Everyone in their boss-girl era deserves the right arsenal to look and feel their best. Having a good collection of formal clothes will not only save you time while getting dressed but also help you feel confident. Buying high-quality clothing will ensure that you have formal wear that is durable and will last you a long time, reducing the hassle of replacing easily damaged pieces. You also need formal clothing that is well-fitted with a tailored look and made of good-quality fabrics for a comfortable feel.
From corporate-coded formals to business casuals and traditional Indian pieces, there are many clothing items you can pick for a sophisticated and polished look. If you too want to look put together every time you step into the office, having formal clothes in the latest styles as well as basics is a must. Check out this list of the best brands for formal clothes in 2024 and pick from the top 10 brands that offer western as well as minimal ethnic options like kurtas for women.
1. Van Heusen
Taking care of all your power dressing needs, Van Heusen offers basics for the boardroom, including shirts, tops, trousers, dresses, and skirts. While some styles help you achieve the clean girl look, others help you add pops of colour to your workwear collection, along with different textures and fabrics that add visual dimension. We recommend these top-rated options that can be paired with virtually any bottom-wear option for a classic and sophisticated look.
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2. Vero Moda
If you’re one who can’t wait for the weekend, opt for formal clothes from Vero Moda that transition seamlessly from day to night. The casual fabrics in formal silhouettes will help you look youthful and stylish every day. This sheer brown option allows you to achieve a bold look and can be worn over a camisole with trousers or over a bralette and leather skirt. The satin-finish shirt with flared sleeves adds a romantic feel to the formal clothing silhouette and adds a balanced elegant touch.
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3. Fabindia
Summer heat can be brutal but your boss-girling can never stop. This is where Fabindia comes in with its breezy high-quality linen and cotton formal wear. The durable and airy fabrics are essential as temperatures rise and all shirt, pants, and dress options are available in a wide range of colours and fun prints. This floral print cotton shirt is the best example of how FabIndia is blending prints rooted in traditional textile art and blending it with Western silhouettes. The solid black pants are a no-brainer choice and we cannot recommend it enough as it can be paired with anything.
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4. Allen Solly
While trends like the ‘old-money’ aesthetic have made neutral shades a must-have, you can always pick shades that you love and reflect your personality the best. These top-rated lilac and butter yellow options from Allen Solly combine the fun of colours with work-appropriate tops that you can style with solid trousers for formal attire. For semi-formal and business casual looks, you can also opt for printed palazzos with complementary tones.
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5. W for Woman
While the strict definition of formal clothes is coded in Western culture, many women in the Indian workforce prefer to wear kurtas that are also colloquially known as ‘Indian formals’. Kurtas are also just as easy to throw on as shirts and can be paired with most neutral and solid trousers or leggings. If you also love the ethnic look, opt for minimal kurtas from W for Woman to enhance your formal wear game. The following options have been hailed by reviewers for their quality, fit, and value for money.
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6. Marks And Spencer
From its legacy since 1884 to its cult following even today, Marks And Spencer is a well-trusted brand across Western formal wear categories. This black blazer is the perfect example of how the brand is offering a variety of clothing – from the modern ruched sleeve and oversized fit to the vibrant green and blue colour option. The pink satin trousers are yet another reflection of how the brand incorporates trending shades with classic silhouettes. You should definitely add this to your closet for basics that will never disappoint.
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7. Biba
If you’re too busy to be matching separates, consider buying a few suit sets for a cohesive workwear outfit. The matching kurta and pants help you look elegant and polished and you can opt to carry the dupatta or leave it behind. Biba’s printed suits are perfect if you love desi styles as they combine the convenience of co-ord sets, the comfort of breathable fabrics, and the elegance of traditional Indian textile art.
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8. Twenty Dresses by Nykaa Fashion
If you prefer wearing the latest social-media-approved designs, keep your eye on the collection from Twenty Dresses by Nykaa Fashion which offers contemporary formal wear clothes for modern women. The brand also has inclusive sizing with plus size or curve options in a variety of the latest styles. Both the options recommended here have been highly rated by reviewers who lauded the great fit and quality.
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9. PowerSutra
PowerSutra is a size-inclusive brand offering options from XXS to 15XL and has been spotted on celebs like Pooja Bedi and news anchors. The new-age brand also takes pride in its responsible production practices. You can pick from basic options like this highly-rated midi pencil dress that will flatter your curves or a black blazer set. The brand also offers quirky options like bright suit sets and top wear like this contrast stitch shirt.
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10. Cider
Available exclusively on Nykaa Fashion’s Global Store, Cider is a Gen-Z-approved brand that is all the rage on social media. They offer several choices that reflect individuality and should be on your list for business casual outfits and formal clothes. This long-sleeved mini dress can transition easily from day to night when paired with heels and dainty jewellery. The tweed jacket with pearl details will help channel the ‘preppy’ aesthetic trend and can be paired with white trousers or a pencil skirt for an elegant look.
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Whether you like supporting budding homegrown brands or exploring legacy labels, we hope you found the right match for trendy and stylish formal clothes that will help you feel more confident and comfortable at work. While you’re out there conquering the world, you can be sure to rely on these top brands for high-quality formal wear clothing that is durable and timeless.