Business casual.
Are there any two words relating to workplace fashion that are more confusing than “business casual?”
Most offices started this policy on casual Fridays a while ago, but now the trend is to make business casual the standard any day of the week.
You ideally want to look professional and pulled together at all times, but how do you draw the line between too casual and absolutely on-point for work attire?
It’s easier to do then you might think with the right selection of neutrals to mix and match week after week.
Business casual for women can be accomplished when you are head-to-toe appropriate at all times.
No matter where you are in your career, the right business casual dress can help you get ahead when you look as put together as your excellent work ethic is on display at all times.
Here are some tips in defining the business casual female dress code.
A Few Tips On Bottoms
Business Casual Pants
The idea with pants and skirts is that you want a variety of these items in neutral colors that are comfortable and easy to wear.
Look for regular style trousers that have a waistband with loops, so you can wear a belt to accessorize, if you want to.
Don’t go low-rise, too tight, or too short with this look, even in the summer months.
Capri pants never look right at the office even for business casual.
Regular pants length is fine in colors like black, navy, khaki, and even dark dress denim if they are trouser style and not regular jeans.
Your office code might allow jeans and if they do, a darker denim looks sharper than a light or distress denim.
No distressed jeans allowed! Skip them at all costs.
Business Casual Skirts
For skirts, a pencil, A-line, or pleated skirt is best. Nothing too flowy or large printed here.
A tiny subtle print is fine. You want your skirts to be modest and above all appropriate.
No minis here. Right above the knee, knee-length or longer is best.
You may have great legs, but the office isn’t the place to show them off.
Some Notable Tops (Blouses and Shirts)
Blouses and shirts are where you can trade out a slew of neutral colors with neutral style sweaters and cardigans.
You can also feel free to mix in some brighter color tops when you are layering with jackets and sweaters.
A pop of color is a stylish idea with any top.
Or you can stay classic with neutral tops, crisp white button up blouses, and shirts with appropriate necklines.
The idea is to stay away from anything too low-cut or revealing.
As far as sleeve length goes, short or capped sleeves are fine in the summer.
While three-quarter length or long sleeves are best, obviously, for the winter.
Please avoid tank tops and strappy camisoles unless they are underneath a jacket or cardigan that you are going to keep on at all times.
Statement-Making Jackets Or Blazers That Rock
A jacket or smart blazer is truly an important piece to have at least a few of to wear.
These clothing items can make you look pulled together and ultimately professional because it’s a classic look that never goes out of style.
A smart jacket or blazer just screams, “I know what I’m doing.”
Rock it girl! Try to have at least three to four different jackets or blazers for the winter months.
Keep those colors in neutral, black, navy, or tan, so you can mix it up with different pants or skirts and even layer a jacket or blazer over a casual style dress.
A Bit Of Advice About Business Casual Dresses
Dresses are easy-to-wear pieces that you can throw on in the morning with a cardigan or jacket.
If you have long sleeves, three-quarter length, or capped sleeved dresses you can wear them alone, but again stay away from tank dress or tiny straps.
That’s not office appropriate unless your arms are covered with a blazer or sweater.
Just keep necklines of the dresses not too revealing and the length of the dress either right above the knee or longer.
Color and Prints Are Allowed Here
Don’t feel like you have to have solid colors from head to toe all the time.
When you mix in the right amount of statement pieces in bold colors or prints, it’s going to add some pizzazz to your outfits that will make you feel good about your choices in clothing.
Luckily you don’t have to wear a boring old uniform every day.
Your clothes, even for business casual can be a little bit of a creative statement.
It’s a look that’s all your own, still appropriate, but always enhances how you present yourself to the world.
