We’ve all heard the phrase “dress to impress.” There’s also the age-old adage, “Dress for the position you want, not the one you have.” While most of us understand the importance of making an excellent first impression, wearing clothing that make you feel more confident is also essential. If your outfit doesn’t make you want to smile, stand a bit taller, and take action, it isn’t doing you justice! Whether you are interviewing at a new company or meeting with a new client, wearing an outfit you feel confident in can transform your day.

Most women struggle to find the right outfit for the right occasion. Today, it’s easier than ever to dress for work because most offices lean business casual. While business attire often leans toward solid-color conservative suits with a coordinated blouse, business casual allows you to experiment with pencil skirts, khaki, corduroy, twill, cotton pants, and neatly pressed dressy shirts.

Work clothes don’t have to be boring! Just leave your old t-shirts, ripped jeans, and scuffed sneakers at home. To start building your business casual wardrobe, browse my favorite wear-to-work clothes.

If you are looking to bookmark great brands for business casual clothes, check out these 11 brands:

1. Banana Republic – The go-to for versatile, contemporary classics. Ideal for young professionals.

2. Everlane – Offers great modern essentials. Their silky cotton shirts feel great and fit well.

3. Ann Taylor – For decades, Ann Taylor has offered feminine and elegant fits. They are a staple for the modern career woman.

4. Of Mercer – For your nine-to-five wardrobe. Made in NYC for modern women.

5. Express – All you need to complete your work-ready wardrobe. From navy suits to white dress shirts.

6. H&M – Chic, affordable women’s work clothes.

7. J. Crew – From cashmere sweaters to classic shirting, J. Crew has versatile investment pieces.

8. Zara – You don’t have to spend a fortune to look good at the office. Check out Zara for the best clothing basics.

9. Modern Citizen – Versatile and stylish essentials for the office.

10. Reiss – Modern fashion brand with stylish womenswear.

11. Lulu’s – Offers trendy work clothes for young professionals.

Shop “Feminine + Flowy Fit”

1. THE SILKY COTTON RELAXED SHIRT ($56)

2. GOLD VERMEIL HOOP EARRINGS ($325)

3. HIGH WAISTED BELTED ANKLE PANT ($60)

4. LEATHER LARGE EAST-WEST TOTE ($84)

5. LESLI PUMP ($70)

Shop “Pair With Plaid”

1. THE PIMA MICRO-RIB LONG-SLEEVE CREW ($32)

2. THE PIMA MICRO-RIB TURTLENECK ($35)

3. HIGH WAISTED PLAID BELTED ANKLE PANT ($52)

4. MODERN CLASSIC LOAFERS ($112)

Shop “Casual Friday”

1. FITTED RIBBED TURTLENECK SWEATER ($36)

2. THE ABROAD SHOULDER BAG ($168)

3. ANINE BING FISHBONE BLAZER ($349)

4. RILEY HIGH RISE STRAIGHT CROP ($168)

5. MARINA LEATHER POINTY-TOE FLATS ($80)

Shop “The Girl On-The-Go”

1. HEXAGON CROSSBODY $245

2. THE JAPANESE ESSENTIAL JUMPSUIT ($120)

3. CABELLA BLACK AND TOAST POINTED-TOE SLINGBACK HEELS ($70)

Shop “Go Bold”

1. DOT SMOCKED TIE NECK ($45)

2. HALOGEN V-NECK TOP ($59)

3. THE HIGH WAIST ANKLE PANT ($89)

4. VESTA SKIMMER FLAT ($70)

Shop “The Classic Combo”

1. JOANNE SLIM FIT TAILORED TROUSERS $180

2. LONG AND LEAN-FIT WASHABLE WOOL-BLEND BLAZER ($79)

3. THE CLEAN SILK RELAXED SHIRT ($110)

4. GRAND AMBITION PUMP ($90)

If you like this article, check out 21 Ethical + Sustainable Clothing Brands You’ll Love to Wear and 10 Cute + Affordable Jewelry Brands You Should Shop. Let me know your favorite clothing item in the comments section below.

XO, Kim