5 Must-See Careerwear Designers

I must confess it always astonishes me how challenging it is to find ideal careerwear appropriate for corporate, creative, and (yes!) even casual work environments.

In stores and online, it is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. When I do finally find a piece with potential, it seems a setback is not far behind. Someone in my circle of professionals already owns it or I’m tugging at it because its silhouette is too revealing or unflattering, the only color options are basic black or ultra bright, the fabric is awkwardly sheer or uncomfortable, and the price, relative to quality, is often perplexingly high. Ultimately, I feel pressured to make some concession to make a piece work for work, but it never feels quite right enough for me to feel carefree, competent and dynamic in it.

Good news!

Here are five must-see fashion designers. They are part of a growing community of working women who, dissatisfied with the selection of women’s available career attire, are leaving the corporate world behind to create designer fashion brands serving the sartorial needs of today’s dynamic professional woman. Each is on a mission to bring you the holy grail of careerwear: stylish, accessible, office-appropriate, quality clothes with affordable price points. They adamantly want you to look and feel your best in the marketplace.

If you’re already a Corporate Fashionista newsletter subscriber, then you may be up-to-date with these designer interviews. If not, sign-up – lots more coming your way! Or follow my articles directly on Forbes. The list of fashion designers, brands and companies that need to be on your radar is thankfully growing!

• Designer Spotlight: Of Mercer Aims To Outfit Career Ambition

• Designer Spotlight: Dobbin Clothing Interview & Its Refreshing Customer-Driven Approach To Fashion

• Designer Spotlight: M.M. LaFleur Interview & Its Mission To Dress The Purposeful Woman

• Designer Spotlight: OnePointSix Reimagines Classic Career Wear

• Designer Spotlight: Numari Generates Buzz With Its Custom- Fit Careerwear

What design details do you look for in ideal careerwear? Please share your go-to designers/brands who are also taking style seriously as a professional tool and breaking new ground!