When we interviewed the man responsible for dressing one of TV's chicest career women, one takeaway was that yeah, picking out your battle dress can be fun, but you don't want the clothes to get in the way of what's *really* important: the work. Here, meet two young brands that, if successful, could make it so that we'd never think about what we're going to wear to the office ever again.
Elizabeth & Clarke
Even if every single piece this New York label produces weren't stain-, odor- and sweat-proof *and* designed for function (#pocketsoneverything), it'd still be infomercial-level too-good-to-be-true, simply because it looks professional but also cool, that white whale of non-creative-workplace fashion. Melanie Moore, Elizabeth & Clarke's founder and CEO, spent years designing the brand's tightly edited collection (one blazer, one dress, one pencil skirt, and a pair of trousers) to accompany its massively successful un-stainable shirt.
E&C operates as a subscription service, so customers receive a quarterly box with the brand's shirts and/or pieces from the Unstainable collection à la carte. Also on the horizon: non-black colors and sizes up to 22.
Of Mercer
If only Emelyn Northway and Dorie Golkin's workwear kits had existed years earlier—that would have saved us a lot of embarrassment/stern talkings-to with HR. Earlier this month, the brand launched its multi-piece, customizable "Career Starter Kits," geared toward women at every stage of their careers, from "The Intern" to "The Graduate, Business Formal." (Side note: Have they got one that's "In-Between Adult/Child Hybrid Who Still Wears Clothes from High School"? Asking for me, not going to lie.)
Of course, there's always Of Mercer's streamlined, affordable main range to choose from, which will probably be the hardest bit of this whole process. Because after that, it's put it on, feel great, and go.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
All the Easter Eggs and Name Drops on Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department,' Explained
Digging through the fan theories so you don't have to.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
This Week's Best On-Sale Picks Include a Tory Burch Bag and Pretty Silver Ballet Flats
Warm weather is finally here—it's time to dress like it.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
A Sporty It-Sneaker Era Is About to Begin
Nike's next Air models are designed for Olympic athletes, but they'll soon be all over street style.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published