For most of us, we spend the majority of our waking hours at work. This means we also spend a lot of time in our work wardrobe. So why not make it look epic, while supporting brands with sustainable values.

This blog was compiled (by Kate and Georgia) with a couple of things in mind.

Firstly, the pieces you purchase for a work wardrobe should ideally go with other pieces in your wardrobe and have a versatile life outside of work (none of this “no outfit repeating’ stuff!). This can save you money, plus reduce your consumption. Secondly, work wardrobes don’t need to be drab and boring - we’ve found LOTS of awesome brands that go beyond just the usual black and grey blazers. And finally, it’s important to note that ‘work’ is different for everyone. We’ve found different styles with a mix of fabrics, price ranges, and sizes (though we realise the fashion industry is size exclusive and we hope all of these brands work at being better).

We all deserve to feel great about the brands we are supporting, even in the clothes we wear to work. So, if you’re in need of a new addition to the work wardrobe, this is for you!

PS. “Highlight garment” means what this brand does super well (according to Georgia). It DOES NOT mean it is the only thing this brand creates - most of them do everything, and they do it really well!

Note: some of these brands we've worked with in the past, but this blog is not sponsored.

Pankina Clothing

Cost: $79 - $289

Size range: 8 - 16

Main Materials: Linen, Organic Cotton, Hemp

Made in: Australia

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: White linen pants

Chief Studio

Cost: $79 - $430

Size range: 6 - 14

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: India

Returns: Within 30 days

Highlight garment: Shirt dress

Standard Issue

Cost: $130 - $800

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Merino/Cashmere/Cotton

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Within 10 days

Highlight garment: Tops/cardigans

Kate’s review: Standard Issue knits are a key workplace item during the cooler months. Plus their tanks and tops are great for layering.

Rūpahaus

Cost: $113 - $291

Size range: XS - L

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: Indonesia

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Button Up Shirt (Leah Shirt)

Twenty Seven Names

Cost: $230 - $740

Size range: 6 - 20

Main Materials: Silk, Linen, Viscose

Made in: New Zealand

Returns:

Highlight garment: Blouses

Dorsu

Cost: $45 - $100

Size range: XXS - XXXL

Main Materials: Cotton Jersey

Made in: Cambodia

Returns: Within 15 days

Highlight garment: Jumpsuits

Nobody Denim

Cost: $89 - $289

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Cotton, Wool

Made in: Fiji, China, Australia

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Polo shirts

KowTow

Cost: $60 - $380

Size range: XXS - XXL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: India

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Shirts

Hew Clothing

Cost: $85 - $385

Size range: 8 - 16

Main Materials: Organic Cotton, Linen, Wool

Made in: China, Australia, New Zealand

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Shirts

ReCreate

Cost: $40 - $250

Size range: XS - XL

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: Cambodia

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Dresses

Milk & Thistle

Cost: $125 - $300

Size range: 8 - 16

Main Materials: Linen, Cotton

Made in: Australia

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Dresses

Sanct

Cost: $99 - $330

Size range: 8 - 22

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: Australia

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Pants & structured top

Sly & Company

Cost: $90 - $300

Size range: S - L

Main Materials: Cotton, Linen, Wool

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Dress (Susie Dress)

Frank & Dollys

Cost: $166 - $220

Size range: XXS - XXL

Main Materials: Cotton

Made in: Indonesia, India

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Blouses

Veronika Maine

Cost: $66 - $450

Size range: 6 - 16

Main Materials: Tencel, Cotton, Polyester

Made in: Australia, China, Vietnam

Returns: Within 15 days

Highlight garment: Blazers

Lois Hazel

Cost: $120 - $420

Size range: 6 - 16

Main Materials: Organic Cotton

Made in: Australia

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Tops

Georgia’s Review: If I could exclusively have a wardrobe from only one brand, it would be Lois Hazel. Their garments are so chic and dressy feeling, yet so comfortable. You can dress them up, dress them down, but ultimate you’ll never want to take them off!!

Secondhand

Cost: Free - thousands

Size range: Whatever you can find

Main Materials: The sky’s the limit!

Made in: Internationallllll

Returns: Gift it on to some else

Highlight garment: Every. Single. Find

Georgia’s Review: I have found every piece of my workwear second hand! From vintage NZ pieces, to handmade, to anything in between, there are incredible things out there that are just waiting for a new lease on life! It’s all about styling too.. finding versatile pieces that spice up the work wardrobe is super fun!

Tonic & Cloth

Cost: $180 - $400

Size range: 8 - 18

Main Materials: Organic denim, Merino

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Pants/jeans

Kate’s review: Many workplaces don’t allow you to wear jeans at work, but these jeans have strategic darts and are shaped in a way you could probably get away with it. You don’t have to roll the cuffs up like I do, so if you imagine it with full length and a formal blouse, you’d be away laughing.

Maggie Marilyn

Cost: $75 - $1800

Size range: 6 - 16

Main Materials: Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, Organic Linen

Made in: New Zealand

Returns: Case to case basis

Highlight garment: Jacket/Blazers

Holi Boli

Cost: $270 - $365

Size range: 8 - 16

Main Materials: Cotton, Linen

Made in: India

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Dresses

Kate’s review: Holi Boli is your go to for classic, timeless pieces. They’re the ones you will always reach for when you need something you trust - less punchy, but a forever staple.

Pure Pod

Cost: $50 - $600

Size range: 8 - 18

Main Materials: Silk, Linen

Made in: Australia, India, Asia

Returns: Within 14 days

Highlight garment: Blouses

Esse The Label

Cost: $89 - $198

Size range: XXS - XL

Main Materials: Linen, Tencel, Cotton

Made in: Vietnam

Returns: Within 7 days

Highlight garment: Skirt & top set

Kate’s review: Lovely soft fabrics, fun sets, and ideal capsule wardrobe pieces too. Esse The Label are one of the more versatile options; not too formal for last minute drinks after work, but still formal enough for the most strict corporate workplaces.