28 Brands Like Theory for Modern, Polished Workwear

Explore brands like Theory for modern, polished workwear. Discover minimalist designs, premium fabrics, and chic styles to elevate your professional wardrobe.
Written by: 
Ash Read
Last updated: 

If you're building a wardrobe of modern, polished, and impeccably tailored workwear, you probably already know and love Theory. The brand is a go-to for its minimalist aesthetic, clean lines, and premium fabrics that make professional dressing feel effortlessly chic.

For those who admire Theory's fusion of sophistication and style, there are plenty of other brands that hit that same sweet spot. Whether you're looking for more accessible price points, different silhouettes, or just want to expand your workwear rotation, here are 28 amazing brands that deliver a similar vibe.

1. COS

Often described as H&M's more sophisticated older sister, COS (Collection of Style) offers minimalist and architectural designs at an accessible price point. The brand focuses on high-quality fabrics and modern, clean silhouettes, making it a perfect alternative to Theory for everyday workwear. You'll find streamlined dresses, tailored trousers, and elevated knitwear that feel timeless but contemporary.

Pieces generally fall between $50 and $300, offering a similar polished aesthetic without the luxury price tag. If you appreciate Theory's commitment to simplicity but want options that feel a bit more artistic and affordable, COS is your best bet. It’s perfect for building a capsule wardrobe full of interesting, versatile staples.

Shop now at cos.com

2. Everlane

Known for its "Radical Transparency," Everlane excels at creating modern, minimalist basics that are both stylish and ethically made. Their workwear collection features impeccably tailored trousers, silk blouses, and structured blazers that echo Theory's focus on quality essentials. Their pieces, like the best-selling Drapey Square Shirt or the Way-High Drape Pant, are designed to be wardrobe cornerstones.

With prices ranging from $40 to $200, Everlane is a more budget-friendly option for fans of Theory's clean aesthetic. It's the ideal brand for filling your closet with high-quality, timeless staples you can feel good about wearing.

Shop now at everlane.com

3. Vince

Vince embodies California cool with a luxurious, understated twist. The brand is known for its mastery of luxe basics, sourcing premium fabrics like cashmere, silk, and leather to create pieces that feel incredible to wear. Think effortless slip dresses, buttery-soft knits, and perfectly draped trousers that work for both the office and the weekend.

Sitting in a similar luxury price range to Theory (around $150-$700), Vince offers a slightly more relaxed and laid-back sensibility. If you love Theory's quality but want your workwear to feel a little less corporate and a lot more comfortable, Vince is the perfect match.

Shop now at vince.com

4. J.Crew

A true American classic, J.Crew has perfected the art of preppy-yet-polished style. The brand is a powerhouse for workwear, known for its iconic Regent blazers, Cameron slim-fit pants, and crisp button-down shirts. It’s a reliable source for building a timeless, versatile professional wardrobe that never goes out of style.

While Theory is more minimalist and modern, J.Crew offers a classic, Americana-infused take on workwear at a more accessible price point ($50-$300). If you want dependable, polished staples with a touch of playful color and print, J.Crew won't disappoint.

Shop now at jcrew.com

5. Reiss

UK-based brand Reiss delivers sophisticated, contemporary clothing with an emphasis on sharp tailoring and modern details. It strikes the perfect balance between classic and trend-led, offering everything from impeccably cut suits to elegant blouses and structured dresses that feel both powerful and chic.

Priced similarly to Theory ($100-$600), Reiss offers a slightly more fashion-forward European edge. It’s an excellent choice for a professional who loves Theory’s polish but wants pieces with a bit more of-the-moment detail and a sleeker silhouette.

Shop now at reiss.com

6. Aritzia

Aritzia is a one-stop-shop for modern essentials, housing beloved in-house brands like Wilfred and Babaton that excel at office-appropriate attire. You'll find everything from sleek bodysuits and Power Blouses (thanks, Babaton!) to the famous Effortless Pants, which have become a modern workwear staple for a reason. Their pieces are designed to be high-quality and on-trend.

With an accessible price point of $50-$300, Aritzia makes it easy to build a stylish work wardrobe that feels current. It’s a fantastic alternative to Theory for younger professionals or anyone looking for polished pieces that feel fashion-forward, not formal.

Shop now at aritzia.com

7. Banana Republic

Over the past few years, Banana Republic has undergone a major glow-up, trading its classic mall-brand status for an elevated, worldly aesthetic centered on quality fabrics and craftsmanship. Think Italian merino wool sweaters, supple suede jackets, and tailored trousers that look and feel incredibly luxe.

Now, Banana Republic offers Theory-level quality at a more accessible price point, particularly during sales. It’s the perfect place to shop for sophisticated, adventurous pieces that feel like an investment but without the designer sticker shock.

Shop now at bananarepublic.gap.com

8. Mango

Spanish retailer Mango delivers on-trend, contemporary pieces with a distinctive European flair. It's a fantastic source for polished workwear essentials like chic tweed jackets, tailored vests, and wide-leg trousers that look much more expensive than they are. Mango is quicker to adopt trends than Theory, so it’s great for adding a current touch to your professional wardrobe.

With most items priced between $30 and $200, it's a budget-friendly way to achieve a sleek, sophisticated look. It’s ideal for the fashion-conscious professional who wants to experiment with new styles without overspending.

Shop now at shop.mango.com

9. Brooks Brothers

As the oldest clothing retailer in the United States, Brooks Brothers is the authority on classic, traditional American workwear. The brand is synonymous with high-quality tailoring, non-iron dress shirts, and impeccably made suiting. It's the epitome of professional, buttoned-up style.

While Theory leans modern, Brooks Brothers embraces timeless elegance with a preppy slant. If your workplace is more corporate or you simply prefer a more classic aesthetic rooted in heritage and quality, Brooks Brothers is an unbeatable choice.

Shop now at brooksbrothers.com

10. Club Monaco

Club Monaco occupies a sweet spot between classic and current, offering elevated, urban essentials that feel considered and timeless. Their collections are defined by clean lines, beautiful fabrics, and thoughtful details, making their pieces perfect for polished professional looks. Shop here for silk blouses, versatile dresses, and tailored separates that transition easily from day to night.

With a similar minimalist sensibility and price point to Theory, Club Monaco is a fantastic direct alternative. The brand often incorporates slightly softer silhouettes and richer textures, giving it a touch more romantic, city-chic appeal.

Shop now at clubmonaco.com

11. Lafayette 148 New York

Lafayette 148 New York is a luxury brand rooted in sophisticated, modern design and exceptional craftsmanship. Designed by women for women, its pieces blend functionality with high fashion, using exquisite fabrics and architectural silhouettes. The brand is beloved for its artful blouses, luxe cashmere, and powerful suiting.

Positioned at a higher price point than Theory ($200-$1,000+), Lafayette 148 is for the professional seeking true investment pieces. It’s an elevated alternative that offers unparalleled quality and a distinctive, polished aesthetic for the modern executive.

Shop now at lafayette148ny.com

12. Ann Taylor

A longtime staple for working women, Ann Taylor specializes in feminine, polished workwear that is both timeless and versatile. The brand offers an extensive collection of suiting, blouses, dresses, and skirts in classic cuts and modern prints, with a focus on delivering impeccable fits for a variety of body types.

Ann Taylor is more traditional and slightly more feminine than Theory, offering a softer take on corporate dressing at a more affordable price ($50-$250). It’s a reliable destination for professionals who need a dependable and stylish nine-to-five wardrobe.

Shop now at anntaylor.com

13. Zara

When it comes to trendy, fast-fashion workwear, Zara leads the pack. The retailer is known for its ability to quickly translate runway trends into accessible pieces, offering a constant stream of new blazers, trousers, and blouses with a sharp, European aesthetic. It’s the best place to find of-the-moment silhouettes and colors without a major financial commitment.

While Zara can't compete with Theory on fabric quality or longevity, it's an unbeatable source for adding a fashion-forward jolt to your office attire on a budget. If you want a trendy blazer for the season, Zara has you covered.

Shop now at zara.com

14. Sandro

Sandro embodies Parisian street style with its sophisticated yet effortlessly cool designs. The brand blends feminine details with clean, masculine-inspired tailoring, resulting in pieces like sharp blazers, tweed sets, and floaty printed dresses that feel both polished and edgy. It’s perfect for the modern professional who doesn’t want to sacrifice personality for professionalism.

Comparable to Theory in price and quality, Sandro offers a distinctly French point of view. It’s an ideal choice if you find Theory a bit too minimal and want workwear with more embellishment, texture, and individualistic flair.

Shop now at us.sandro-paris.com

15. Maje

As Sandro's sister brand, Maje shares a similar Parisian chic aesthetic but leans slightly more feminine, bohemian, and bold. Expect romantic ruffle blouses, playful print dresses, and sharply tailored pieces accented with interesting details like statement buttons or contrasting trims.

Maje offers polished, work-appropriate clothing that has a bit more personality and flair than Theory's minimalist pieces. Ranging from $150 to $800, it's perfect for a creative professional or anyone who wants their office look to feel unique and expressive.

Shop now at us.maje.com

16. A.P.C.

A.P.C. (Atelier de Production et de Création) is a French brand famous for its raw denim and minimalist, intellectual approach to everyday essentials. Beyond jeans, they create beautifully understated trench coats, crisp shirting, and simple, perfect-fit trousers that champion clean lines and high-quality materials.

Echoing Theory's less-is-more philosophy, A.P.C. is for the true minimalist who values enduring style over fleeting trends. If you're building a capsule wardrobe centered on impeccable quality and subtle sophistication, A.P.C. is your holy grail.

Shop now at apc-us.com

17. Vince Camuto

Vince Camuto is well-known for its shoes and accessories, but the brand also offers a wide range of contemporary ready-to-wear that is perfect for the office. You’ll find printed blouses, tailored pants, and versatile day-to-night dresses that are both polished and on-trend, all at an accessible price point.

Compared to Theory, Vince Camuto offers a more approachable and often trendier take on workwear. It’s a great option for finding stylish, affordable pieces to round out your professional wardrobe. Price points generally fall between $50 and $300.

Shop now at vincecamuto.com

18. H&M Conscious

For budget-conscious shoppers looking for sustainable options, H&M's Conscious collection is a worthy stop. The line features wardrobe staples made from more sustainable materials, including work-ready blazers, trousers, and blouses. It allows you to tap into modern, minimalist styles without a big environmental or financial footprint.

While durability isn't on par with Theory, H&M is great for affordable, stylish basics to fill gaps in your work wardrobe. Most pieces are under $150, making it an easy way to try new silhouettes or colors.

Shop now at hm.com

19. Madewell

While famous for its perfectly worn-in denim, Madewell also designs a great collection of effortless, laid-back workwear. Their popular Caldwell Double-Breasted Blazer, Harlow Wide-Leg Pants, and easy drape blouses are perfect for offices with a more casual dress code. Everything is designed to be comfy, cool, and incredibly versatile.

Madewell offers that coveted "cool girl" aesthetic at a price point ($50-$200) that’s more palatable than Theory's. It's the ideal brand for looking put-together and stylish without ever appearing stuffy or overly formal.

Shop now at madewell.com

20. Jigsaw

Jigsaw is a quintessential British brand that focuses on timeless, elegant clothing made with beautiful, high-quality fabrics. They design pieces meant to last a lifetime, favoring classic tailoring, luxurious materials, and a sophisticated color palette. You'll find sharp blazers, fluid silk shirts, and perfectly cut trousers.

Much like Theory, Jigsaw prioritizes quality and understated style, making it a wonderful alternative for investment dressing. It’s for the person who wants a refined, polished wardrobe that feels both modern and enduring.

Shop now at jigsaw-online.com

21. Lulus

Lulus is an online fashion destination for trendy and affordable styles, including a great selection of chic, modern workwear. While it’s known for event dresses, its curated workwear section features sleek trousers, classic bodysuits, and sophisticated blouses that look surprisingly high-end for their price tag ($30-$150).

If you need stylish office outfits on a tight budget, Lulus is an amazing resource. It echoes Theory's minimalist, polished vibe but makes it accessible for everyone, especially those just starting to build their professional wardrobe.

Shop now at lulus.com

22. MM.LaFleur

Designed with the practical needs of professional women in mind, MM.LaFleur creates workwear that is equal parts functional, stylish, and comfortable. They are famous for their wrinkle-resistant fabrics, travel-friendly pieces, and thoughtfully designed silhouettes like their cult-favorite Foster pants. It's workwear that works as hard as you do.

In a similar price range to Theory, MM.LaFleur is less about minimalist trends and more about solving a problem: how to dress professionally without sacrificing ease or comfort. If you want a powerful, polished look that is unbelievably low-maintenance, this is your brand.

Shop now at mmlafleur.com

23. The Kooples

Known for its chic, rock-and-roll sensibility, The Kooples offers tailoring with an edge. The French brand's collections are full of sharp suiting, silk tops, and tailored dresses infused with a rebellious spirit. It's the perfect brand for a professional creative who wants their work clothes to feel cool, not corporate.

If Theory is minimalist and classic, The Kooples is its downtown, edgy cousin. The level of tailoring and quality are comparable, but The Kooples delivers a much bolder attitude with its slimmer fits and darker palette.

Shop now at us.thekooples.com

24. & Other Stories

Offering designs from three distinct ateliers in Paris, Stockholm, and Los Angeles, & Other Stories provides a diverse but consistently stylish range of clothing. Their selection features everything from Parisian romance to Scandi minimalism, and you can always find sharp workwear essentials like oversized blazers, silk shirts, and high-waisted trousers.

At an affordable price point, & Other Stories lets you tap into different aesthetic vibes while still getting the polished, put-together look you love from Theory. It's a fantastic place to find unique, personality-filled staples for the office.

Shop now at stories.com

25. Veronica Beard

Veronica Beard champions great fits, timeless design, and versatile pieces built for a woman's real life. They are renowned for their Dickey Jackets - classic blazers with interchangeable dickey inserts that instantly change up your look. Beyond jackets, they make fantastic trousers, blouses, and dresses that feel polished, cool, and powerful.

Priced in the contemporary luxury bracket, Veronica Beard is an alternative to Theory that offers more classic American sportswear with clever, convertible details. It’s for the woman who wants her uniform to be stylish, practical, and fun.

Shop now at veronicabeard.com

26. AYR

AYR stands for "All Year Round" and focuses on creating seasonless, high-quality essentials you’ll live in. Think of it as the ultimate capsule wardrobe brand. They are famous for pieces like "The Deep End" shirt and perfectly cut trousers that are minimal, incredibly flattering, and made to last. The aesthetic is clean, cool, and effortless.

If your love of Theory is rooted in its ‘less is more’ minimalism, AYR will be right up your alley. The price point is similar, but the vibe is slightly more relaxed and focused on comfortable, everyday sophistication.

Shop now at ayr.com

27. Argent

Argent is on a mission to bring bold functionality to women's workwear. Frustrated by the lack of pockets and practical details in most professional clothing, the brand designs suits, dresses, and separates in vibrant colors with smart features (like interior pockets!). The silhouettes are modern, sharp, and unabashedly confident.

While Theory's aesthetic is quiet and understated, Argent is for the professional who isn't afraid to stand out. It offers comparable quality but with an injection of color and practicality that empowers the modern working woman.

Shop now at argentwork.com

28. Tory Burch

Often associated with its iconic logo ballet flats, Tory Burch has evolved into a full-fledged luxury lifestyle brand offering gorgeous ready-to-wear. Her collections are filled with elegantly tailored trousers, polished knit tops, and chic blouses that blend classic American style with worldly influences. The quality is exceptional, with a focus on beautiful fabrics and thoughtful craftsmanship.

For those who love Theory's quality but want a touch more polish and femininity, Tory Burch is a wonderful choice. The brand provides a sophisticated and timeless take on modern workwear that feels both versatile and special.

Shop now at toryburch.com

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