but you can collect enough pieces that'll give the illusion of a C-suite level wardrobe. One strategy is to splurge on foundational items you'll wear frequently (like a tailored blazer or versatile pant) and pair them with more affordable basics. Another is to browse luxury archive sales to get premium pieces at a lower price point without sacrificing quality.
What's the real difference between luxury and mid-range brands?
Luxury brands typically offer superior fabrics, unique design features (like adjustable hems or precision fit), and finishes that stand up to repeated wear. You're also going to pay more for brands like Eileen Fisher and Cuyana, which are more transparent about their workers' wages and the lengths they go to source eco-friendly materials. The more ethical the supply chain, the higher the cost.
How often will I actually wear these luxury pieces?
You don't necessarily have to reserve these pieces for Monday through Friday. A blazer can be styled more casual with joggers and ankle boots, and even a knit dress can turn cozy with the right accessories. As style editors who prioritize value, we think in terms of "cost-per-wear," meaning the more times you wear a piece, the better the investment. Focus on solid, neutral colors in order to get the most of your luxury workwear.
Is luxury workwear still worth it if I'm outside the traditional size range?
Yes, though it depends on the brand. Before you splurge, know your measurements to a tee so you can compare them to size charts. Some luxury brands are more size-inclusive than others, like Eileen Fisher and Laws of Motion. For more brands like these, see our guide to the best plus size workwear.