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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

When I was first starting my career, I found a Calvin Klein dress at Macy’s that fit me perfectly, so I bought it in three colors.

I wore the heck out of those dresses in my junior associate years when I was still trying to figure out what on earth “business casual” meant in a white-shoe law firm. (And what it meant in 2010 is very different from what it means today!)

In any event, I still recommend Calvin Klein for building a work wardrobe on a budget, and this scuba crepe fit-and-flare is just begging for someone to buy it in all six colors. I really like the meadow green, but you can also grab black, navy, and gray basics. 

The dress is $49.97 at Nordstrom Rack and comes in sizes 2-14. 

Sales of note for 4/10:

• Nordstrom – End of Season Sale – Spring styles up to 50% off – lots of great deals from Natori, Boss, Vince, Veronica Beard, Reiss, Spanx, True & Co., Hanky Panky, Commando, Tory Burch, Theory, Zella, CeCe, Eliza J, Halogen, Vince Camuto, and more.
• Ann Taylor – 30% off tops and sweaters, and (4/10 only) 25% off dresses, skirts and shoes
• Boden – 15% off new styles with code
• Brooklinen – 15% off sitewide, plus up to 50% off bundles
• Brooks Brothers – Friends & Family Event, 25% off sitewide. Lots of cute florals and stripes in the sale.
• Evereve – 1000+ items on sale, including lots from Alex Mill, Michael Stars, Sanctuary, Rails, Xirena, and Z-Supply
• Express – $40 off $120, $100 off $250
• J.Crew – Midseason sale: Extra 40% off sale styles, 200+ new styles just added!
• J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off everything
• Lands’ End – 50% off full price styles and 60% off all clearance and sale – lots of ponte dresses come down under $25, and this packable raincoat in gingham is too cute
• Loft – All jeans $41, 40% off entire purchase
• Macy’s – 25% off already reduced prices + 15% off beauty & fragrance
• M.M.LaFleur – Spring Sale Event – Buy More, save more! 10% off $250+, 15% off $500+, 20% off $750+, 25% off $1000+ (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off if you find any exclusions.)
• Sephora – Spring sale! 20% off for Rouge members starting today, and 30% off the Sephora Collection for everyone — if you’re looking for a really muted everyday eyeshadow, I like both 106 and 301 here!
• Talbots – 40% off regular price tops + 30% off everything else
• Vivrelle – Looking to own less stuff but still try trends? Use code CORPORETTE for a free month, and borrow high-end designer clothes and bags!

agnès b., ENFÖLD, YOHEI OHNO,  ALAINPAUL, mukcyen, ANTHEM A, KAKAN, någonstans, VIVIANO and RYUNOSUKEOKAZAKI

Ten Brands, Ten Moods: Understated Tailoring and Sculptural Layering Define Tokyo, with Subtle Strength and Hand-Fashioned Individuality Spotted Everywhere.

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Image Credit Tokyo Fashion Week

The recently concluded Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo A/W 2026/7 featured a jaw-dropping 33 collections – 16 of these were international participants, and most of the 33 brands presented runway shows. This season’s theme was ‘Be the seam that connects the world’.

It was a compelling week with offerings that can only described as being rather theatrical! Themes included ‘fashion as a form of artistic expression’, and many collections balanced poetic and artistic expression with the serious mood of the moment: history, identity and peace and prayer.

Many collections featured forward-thinking, avant-garde introspection in design, where form, shape and line were used to depict a luxe aesthetic. Body-hugging garments didn’t feature much whereas voluminous, enveloping, organic shapes were favoured by brands.

Trends included emotional storytelling and social commentary, as seen at RYUNOSUKE OKAZAKI, who used his platform to promote peace and prayer. Brand mukcyen turned to history – and Marie Antoinette in particular – to comment on modern female identity.

Deconstruction of form was another central theme. Designers moved away from traditional, rigid silhouettes towards a new kind of elegance built on distortion and reconstruction. YOHEI OHNO, for example, created sculptural forms by sewing shirts in reverse; similarly mukcyen’s collection was an exercise in deconstruction, taking the corset and pannier and reimagining them as sharp, modern pieces of tailoring.

Craftsmanship and textural innovation ranked high as a trend: there was a renewed and deep appreciation for materials and handiwork as seen in so many collections. For example, mukcyen‘s collection stood out for its textural narrative, using heavy wool, satin and silk organza in a way that felt both traditional and contemporary.

Texture as a key feature, not just a nice-to-have – was a theme too. Knits, for example, in collections like KAKAN’s, were ethereal and light, whereas many collections used fabrics like fleece, neoprene and openwork knits in techniques where these were layered, cut and sewn for effect. Strategically-placed cut-outs added to the sense of depth and layering, showing glimpses of skin to masterful effect. Layering – a key (and very practical) trend in Fall collections, were shown as an aesthetic tool for seasonal dressing.

We’ve identified ten superb collections, and invite you to join us on a little journey through the colourful, crafted wonderland that was Tokyo Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026/7.

THE COLLECTIONS:

mukcyen

Watch mukcyen’s Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ICJiqdTMu0

The week’s grand finale, one of Tokyo Fashion Week’s most hailed emerging brands and winner of both the JFW Next Brand Awards 2026 and Tokyo Fashion Award 2026, mukcyen held its second runway show.

Hello to a contemporary Marie Antoinette!

Deconstructed 18th-century panniers, corsets and ruffled collars were crafted into sharp, modern, minimalist shapes. Add the oversized, piled-on hairdo’s, and the picture is complete!

The court elements of 18th-century clothing were boldly reimagined through mukcyen’s body-conscious silhouettes and signature versatile pieces.

Shapes, forms and textures became wearable, stylish co-ords in the hands of this very talented designer – perfect for wearers of any age (that’s if you’ll indulge a little theatricality in your day-to-day wardrobe…)

From vest-style tops to voluminous trousers, frilly sleeves to close-cut waistcoats, these pieces were effortlessly chic and quirky.

Think Gothic mystery mixed with Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics and you’ve nailed the vibe.

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ALAINPAUL

Watch ALAINPAUL’s Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7teHOLHGjHY

ALAINPAUL (a Louis Vuitton protégé no less) presented a reimagined version in Tokyo of their collection ‘Repertoire’ that set runways ablaze at Paris Fashion Week recently.

It was a theatrical collection with elements of dance and ballet in the mix, with pieces ranging from skirts and jackets with oversized pannier hips to theatrical mid-century organza corsets.

Sleeveless sweaters and long gloves in blush pink and pillar box red reminiscent of ballet pointe shoes, came embellished with the daintiest of ribbons.

Oversized pussy-bow ties made for super chic and cosy accessories to perfectly complement knits and lace blouses.

Gathers, ruffles and frills added to the New Romantic feel of the collection. We adore the frilly black leather details on the men’s mini ‘skirt’ – such a chic touch!

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ANTHEM A

Launched in 2021, ANTHEM A has rapidly expanded into both women’s and menswear, but here’s the twist… It’s full of contrasts of its own creation!

This brand’s offering effortlessly crosses over the boundaries of gender, culture, historical context and age. There’s a constant push and pull between strength and frailness, tension and release.

Drawing on the world of music where genres flow into each other, ANTHEM A vows to be an ‘anthem’ where freedom and individuality, above all, are celebrated.

Extraordinary Japanese craftsmanship is clearly visible in every piece of tailoring, with texture and colour playing an equal role to that of shape and silhouette.

We love the dystopian elegance of the collection: the velvets, the faux fur, the colour blocking and of course the symphony and synergy between all the different textures – this is an orchestra where every string and woodwind, every brass and percussion instrument, has its place.

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ENFÖLD

Watch ENFÖLD’s Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrXaT-ggo3g

Although a first time participant to Tokyo Fashion Week, ENFÖLD, this brand has been around in one form or another since 2000.

True to its name, this brand has been wrapping models and wearers in their signature, cocoon-like pieces made from recycled tech fabrics.

Their voluminous, organic shapes – like shells – give one the impression of protection and even rebirth.

Inspired colour combinations (like aubergine, camel and pillar box red – or apple, olive and black) look effortlessly contemporary and ultra-wearable.

Avant-garde design features like cut-outs and exaggerated circular hips and smart layering add to the allure of this ultra-covetable collection. One can see many of these pieces fitting right into your wardrobe…

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KAKAN

Designer Kakan Kudo of Central Saint Martins status, with work experience gained at legends Yohji Yamamoto and Chanel, says of this range born in 1998, “the comfort and pain I feel every day, are expressed in my creation. I design and enjoy making the clothes, hoping that each choice will be an opportunity to live life as you want and as you are”.

Indeed these knitted creations – sculpture really – speak to the emotions, emphasising the complex relationship between clothing and the body, and in particular handcrafted, hand-spun, hand-knitted pieces and the human body.

These pieces are ethereal and light (physically light as well as metaphorically light – even a hand-knitted KAKAN coat weighs less than a kilogram).

These pieces of art cannot but lift the spirit of every wearer, surely?

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någonstans

Watch någonstans’ Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJtqmV2Xmp0

The magical enveloping shapes and forms that någonstans create in felted wool are exaggerated hour-glass silhouettes that are casually nipped in the waist with the aid of the odd corset, belt, cropped jacket or peplum-top.

Trousers, sleeves and skirts embrace circular design elements, giving an aura of volume and shape that is very distinctive.

The striking use of colour (take for example the uncanny but perfect marriage of grey, beige and nude…) adds to the overall appeal of this collection.

This very ‘together’ offering is hands-down one of our favourite collection of the season.

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RYUNOSUKEOKAZAKI

RYUNOSUKEOKAZAKI held their third runway show in Tokyo, and as previously, the brand has yet again focussed on the act of praying.

Known for its distinctive exoskeleton silhouettes, this show entitled ‘Talk About the Habit’ incorporates the key elements that the brand is known for, adding new vibrant floral, python and leopard prints to the mix. This illustrates how humans imitate nature through clothing and its power to evoke emotions.

Says the designer, a prayer is never confined to just a single emotion, but instead could encapsulate a whole range: joy, sorrow, anger, sadness, pleasure, etc. “In one moment we may receive sadness and suffering through a screen, then switch to having to smile at the person beside us – these are the kinds of contradictions we engage in. I realized that I’m not creating while praying, but rather remaining in a state of prayer.”

The metal accessories in this collection were created by artist Ittetsu Tsuji, a close friend of the designer. RYUNOSUKEOKAZAKI, who hails from historic Hiroshima, wants the brand’s underlying ‘prayer’ theme to act as a wish for peace in this world.

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VIVIANO

VIVIANO Sue was the recipient of the Tokyo Fashion Award in 2022, and it’s easy to see why.

VIVIANO’s distinctive signature looks lie somewhere between the Eighties’ New Romantics and the late 19^th Century Pre-Raphaelites, with frothy tulle skirts, pussy-bow blouses, dreamy puff sleeves, sheer layers, little military-style jackets – and big frizzy, romantic hairstyles. It’s a tried-and-tested look, and one that we’ll never tire of.

This season’s offering with its drapery, layering, gathered and tiered tulle skirts juxtaposed with either stiff blazers or faux fur coats, is totally captivating. It’s also somewhat deconstructed this season, perhaps signalling a more mature and edgy mood to the brand?

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YOHEI OHNO

Tokyo-based YOHEI OHNO gave us a masterclass in sculptural minimalism, using single-needle stitching and raw edges to transform heavyweight felt into floating, architectural spheres. 

It was also a masterclass in avant-garde design, rethinking the relationship between clothing and the body, redefining shape and form as aspects that don’t necessarily need to closely mimic the lines of the human body to be aesthetic.

YOHEI OHNO’s designs push the boundaries of conventional form and embrace beauty outside of conventional norms.

We adore the surreal caps with their one-eye, as well as the mix of textures and shades within the ensembles, and last but not least, the space-age shoes!

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agnès b.

Watch agnès b.’s Show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS34EVssTlc

Paris in Tokyo! Stalwart designer brand agnès b. grounded the week with timeless, effortless chic, reworking classic marinières and cropped cardigans in cozy alpaca blends, a reminder of Parisian easy nonchalance to the backdrop of Tokyo’s avant-garde mood.

To a special remix of French band Air’s ‘Sexy Boy’, models strutted their stuff in striped T-shirts, little black dresses and even tartan suits.

For designer Agnès Troublé Japan holds a very special place in her heart: just like in her native France, in Japan tradition and modernity co-exist happily. Similarly, craftsmanship and design are revered in both countries. A match made in heaven!

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This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Here’s something we haven’t discussed in an age: how to deal when drycleaning doesn’t remove odors? As we’re pulling things out for spring and getting ready to clean our winter things, now is a great time to talk about this! What are your best tips for removing odors from clothes, whether you’ve dry cleaned them or washed them? What can you do when dry cleaning doesn’t remove odors?

First: If you’re dealing with lingering odors after dry cleaning, whether it’s sweat, perfume, or that vague “closet” smell, you’re not imagining things. Dry cleaning doesn’t always remove odors, and in some cases it can trap them.

Here’s why and what to do instead.

Why Dry Cleaning Doesn’t Remove Odors

Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents instead of water. That works well for surface dirt and some stains, but not all odor-causing compounds dissolve in those solvents.

Odors that tend to linger:

• Sweat smells (especially in structured tops and blazers)
• Perfume or fragrance buildup
• Musty or storage odors
• Smoke or environmental smells

In short, if the smell is embedded in the fibers, not just sitting on the surface, dry cleaning may not fully remove it.

One reader who works as a dry cleaner put it bluntly:

“As a dry cleaner, I can tell you that dry cleaning does not remove odors. It removes soils that can cause odor, but dry cleaning alone does not.

Some of the better dry cleaners have ozone rooms, or something similar, that are designed specifically for removing odors.

Perspiration is a water-based soil and often is difficult to remove from dry-clean-only garments. Add to that the chemicals in most antiperspirants and you have the makings for underarm damage, color loss, and lingering odor.

My recommendations:

1. Wet clean whenever possible
2. Use underarm protectors
3. Point out odor concerns when you drop items off
4. Sunshine is a great freshener, especially combined with a fabric spray
5. Don’t let clothes sit. Take them in right away

And don’t be afraid to ask for a redo. They may not be checking for odor, and they would rather fix the problem than lose a customer.”

If you want to go deeper on why certain detergents work better than others, the subreddit r/laundry has several detailed threads explaining enzymes like lipase, which break down oils and body odors at the molecular level.

What to Do If Clothes Still Smell After Dry Cleaning

1. Air It Out (Longer Than You Think)

This sounds almost insultingly simple, but it works.

• Hang the garment in a well-ventilated space
• Give it 24 to 48 hours, not just overnight
• Outdoor shade is ideal (avoid direct sun for delicate fabrics)

Often, what you’re smelling is residual solvent plus trapped odor, and airflow helps both dissipate.

2. Use Steam to Release Odors

Steam is one of the most effective and underused tools for odor removal. You can use a handheld steamer, or hang the garment in a steamy bathroom. If you can, focus on areas like underarms, collars, and lining.

Steam helps relax fibers and release trapped odor molecules. It is often more effective than a second dry cleaning cycle.

3. Try a Fabric-Safe Odor Neutralizer

For persistent smells, a targeted product can help. Look for enzyme-based sprays, or fabric-safe odor neutralizers, not just fragrance cover-ups.

Avoid anything heavily scented. You will just layer smells, which is rarely the goal.

One reader shared a more DIY approach that’s popular in theater costuming:

“Put four parts vodka to one part water in a spray bottle and spray the stinky area. Repeat if necessary.

It worked like a charm on a blazer. It was less effective on a synthetic or silk wrap dress, but I ended up washing the dress anyway and it came out looking and smelling great.

Apparently Broadway costume departments swear by this!

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Another commenter chimed in to note that you don’t need to waste the good stuff on odors in your clothes: “No Grey Goose needed, cheaper is better here. Rubbing alcohol is not a substitute because of the additives.”

4. Spot-Treat High-Odor Areas

Some odors are localized, such as underarms, the inner lining, or collars. Think about ways to prevent odors there, whether it’s by wearing sleeved shirts (this is why I hate camisoles and shells by themselves beneath blazers and cardigans!) or wearing a garment guard, as the drycleaner recommended.

For your collar, you can wear a washable collared shirt, or grab a scarf. I worked with one partner who hated itchy tags and swore by scarves and blazers (though her scarves were all Hermes, of course).

Lightly treating these areas, depending on fabric care instructions, can make a disproportionate difference.

5. Consider Wet Cleaning or Washing (When Possible)

As we’ve discussed before, some clothes marked “dry clean” are OK to go in the wash, whether you use a delicates cycle, a delicates bag, or do an actual hand wash. You may also be able to find a professional who does wet cleaning in your area.

(We’ve also rounded up washable blazers, pants, suits (!), and more — these are the best workwear brands that generally have washable clothes.)

For “dry clean only” items, be more careful — a lot of times water will cause the fabric to shrink and pucker.

My rule of thumb is to follow the directions for the first year I own a sweater or blouse — and after that I’ll give it a try in the delicate cycle at home.

(Some readers have sung the praises of at-home dry cleaning products like these!)

Where to Find Washable Work Clothes

(Hunting for more machine washable clothing? We feature some trendy washable workwear every Wednesday at CorporetteMoms, have listed the best brands for washable workwear, and occasionally do roundups of just washable basics for work outfits!)

When Odors Won’t Come Out

Sometimes the issue is not just odor. It is fabric breakdown.

Common scenarios:

• Persistent underarm odor in silk or synthetics
• Old sweat that has chemically altered the fabric
• Long-term smoke exposure

At that point, even professional cleaning may not fully resolve it.

How to Prevent Odors in Work Clothes

If you are investing in quality pieces, prevention is far more effective than repeated cleaning.

A few habits that help:

• Do not wear the same piece multiple days in a row
• Let garments fully air out between wears
• Use undershirts or garment shields when possible
• Avoid over-applying perfume directly to clothing

Modern wardrobe care is less about constant cleaning and more about managing wear intelligently.

One reader shared a more hands-on routine for preventing odors before they set in:

“After wearing something, I sprinkle baking soda on the problem areas and leave it out in the open to sit. Then I shake it off before taking it to the dry cleaner.

If it’s washable, I’ll spray a mix of vinegar and water on the area before putting it in the machine, and I always add baking soda to the wash.

Also, skip fabric softener. It clings to the fibers and can trap odors instead of removing them.”

The Bottom Line

If dry cleaning did not remove the odor, it is not necessarily a failure. It is a limitation of the method.

The most effective approach is usually a combination of:

• airflow
• steam
• targeted treatment

At a certain level, maintaining a professional wardrobe is not about outsourcing care. It is about understanding how your clothes actually behave.

Have you found a smell that dry cleaning would not fix? What ended up working?

This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This Farm Rio bag isn’t for everyone, but I think it makes a great statement, and would be a great way to “elevate” a versatile work outfit for desk to dinner (or charity event, or whatever).

(I’m thinking of a simple black dress, but a sleek top + flowy trousers in a matching color would also be great!)

Farm Rio has this bag in a thousand configurations — different colors! some are leather (like the pictured one), and others are made of clear plastic like jelly sandals. Some of the leathers have studs and actual flowers poking out.

Farm Rio is offering 25% off sitewide at the moment, so the pictured bag would come from $368 to $276. Nice! (You can also find the bags at retailers like Anthropologie and Nordstrom!)

Embrace the “minimal mood of the moment” with the COS Linen Collection for Women, a refined expression of architectural simplicity and airy sophistication. This season, COS reimagines its signature silhouettes from tailored wide-leg trousers to fluid maxi dresses using premium, breathable flax linen. Defined by a palette of earthy sand, crisp white, and butter-yellow accents, the collection highlights material intelligence and effortless volume. Whether you are curating a modern city wardrobe or a polished holiday look, these versatile pieces are designed to integrate seamlessly with your everyday essentials.

THE ENDURING QUALITY OF LINEN BY COS

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please do contact us anytime by clicking here