Put These New Work Wardrobe Brands on Your Radar
This makes me an adult, doesn't it?

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
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at Marie Claire. 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.
-
Zoë Kravitz Is the Latest New Yorker to Break the Flip-Flop Rule
She makes it look so easy.
-
Who Needs a Blow Dryer? Olivia Palermo's Bob Says No Thanks
Wet hair, don't care.
-
I'm Officially Swapping Baseball Caps for Kendall Jenner's Straw Hat
In true Hollywood form, she's not the only one inspiring me.
-
26 New J.Crew Arrivals I Predict Everyone Will Be Wearing on Their Summer Vacations
Consider my dream vacation wardrobe sorted.
-
The Secret to My Anti-Basic Summer Outfits? These Elevated Neckline Tops From H&M and Zara
28 under-$50 picks from H&M and Zara to instantly upgrade your look.
-
Miley Cyrus's Naked Schiaparelli Net Dress Is Dripping With Crystal Water Drops
The singer plucked the nude haute couture outfit straight from the runway.
-
Jennifer Lawrence Doubles Up on Controversial Summer Trends in Jorts and The Row Flip-Flops
She also played into 2025's sardine fashion trend in an unexpected way.
-
Kylie Jenner Pairs Her Retro Knicks Jacket With a Rare Bag and Celeb-Beloved $54,000 Watch
Bootcut jeans and vintage Chanel mules completed the perfect date night outfit.
-
Dakota Johnson Just Styled the Effortless Jacket Trend All New Yorkers Are Wearing
She completed her outfit with a sheer bodysuit and more than $130,000-worth of jewelry.
-
How Flip-Flops and Jeans Are Becoming the Summer Shortcut to The Row’s Cool-Girl Uniform
It girls really want us to try the unexpected combo.
-
Elle Fanning's Givenchy Skirt Suit Features a Secret Back Detail on the Cannes Red Carpet
Business in the front, party in the back.