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Best Places For Office Wear In Minnesota

From the CEO to the humblest clerk, yesterday's office worker had to abide by strict dress codes. Corporate dot-coms have opened the door to more relaxed office wear, and traditional companies are following suit. However, good taste is still a must. Class up your office look with apparel and accessories from these stores and outlets.

Worker Computer
(credit: Jupiter Images)

Mona Williams
18 University Ave., NE
Minneapolis, MN  55413
(612) 331-4493
www.monawilliams.com

Mona Williams is about more than fashion. This consignment boutique, which opened in 2013, knows the meaning of real style. It's another way of saying "classic" without the "out of style" connotation. The clothing line features suits, dresses, separates, shoes and accessories that make for a very designer office day. A lady might even imagine she works in a fashion capital of the world instead of Minnesota. More often than not, the pieces in this fashion savvy boutique are neither second-hand or slightly worn. Many retain their original condition and carry their original tags. But this is not to say one pays a small fortune for that classic office look touched with romance. Patric Richardson, the owner of Mona Williams, is a lifelong fashion maven with a degree in fashion merchandising, apparel and textiles. If there is any doubt about what to wear on any given office day, ask Patric.

Wilson & Willy's
211 North Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 315-2280
www.wilsonandwillys.com

Building a business wardrobe from all things department store can get clichéd, if not tiresome. Wilson & Willy's in the North Loop has well manufactured apparel for the young professional. The styles lean towards well-dressed casual without the usual stuffiness of a three-piece business suit. It's better to be well-heeled if hoping to dress up your office look with stuff from Wilson & Willy's. But the clothing, like the other locally manufactured products in this boutique warehouse, is made to last. Wilson & Willy's is also a great place to gather furnishings for that home away from home. While shopping around, you'll also discover neat looking and useful accessories to wear and carry.

North Branch Outlets
38500 Tanger Drive, Suite 115
North Branch, MN 55056
(651) 674-5886
www.northbranchoutlets.com

For a quick trip to popular chains such as Maurices, go to North Branch Outlets. This outlet mall also has clothing collections from Van Heusen, Dressbarn, rue21 and Christopher & Banks. These stores have classic career apparel that appeals to young and mature professionals as well as the classy everyday office drone. Dress shirts for men have a laid-back style and come in vibrant checks, plaids and solids. Women's career wear has  limitless style variations in coordinated textures and colors.

Related:  Best Outlet Malls Near Minnesota

Optiz Outlet
4320 Excelsior Blvd
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 922-2435
www.opitzoutlet.com

This discount outlet merchandises upscale designer apparel and fashion accessories, often at markdowns of more than 50 percent. Optiz Outlet has been doing this for over 20 years. Some of the brands are Calvin Klein, Diane Von Furstenberg, Coach, Michael Kors, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Valentino and Vince. The styles have plenty of comfort and polish for dressy or casual office days. Optiz has store outlets in St. Louis Park and Minnetonka.

Milbern Clothing Co., Inc.
1685 University Ave. W.
St Paul , MN 55104
(651) 645-2922
www.milbern.com

In business since 1946, this Twin Cities men's clothing store has been selling luxuriously designed upscale casuals and formal wear at attractive discounts. Anything bought here is meant to last. Accessories include a sturdy Swedish shoehorn, patented "no slip" suspenders with leather ends and backs, a secure money belt to hold cash, credit cards and loose change, and a "wonder button" to loosen that tight collar. Authentic in merchandise selection and customer focused, Milbern Clothing Co. has suits, washable and self-sizing casual and dress slacks, and tailoring services. Men of industry can bid "farewell" to ill-fitting and uncomfortable office wear.

Related: Best Men's Clothing Stores In The Twin Cities


Linda Cameron has written home design, home improvement and lifestyle articles for The Boston Globe and City Shopper Magazine. She has related interests in the building industry, travel, real estate and financing. She is a contributor to Examiner, House Spot, Techsling and Behance, covering topics on career, people, businesses, education and technology.

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