What Is Business Casual Woman
Are you confused about what to wear to work? You’re not alone. Many women struggle to figure out the right outfits for the office, especially when it comes to business casual dress codes.
In this post, we’ll break down what business casual means for women and give you lots of ideas for putting together great work outfits.
What Does Business Casual Mean?
Business casual is a dress code that’s less formal than traditional business wear but still professional and put-together. It became popular in the 90s as many workplaces started to relax their dress codes. Today, it’s common in many offices, especially for everyday wear.
The idea behind business casual is to look neat, professional, and appropriate for an office setting, while still being comfortable. It’s more relaxed than a full business suit, but not as casual as what you’d wear on the weekend.
For women, business casual usually means:
• No jeans, shorts, or very casual clothes
• No revealing or overly tight clothes
• Clean, neat, wrinkle-free clothes in good condition
• Closed-toe shoes (usually no sneakers or flip flops)
• Simple, not flashy accessories and makeup
But beyond those basic rules, there’s a lot of room for personal style in business casual wear. Let’s look at some good options for business casual outfits.
Top Options for Business Casual
Blouses and Shirts:
A nice blouse or button-up shirt is a great base for many business casual outfits. Look for:
• Collared shirts in solid colors or simple patterns
• Short-sleeved or long-sleeved blouses
• Wrap-style tops
• Sweaters or cardigans
Avoid shirts that are too low-cut, sheer, or tight. Sleeveless tops can work if they have wider straps and aren’t too revealing.
Good fabric choices include cotton, silk, or polyester blends. These look professional and are often easy to care for.
Bottoms:
For your lower half, you have several good options:
Trousers:
Dress pants or slacks are always a safe choice. Look for:
• Straight leg or wide leg styles
• Ankle length or full length
• Neutral colors like black, navy, grey, or khaki
• Fabrics like wool, cotton, or polyester blends
Avoid pants that are too tight, too loose, or have a low rise.
Skirts:
Skirts can work well for business casual too. Good options include:
• Pencil skirts
• A-line skirts
• Midi length (around knee length or a bit below)
• Solid colors or subtle patterns
Stay away from very short skirts or ones with high slits.
Dresses:
A simple dress can be an easy one-piece business casual outfit. Try:
• Sheath dresses
• Wrap dresses
• Shirt dresses
• Sweater dresses in cooler weather
Look for dresses that hit around the knee. Avoid very tight or revealing styles.
Shoes for Business Casual
The right shoes can really pull a business casual look together. Good choices include:
• Low heels (1-3 inches)
• Flats
• Loafers
• Ankle boots (in cooler weather)
Stick to closed-toe styles in neutral colors like black, brown, or navy. Avoid very high heels, platforms, or anything too casual like flip flops or sneakers.
Make sure your shoes are clean and in good condition. Scuffed or worn-out shoes can make your whole outfit look sloppy.
Accessories and Jewelry
The right accessories can add polish to your business casual look. But remember, less is often more when it comes to office wear. Try:
• A simple necklace
• Small earrings
• A watch
• One or two rings
Avoid anything too flashy or noisy. Big, dangling earrings or armfuls of bangles are usually too much for business casual.
A nice handbag or tote is also important. Choose one that’s big enough to carry your work items but still looks professional. Neutral colors like black, brown, or navy are good choices.
Putting It All Together: Business Casual Outfit Ideas
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at some specific outfit ideas:
1. Classic Trousers and Blouse:
• Black straight-leg trousers
• White button-up shirt
• Black low heel pumps
• Simple silver necklace
This is a classic, can’t-go-wrong business casual outfit that works for many office settings.
2. Pencil Skirt and Sweater:
• Navy blue pencil skirt
• Light blue sweater
• Nude flats
• Pearl stud earrings
This look is professional but still feminine and put-together.
3. Shirt Dress:
• Knee-length shirt dress in a solid color like burgundy
• Brown low heel pumps
• Gold watch
A shirt dress is an easy one-piece option that always looks polished.
4. Trousers and Cardigan:
• Grey trousers
• White shell or camisole
• Navy cardigan
• Black loafers
• Silver drop earrings
This outfit gives you layers to adjust to office temperatures while still looking professional.
5. Wrap Dress:
• Black and white patterned wrap dress
• Black flats
• Simple gold necklace
A wrap dress is flattering on many body types and always looks put-together.
Tips for Building Your Business Casual Wardrobe
Creating a business casual wardrobe doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Here are some tips:
Start with basics: Begin with a few key pieces in neutral colors. Black trousers, a white button-up shirt, and a navy blazer can mix and match to create many outfits.
Add color slowly: Once you have your neutral basics, add in colors that you like and that look good on you. A colorful blouse or sweater can brighten up basic black trousers.
Invest in quality: It’s better to have a few well-made pieces than a closet full of cheap clothes that wear out quickly. Look for good fabrics and construction, especially for items you’ll wear often like trousers or blazers.
Think about your workplace: Some offices are more casual than others. Pay attention to what your coworkers and boss wear to get a sense of what’s appropriate.
Plan your outfits: Take some time on the weekend to plan your outfits for the week. This can reduce stress in the mornings and ensure you always have something appropriate to wear.
Take care of your clothes: Proper care will help your clothes last longer and look better. Follow care labels, iron or steam your clothes as needed, and polish your shoes regularly.
Business Casual on a Budget
Building a business casual wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips for dressing well on a budget:
1. Shop sales: End-of-season sales can be a great time to pick up basics for the next year.
2. Check out secondhand stores: You can often find high-quality, name-brand clothes at thrift stores or consignment shops.
3. Look for versatile pieces: Choose items that can be mixed and matched to create many different outfits.
4. Take good care of your clothes: Proper care will help your clothes last longer, saving you money in the long run.
5. Spend more on basics: It’s worth investing in good quality for items you’ll wear often, like black trousers or a white button-up shirt.
6. Save on trendy items: If you want to try a new trend, look for less expensive options since you might not wear it for long.
7. Accessorize: A few well-chosen accessories can make simple outfits look more stylish and put-together.
Final Thoughts on Business Casual for Women
Remember, the goal of business casual is to look professional, neat, and appropriate for the office. Within those guidelines, you can express your personal style and feel comfortable at work.
If you’re ever unsure about an outfit, it’s usually better to err on the side of being slightly more formal. You can always remove a blazer or change into more casual shoes if you feel overdressed.
Most importantly, wear your clothes with confidence. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in your attitude and work. With these guidelines and ideas, you’ll be well on your way to mastering business casual style.