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ClassyTrendy · June 21, 2025

7 Places to Shop Chic, Budget-Friendly Workwear

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Workwear has evolved beyond stiff blazers and basic black trousers. Today’s professionals want style, comfort, and affordability, and thankfully, you don’t have to compromise. Whether you’re dressing for a corporate office, hybrid schedule, or creative field, you can look sharp without overspending. From versatile trousers to elevated blouses and power dresses, these 7 U.S.-based retailers provide budget-friendly options that still feel polished and modern.

Table of Contents

  • 1. H&M
  • 2. Uniqlo
  • 3. Target (A New Day & Who What Wear)
  • 4. Old Navy
  • 5. Mango
  • 6. Express (Outlet & Factory Stores)
  • 7. Nordstrom Rack

1. H&M

ajay_suresh – H & M – Store, CC BY 2.0 / Wikipedia commons

H&M offers a modern take on professional fashion that’s budget-friendly and office-ready. Known for its sharp tailoring and seasonal trends, H&M’s workwear collection features everything from oversized blazers and tapered trousers to pleated skirts and shirt dresses, all with a fashion-forward twist. The neutral color palette and clean silhouettes ensure each piece pairs well with others, helping you create multiple looks with fewer items. Their “Conscious Choice” line also features sustainably made pieces.

2. Uniqlo

Samuel Wiki – Own work, CC0 / Wikipedia commons

Uniqlo is beloved for its clean lines, premium-feel fabrics, and minimalist style, all at surprisingly low prices. Ideal for the modern professional, their workwear staples include wrinkle-resistant button-downs, Smart Ankle Pants, soft knit blazers, and easy-care dresses that transition from desk to dinner. Their clothing prioritizes comfort and function, with tech-savvy fabrics like AIRism and HEATTECH to keep you feeling fresh or warm year-round. Though designs are simple, the quality is consistently impressive, making Uniqlo a favorite for capsule wardrobe lovers.

3. Target (A New Day & Who What Wear)

Mike Kalasnik from Fort Mill, USA – Target Rock Hill, SCUploaded by AlbertHerring, CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikipedia commons

Target’s in-house brands like A New Day, Universal Thread, and Who What Wear offer an incredible range of stylish workwear at very affordable prices. Their pieces balance fashion and function, featuring blazers, pleated trousers, midi dresses, and structured tops suitable for both corporate and creative office environments. A New Day leans timeless and tailored, while Who What Wear adds a trendy, editorial edge. Available in extended sizes, these lines are inclusive and regularly updated with fresh seasonal drops.

4. Old Navy

Canmenwalker – Own work, CC BY 4.0 / Wikipedia commons

Old Navy is a surprisingly solid option for affordable, everyday workwear especially if your office leans business casual or you work from home. Their Pixie Pants are iconic: stretchy, flattering, and professional-looking. They also carry midi dresses, simple blouses, and layering pieces that are perfect for creating a comfortable yet polished outfit. With sizing that ranges from petite to plus and tall, Old Navy is impressively inclusive. The store often runs 40%–50% off promotions, meaning you can stock up on essentials without guilt.

5. Mango

Wegavision – Own work, CC0 / Wikipedia commons

Mango offers chic, European-inspired fashion with sleek tailoring and timeless designs. While its regular pricing is mid-range, the outlet and sale sections are where you’ll find luxe-looking workwear under $60. Think belted coats, wide-leg trousers, minimalist dresses, and structured blazers that could pass for designer. Mango’s pieces often feature neutral colors, rich textures, and modern silhouettes, perfect for building a high-end-looking wardrobe on a low-end budget.

6. Express (Outlet & Factory Stores)

Larry Hachucka – Own work / Wikipedia commons

Express is a go-to brand for trendy yet office-appropriate fashion, especially through their Outlet and Factory Store collections, which offer massive savings. Known for their modern tailoring, Express carries sleek blazers, slim-fit trousers, wrap tops, midi skirts, and sheath dresses that blend professional polish with a contemporary edge. The designs often include flattering details like waist cinching, subtle prints, and luxe-feel fabrics, all ideal for making a strong impression at work.

7. Nordstrom Rack

Mike8411251995 – Own work / Wikipedia commons

Nordstrom Rack is a treasure trove for finding discounted name-brand workwear from labels like Vince Camuto, Halogen, Calvin Klein, and Anne Klein. You can often find sharply tailored blazers, sheath dresses, and silk blouses for 30–70% off regular prices. The site’s search filters let you sort by style, size, and occasion, so it’s easy to find great workwear picks without digging. Though inventory changes quickly, the variety and brand value make it worth checking frequently.

Posted In: ClassyTrendy

Hello there! My name is Chi Li, 5'2", founder of PETITE DRESSING, the clothing line for women 5'4" & under. Are you petite and have you been frustrated with what to wear?
This is an issue few truly understand and even fewer brands truly address.
Being petite myself, I have been writing about fashion for short women since 2016 and my brand petitedressing.com has touched the lives of millions.
My styling concepts for petite women not only focus on the perfect fit but also on flattering & elongating the petite frame for a lean silhouette, optimizing the proportions.
Shop my clothing line here.

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