It’s important to look your best while feeling your best for work and the best way to do this is by dressing up with a business casual outfit. This lets others see you as someone who has their shit together but you don’t feel stuck up or restricted. You’ll feel free and ready to take charge.
When I first started working in corporate America I had a uniform. But it wasn’t like any normal uniform. We received a clothing allowance and were able to choose preselected clothing items from J Crew and then Anne Taylor. During this time I learned how to use these pieces in different combinations in order to find my look.
After reading this post you’ll see you only need 5 different pieces in your wardrobe in order to achieve the ultimate business casual look. It’s all about mixing and matching these pieces with everything else that is in your closet. So have fun with it and don’t let your wardrobe stress you out. In fact, let it inspire you.
This post is all about how to create the perfect business casual look.
Business Casual Outfits
1)Blazer
A blazer is probably the business-like outfit piece that I dislike the most. But boy does it make a difference. It spruces up any outfit and it is what I gravitate towards the most when it’s time to present at work. So how can you use a blazer in a relaxed and I totally own this place type of way?
First, use it with a pair of dark jeans. There’s nothing that says I don’t care what you think about me, but I own this place, more than a blazer with a pair of jeans. Also, it’s incredibly easy to style. Literally, just pick out any old t-shirt to finish the ensemble.
Second, use the blazer with a day dress. Most day dresses are strapless or spaghetti strapped making it an oh hell no, don’t wear this here type of piece. But once you throw on a blazer it looks like you are the most presentable person in the world.
Lastly, don’t wear a blazer at all. Keep a blazer nearby, in your desk or locker and if you get called into a meeting last minute..then you’re ready to rock and roll. There’s power in wearing a black blazer. You look polished and put together and those shoulder pads (even the ones that are barely there) give you an air of sophistication. Don’t be scared to tap into this power. If you’re like me and prefer something cozy. Then get a blazer that is made of cotton or some sort of soft fabric. It’s the shape that holds the power, not the texture.
2)Button-down shirt
When I think of a button-down shirt, I think of Tom Cruise in Risky Business. A button-down shirt lets others know that you’re willing to follow the rules. However, how you accessorize it and the fabric you choose lets people get a better feel for your personality.
When it comes to fabrics again opt for soft cotton. But try to stay away from linen. As nice as linen looks, it could be a pain to keep ironed. Also having a sheer button-down shirt can be incredibly chic. Just make sure you wear a nice (well-covering) tank top underneath. Please don’t just wear a bra underneath.
As for accessories look at statement necklaces. After all your outfit should always be about you and your face. A statement necklace forces the eye to look up. If you’re not interested in statement necklaces you can try something dainty or statement earrings.
When it comes to bottoms you can wear jeans or trousers just make sure to tuck them into your pants. The only ones you wouldn’t tuck into your pants are button-down dresses. If that’s the case make sure you wear a belt over it. Otherwise, it looks like you’re in pajamas.
Button-down shirts are all about finding the perfect interpretation for you and that can come in the form of fabric, length, color, or accessories. Needless to say, start with a white button-down shirt above other formats. It’s like the little black dress for the office. It can virtually be worn everywhere. It’s just how you wear it.
3)Pencil skirt
Can you say va va voom? Pencil skirts are the epitome of a girl boss. It’s someone that doesn’t shy away from her sex appeal while she takes control of the boardroom. Also, they’re incredibly easy to wear. The options are endless.
First is the super easy way to dress this up. With a matching tanktop. Now you don’t just want to wear a tank top. You need to select one with thick straps. Doing this gives the illusion of a little dress. In fact, my favorite little black dress of all time is a black tank and pencil skirt. It’s also easier to make sure everything is well-fitted. Personally, I’m heavier on the bottom so I need a very small top while I need a medium size bottom. With this outfit you’re ready to go out for a happy hour and throwing on a jacket at work keeps you professional. It’s the best of both worlds.
Pencil skirts are easy to commute with because sneakers actually look very cute with pencil skirts. Also, there’s no need to wear a blouse. You could wear a jumper, sweater or a t-shirt with a pencil skirt. As long as you don’t wear a ripped shirt or ripped tights then you’re golden. Pencil skirts are incredibly effortless and allow for the most appropriate and flattering curves you can hope for in an office environment.
Lastly, I would wear a pencil skirt when I wanted to lavish in my femininity while having a sense of corporate power. It’s fantastic. I totally recommend it.
4)Wrap-sweater
If you haven’t been in an office setting then I have some very serious news to share. The temperature will never be perfect. I mean, after all, you’re in a shared space. There’s only so much you can expect. With this in mind, obviously, I’m going to share the importance of staying warm.
However, you want to stay warm in a way that lets you look professional, doesn’t mess up your hair and in a way that it would compliment what you’re already wearing. Now there’s a specific sweater that follows these requirements and that’s a wrap sweater. It’s seriously perfect.
First of all, a wrap sweater makes you look snatched. The fact that you can pull it tightly around your waist really accentuates your waist. Also, you could always wrap it around where you’re coldest. Many times I style my wrap sweater as a scarf but you could also wrap it around your chest or just over your whole upper body like a normal sweater.
Next, the wrap sweater doesn’t interfere with your hair. I love jumpers and hoodies but the worst is when it messes up and frizzes up your hair. There’s no need for that kind of behavior. Be smart and get a wrap sweater.
Last it matches literally any outfit. Just make sure you select a color that goes with the rest of your wardrobe. Also, you should have a wrap-sweater on your desk or office. As I said offices get super duper cold. Don’t let the temperature changes creep up on you. Have this sweater with you at all times. Also, wrap sweaters are professional. So it’s a win-win.
5)Low heels
Shoes mean a lot to a lot of different people. News flash I’m not one of those people. However, nice shoes are needed when you’re trying to make a good impression at the office. So people like me need to compromise with low heels.
The beauty of low heels is that they go with anything. If you’re wearing a dress it’s perfect. Wearing jeans? They’re a classy touch. Maybe you’re wearing trousers? Then get it, girl. Add some heels. There is no wrong way to style heels.
So what kind of low heels should you get? Do not get open-toed shoes. They’re typically against the dress code. Plus you’d probably want your toes protected in an office setting.
The low heels should be comfortable and they should be a muted color that matches everything. So get some black or nude heels. They can be round-toed or pointy it really depends on your preference. As for fabric everything but suede works. The problem with suede is it can get funky in bad weather or it can stain your clothing or it can be stained. Personally, I had white suede shoes and I wore them with jeans. Well, those heels are now blue.
Last but not least. As I mentioned with every other item on this list, keep them at the office. Traveling in heels can be pretty horrendous. Also, you may need them for a last-minute catchup or meeting with someone important. Or you can wear them for yourself because you’re just as important as anyone you could be meeting with.
This was all about how to dress business casual with 5 must-have pieces.
Leave a Reply