Wednesday’s Workwear Report: Envelope-Neck Ponte Dress
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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
Universal Standard keeps making different versions of this popular ponte dress, but this envelope neck might be my favorite one so far. I love their soft and stretchy ponte fabric for a comfy but still work-appropriate look, and the short sleeves provide plenty of coverage if you’d like to go without a topper.
If the envelope neck isn’t your thing, it’s also available in a crewneck and a V-neck.
The dress is $138 at Universal Standard and comes in sizes equivalent to 00-40. It also comes in five other colors.
Sales of note for 9/5/25
- Nordstrom – Summer sale has started, up to 60% off top brands
- Ann Taylor – Friends of Ann Event: 30% off your entire purchase, including new arrivals
- Anthropologie – 30% off clothing and accessories
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- J.Crew – Everyday styles from $34.50 — see our full roundup of what to buy for work at J.Crew
- J.Crew Factory – 50% off fall faves + extra 60% off clearance
- L.K. Bennett – 20% off all new-season
- Nordstrom Rack – Season Closeout: extra 40% off select clearance dresses, sandals, shorts, and swimwear(ends 9/11)
- Rothy's – Up to 50% off last-chance sales
- Soma – 5 panties for $39 + 35% off 3+ styles + buy 2 get 3 free panties — readers love these PJs and these no-VPL panties
- Talbots – 25-40% off select fall styles + extra 30% all markdowns — here are all the reader favorites at Talbots
- White House Black Market – 50% off all sale styles (ends 9/5)
I have this dress and I like the way it fits me! I have got a lot of compliments on it from people in my office, and that is unusual for them because I have a lot of dresses, but this one they like i think because of the color and fit!
Can you wear a normal bra or does the envelope part cut open wider than it looks on the model?
I don’t think it looks particularly good on any of the models (I checked every color on the website.) What body type do you have?
I used to have something like this in a burgundy color, and it was a real workhorse until I finally had to part with it. This may be a worthy replacement!
If you were going to buy a power outfit this fall and wanted to look stylish but not trendy, what would you pick? I usually like The Fold for this kind of thing but none of the colors or styles are speaking to me right now.
I want to love this, but cannot unsee baby onesies.
Go with one of the other two necklines. I am happy to see this dress offered with a v-neck, which is more flattering to my body type.
I have two young kids, and i would have never thought that. Even after you saying it, I don’t really see it.
Good morning! Has anyone ordered from Boden recently? Wondering if there will be a tariff? Thanks!
Nordstrom has some Boden; I might try there first so you don’t need to worry about this.
I just received two orders – no tariffs. They did raise their prices considerably this summer though!
Going to NYC in October and hoping to take my kids to see the Lion King. I have no idea, how do you buy tickets? What are the legit sites to buy tickets and what are the scams to watch out for? Am I overthinking this? Any recommendations appreciated, I just want my kids (and myself) to have an enjoyable time! :)
Recommendations for long-sleeve tee shirts for those of us with long arms? I am thin, small bust, size XS, 5’7”, with especially long arms. I am sick of tops that don’t quite reach my wrists.
I want crew or V neck tee shirts I can layer under sweaters or wear on their own. Cotton or a cotton blend is good, though I am open to other fabrics.
The best I have found is an XS Jones & Co / Jones New York cotton/modal/spandex black long-sleeve crew neck tee from TJ Maxx. They had only one and don’t regularly stock them. The fabric is substantial, it fits me well, and the sleeve length is generous. When it wears out I will cry.
An XS Tahari long-sleeve tee of the same cotton blend, also from TJ Maxx, fits almost as well.
What doesn’t work: The sleeve length on Target’s “A New Day” long-sleeve cotton tees is too short. Same with Eileen Fisher’s silk long-sleeve tops (not that I am looking for silk, but that’s all I have for a fancier black long-sleeve top). I don’t remember all the brands that don’t work, but I think I have not had luck at Lands End, Eddie Bauer, and most places I try.
Help me find shoes for a navy pantsuit. Something in the camel to brown family. Flats with presence? The SE Loraine loafers didn’t work for my feet.
I love cordovan with navy – something like these? https://www.stuartweitzman.com/products/sovinnie-flat/SM455-N4E.html?ogmap=PLA%7CACQ%7CGOOG%7CSTND%7Cc%7CSITEWIDE%7CMain%7CSW_RTL_Google_PLA_Signal_NA_Generic_National_PMax_NA_BAU%7C%7C17928847853%7C%7CUS&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SW_RTL_Google_PLA_Signal_NA_Generic_National_PMax_NA_BAU&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17413591629&gbraid=0AAAAADlsBsL-NbRGuaXJnxjq_RdynJ7M_&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIq53d9vbfjwMVxEb_AR1sWyZ-EAQYASABEgKIwPD_BwE
Try the Cole Haan Stassi loafers. SE doesn’t work for me, but I like these.
DH and I have been married for 20+ years. We’ve had a solid, healthy marriage, and yet, midlife is throwing us (or me, at least) for a loop. We are excellent partners. But between work, tween and teen kids, aging parents, and life, we are not doing a great job of connecting as a couple during this phase. Even date nights are rare, for Reasons. It does not help that perimenopause has decreased my drive to garden and even affects my desire to be touched in a non-s3xual way. Basically, we’re not connecting in a romantic way, and I feel like it’s my fault because I’m exhausted, I feel unattractive, I want to be left alone by everyone, and I don’t have much drive anymore. I don’t even feel that bothered by the lack of libido, other than knowing that it’s probably affecting my relationship. And then I feel resentful that my DH, being a man, doesn’t have to deal with any of this stuff. It also does not help that he is at a high point in his life, career wise, and I am … not having a great time of it.
Given how solid our relationship is, I did not see this coming. Any advice from people who have been there?