Not every day can be casual Friday. Thankfully, Toronto is home to a number of big-name retailers and independent boutiques that carry smart suits and other tasteful wardrobe staples for well-dressed women. Channel your inner working girl and shop for office appropriate attire at these women’s wear stores.
Keep it stylish from nine to five and beyond in locally made fashions from this independent Toronto boutique in Dundas West. Designers and co-owners Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish have earned a loyal following from women of all ages thanks to their distinctly smart, structured designs and high-quality textured fabrics. The classic-yet-edgy separates, dresses and outerwear are all made on-site at the shop’s upstairs showroom.
Find work-appropriate apparel that’ll take you from the boardroom to the holiday office party at this popular retailer with locations at the Eaton Centre and Yorkdale. Traditional work blouses are embellished with funky details like bedazzled collars, bows and lace overlays to give them a bit of visual interest. Trendsetters will love the tuxedo-inspired jumpsuits and pantsuits. The full-service shop also carries petites and tall sizes and a variety of footwear choices so you can step out in style whether you’re a heels or a loafers kind of gal.
This popular high street boutique specializes in effortlessly chic items that’ll endure the test of time. Mid-priced wardrobe basics and more luxurious offerings (think fur vests and beaded party dresses) are easy to mix and match thanks to the cohesive colour palate and versatile designs. Feminine blouses, patterned blazers and fit-and-flair skirts are ideal transition-pieces that will keep you looking impeccably put together year-round. Be sure to check the sale section for markdowns on out-of-season staples. Heading to school part time while you work? Students receive a 20 per cent discount in store when they show a valid ID.
Get a luxe designer wardrobe for less at this high-end consignment shop stocked with second-hand fashions from mid-range brands and designer labels. All of the items in store are hand-selected for their timeless appeal and quality construction. All of the vintage skirts, dresses and footwear options are deeply discounted from their original sticker price. The ever changing stock means you never know what you’ll find (perhaps a Tom Ford blouse, Isabel Marant jacket or a two-piece Chanel suit) but you can be sure your coworkers will be coveting your designer vintage ensembles.
The city’s trendsetters flock to this expansive women’s boutique for designer fashions, shoes and accessories. Both the uptown showroom and the Hazelton Lanes location stock fashion-forward designs that veer a bit more trendy than office appropriate, but you’ll still find fabulous pieces to incorporate into your work wardrobe including tailored blazers from Smythe, smart pea coats from Band of Outsiders and sleek leather goods from Alexander Wang. You’ll also find plenty of denim jeans from J Brand and Hudson Jeans for those easy-going casual Fridays.
With locations across the GTA, this ubiquitous American retailer is a great one-stop shop for all your work wardrobe needs. Frequent sales see merchandise discounted anywhere from 30 to 50 per cent which makes it easy to stock up on casual knit cardigans, structured suits and silk camisoles. Metallic A-line skirts and ornamental necklaces can give basics some added-glamour and make it easy to transition your outfit from day to night.