Finding great office outfits can be a challenge, but this ‘smart but fashionable’ navy dress Susanna Reid wore on Good Morning Britain last week may have solved our workwear woes
If there’s one thing that many women find it difficult to get dressed for, it’s work. Finding the balance between office appropriate whilst still feeling stylish and fashionable can be difficult to nail, and we often end up in a rut of the same blazer/shirt/trouser combination.
However, if you’re looking to switch up your office style, might we suggest taking inspiration from an unexpected source – Susanna Reid ’s wardrobe on Good Morning Britain. The presenter regularly walks the line between chic and smart, and her latest navy dress is the perfect example.
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Last week, Susanna wore the Ponte Round Neck Mini Shift Dress from Sosander to host GMB, and it’s the perfect pick for spring in the office. It has a shorter length that stops just above the knee which is ideal for warmer weather, but it maintains a smart, work-appropriate look thanks to its three quarter length sleeves and high, rounded neckline.
The Sosander dress’ pleated hemline avoids it looking too clingy or slinky, and whilst it has a flattering fitted shape, its silhouette is more shift dress than bodycon. The zip fastening at the front also allows you to dictate how low you want the neckline to be, allowing you to wear it for work, but also to evening events, dinners and date nights so you get plenty of wear out of it.
Subtle white details like tabs on the pocket and around the hem make it a little more interesting than a plain dress, and there are gold hardware details that give it a luxe look. Although the dress is almost entirely sold out on the Sosander website, M&S still has it in stock in all sizes from 10-20 for £79.
If you do prefer something a little more plain and understated, Boden’s Nessa Ottoman Shift Dress is similarly priced at £75 and comes in petite, regular and tall lengths. It has three quarter sleeves and a knee-length hemline, and comes in a simple block colour with five different colourways to choose from.
For something less form fitting, the Enola Belted Ponte Shirt Dress from Phase Eight is ideal, with a fitted waist and fuller, flared skirt and belt detail for a flattering fit. It’s also currently on sale for just £49, down from £129.
If longer dresses are a safer bet for your office, the Lucia Navy Crepe Midi Dress from Finery London is a great choice, coming just below the knee with a button up collared neckline. This also comes in petite and regular lengths, and is on sale down from £59 to £47.20.
However, Marks & Spencer shoppers have praised the Ponte Round Neck Mini Shift Dress and given it a solid five star rating, saying it’s ideal for workwear. One said: “Stylish dress, bought for an important work meeting. I looked and felt stunning. A work smart and yet fashionable choice.”
Another said: “Very smart dress and great quality. Looks good on any occasion.”
There are no negative reviews of the dress at the moment, but one did say: “Lovely fit price seems a lot but it’s the whole outfit.”
