Despite being an attorney, I work in an uber-casual office. On the days I am not wearing suits, I am basically wearing whatever I want. My secretary sometimes wears sweatshirts with the necks cut out. One horrifying day, there was a “Make Love Not Law Review” t-shirt.  I give these examples not as items I find to be acceptable work attire, but simply to clue you in as to how little emphasis is placed on what we wear.

It probably won’t surprise you that regardless of the lax standards of dress at my job, I am not about to show up at work in pajama bottoms and flip flops. Not only would that be NO FUN at all, dressing in such a relaxed manner leads me to be unproductive. However, I feel a bit silly showing up in business casual attire one would normally expect in an office. I’ve had to find a middle ground. I tend to wear casual cotton dresses and flats or sandals, or J.Crew chinos. Most often the chinos get paired with a dressed up t-shirt. I think this is a manner of dress that is not only perfect for the casual office, but also for the mom-on-the-go.

But where to find the best dressed up tees?

Of course, my standard answer is going to come from J.Crew. Their Perfect-Fit tees are not only soft, they also retain their shape and color through many washings. They are available in a variety of colors and styles. I’ve had several last for years.

J.Crew Perfect Fit Mandarin Henley, $34.50

Another brand to consider is Michael Stars. These t-shirts are often more costly, but they also last for years. The shapes tend to be a bit more fashion forward than your average tee as well.

Michael Stars Heather Stripe Elbow Sleeve Scoopneck Tee, $48.00

Splendid is another favorite brand. Quite possibly the softest t-shirts I have ever encountered. And the shapes and patterns make them more than just a t-shirt:

Splendid Rugby Stripe ¾ Sleeved Tee, $70.00

Incidentally, Splendid also makes a line of dresses, made of the same ultra-soft cotton. The styles are appropriately casual, but also capable of being dressed up with the right jewelry, shoes, and tights.

Splendid Wrap Dress, $131.00

My most favorite brand of t-shirt is Deletta, which I have thus far only seen carried at Anthropologie. Simply put, their t-shirts are amazing. They never fail to elicit compliments. There is nothing more satisfying that being both comfortable and stylish, and in my opinion, Deletta tees are the perfect pieces to achieve that goal. Not only do they come in a variety of shapes and colors, they also have details that eliminate the need for jewelry.

Jaunty Top, Anthropologie $58.00

And because why the heck not, I’m including two cashmere numbers. Because there’s always time for cashmere:

J.Crew Cashmere Crew Neck Tee, $145.00

And lastly, an Old Navy bargain:

Women: Women’s Tipped Cashmere Polos – Teal Green
Price: $49.50
Ultra-soft cashmere and colorful tipping make this polo look as good as it feels.

Slynnro is the author of Slynnro, a personal blog chronicling travel escapades, fashion and skincare obsessions, and various amusing anecdotes about marriage.  She also reviews skin care products and much more at her review blog, What is in my…..