Much like cultural history itself, you can trace the evolution of social norms by what women wore to work. In the 1960s, it was prim pencil skirts and matching sets. The 1970s brought fluid tailoring and a touch of bohemian ease.
By the 1980s, as women’s liberation gained momentum, power dressing arrived in the form of sharp suiting, shoulder pads and exaggerated silhouettes. The 1990s pared it all back again, ushering in minimalism and streamlined separates that redefined corporate chic.
The Best Workwear Brands According To marie claire
- Best Contemporary: Camilla And Marc
- Best Classic: Scanlan Theodore
- Best Affordable: Commonry
Today, workwear is all about sleek minimalism with an emphasis on quality and versatility. Traditionally, shopping for your work wardrobe has felt like a bit of a chore when compared to shopping for, say, great occasionwear. But with so many contemporary and cool fashion labels offering collections that double as workwear, that’s also changing. Think Camilla and Marc’s architectural blazers, Scanlan Theodore’s polished crepe dresses, or The Frankie Shop’s effortlessly oversized suiting.
If you’re refreshing your work wardrobe, it helps to think in terms of a capsule edit: a perfectly cut blazer, well-fitting trousers, a go-to midi dress, a crisp shirt, and a pair of sleek loafers. These are the building blocks of a work uniform that’s anything but boring. Because at the end of the day, sometimes you want to take the guesswork out of getting dressed in the morning without feeling like you’re compromising on style.
Whether you’re after affordable pieces that are super wearable, or luxe options that will become wardrobe staples, here are our favourite workwear brands to shop now.
Country Road
No doubt, if you’re shopping for workwear in Australia, Country Road is already on your list of places to go. The iconic Australian brand is synonymous with elevated basics, and their workwear collection is extensive; tailored blazers, cropped trousers, and silk-blend blouses, wool skirts being just some of the highlights. Sustainability is also a key focus for the company, with many pieces made using organic or responsibly sourced fibres.
Size Range: 4–16 Australian (select pieces up to 18). | Price Range: $129–$499.
COUNTRY ROAD
Wool Silk Collared Knit
COUNTRY ROAD
Lady Like Contour Jacket
COUNTRY ROAD
Romy Mule
COUNTRY ROAD
Pleat Wool Pant
Sportscraft
A truly legendary Australian fashion brand, Sportscraft is an excellent option for workwear that balances structure with wearability. Emphasising clean lines and timelessness, you can expect stretch blazers that don’t feel constricting, pants that hold their shape and silk blouses that will add femininity without feeling immature. Sportscraft also have one of the best size ranges right now, with a petite offering that gives you a precise fit off the rack.
Size Range: 4–18 Australian. | Price Range: $150–$350.
SPORTSCRAFT
Elka Pointelle Cardigan
SPORTSCRAFT
Libby Leather Belt
SPORTSCRAFT
Laura Straight Chino Pant
SPORTSCRAFT
Saint Textured Single Breasted Blazer
Saba
Saba has become one of the most popular Australian brands for corporate women who want to feel confident and chic at work. They’re known for sharp suiting, streamlined silhouettes and neutral palettes (with the occasional statement print), making Saba a seriously ideal option for reliable workwear. Their pieces are made of fabrics like Japanese crepe and Australian merino wool, so you know they’re made for longevity in mind. With a great size range and reasonable price points, it’s a bit of a no-brainer.
Size Range: 6–16 Australian. | Price Range: $149–$399.
SABA
Dharma Stitch Detail Blazer
SABA
Maisy Mohair Knit Tank
SABA
Dharma Side Stripe Pant
SABA
Viv Faux Leather Panel Midi Skirt
Scanlan Theodore
In Australia, there are few brands that have the kind of reputation that Scanlan Theodore does. Especially when it comes to workwear, you can’t beat the quality of their crepe knit pieces that are tailored to perfection, or their well-cut blazers and sleek midi dresses. A considerable downside is that their size range can sometimes feel a bit limited, so keep that in mind. But if you’re looking for premium workwear that will last beyond one, or even two seasons, you should absolutely make Scanlan one of your first go-tos.
Size Range: 6–14 Australian. | Price Range: $300–$1,000.
SCANLAN THEODORE
Crepe Knit Daity Jacket
SCANLAN THEODORE
Cotton Swill Cargo Dress
SCANLAN THEODORE
Cotton Sateen Cargo Dress
SCANLAN THEODORE
The Carry All Shopper
The Frankie Shop
New York-based The Frankie Shop has become an editor-approved favourite for its effortlessly oversized blazers, crisp shirts, and wide-leg trousers. In fact, if you ask any fashion editor, there’s a good chance they have at least one piece from The Frankie Shop that they wear on regular rotation. This is workwear that works hard to help you go from office meetings to after-work drinks. The fabrics lean toward low-maintenance cotton blends and structured tailoring, making them easy to care for and extremely wearable.
Size Range: XS–L (oversized cuts often accommodate up to AU 16). | Price Range: $150–$1000.
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Daytona Pleated Wide Leg Pants
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Tribeca Oversized Woven Coat
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Lui Striped Silk Shirt
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Basel Cotton-Blend Sweater
Friends With Frank
If you’re leaning into simple basics done really well, Friends with Frank should be top of your list. Best known for luxurious knitwear and softly tailored coats, this Melbourne-based label creates workwear that feels indulgent without ever being over the top. You can easily layer their pieces — a cashmere-blend knit under one of their lush wool coats, for instance — making the label super versatile for casual office dress codes and a great investment.
Size Range: 6–16 Australian. | Price Range: $200–$499.
FRIENDS WITH FRANK
The Anya Dress
FRIENDS WITH FRANK
The Clemence Blazer Coat
FRIENDS WITH FRANK
The Esther Cropped Trench
FRIENDS WITH FRANK
The Vida Skirt
Camilla And Marc
One of Australia’s leading fashion labels, Camilla and Marc design for the modern working woman. So you can find all of the essential building blocks to an exceptional work wardrobe here: sharp-shouldered blazers, fluid satin blouses, and perfectly cut trousers, to name a few. Not only that, but everything is crafted from luxury fabrics making these pieces ones you’ll wear for years. A lot of their designs riff off of the idea of wardrobe basics, but delivered with edge. It’s a great option because you know you’ll always feel comfortable and confident wearing their clothes.
Size Range: XXS–XL (6–14 Australian). | Price Range: $90-$1600.
CAMILLA AND MARC
Leona Classic Crew Neck Sweater
CAMILLA AND MARC
Piero Blazer
CAMILLA AND MARC
Dia Car Coat
CAMILLA AND MARC
Lark Shirt
Commonry
A relatively new Australian label, Commonry is one of our favourite Australian brands for their workwear that delivers on comfort and fit without compromising on style. They strike the perfect balance between structured polish and all-day comfort, with linen-blend blazers that breathe through summer, tailored trousers with stretch for ease, and midi dresses that go from desk to dinner without a second thought. Their muted colour palette makes their pieces easy to mix and match, giving you an in-built capsule wardrobe for work in just a few items.
Size Range: 8–22 Australian (some extended to 24). | Price Range: $70–$370.
COMMONRY
Cara Pant
COMMONRY
Lori Dress
COMMONRY
Good Earth Cotton Demi Shirt
COMMONRY
Melissa Cropped Trench
Top-tier options in Australia include Camilla and Marc, well-known for architectural tailoring and contemporary blazers; Scanlan Theodore, celebrated for polished crepe dresses and sleek corporate classics; and Commonry, a rising affordable label praised for budget-conscious, minimal‑luxury pieces suited to the office.
You can shop at major department stores like David Jones, Myer, and The Iconic, where you’ll find a wide range of brands offering everything from classic suits to tailored separates. You can also shop direct from brands websites or boutiques, such as Camilla and Marc, Scanlan Theodore, and Commonry.
Commonry and The Iconic are a great choice for affordable and versatile workwear. Additionally, brands like Portmans, Witchery, and Target’s Preview range offer value-friendly basics, especially useful for building capsule wardrobe
Camilla and Marc deliver refined, architectural silhouettes ideal for modern offices. Scanlan Theodore brings timeless elegance with its polished crepe dresses. Bassike offers neutral-toned tailored basics, and Beare Park is known for luxurious, office-ready pieces.
Considering shopping THE ICONIC for workwear? You can get an exclusive discount code here.
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