Business casual is the newest dress code being implemented in many office settings. But, the conflicting terms “business” and “casual” can be difficult to comprehend. It becomes important to understand the different components that exist within the trend. It includes the different rules and criteria that exist in “business casual”. This includes different top wear, bottom wear, accessories, footwear, etc. This blog will discuss what business casual means for women as well as different ways to style yourself within the dress code.
What is Business Casual Woman?
Business casual toes the line between an informal dress code and a formal dress code. But, it becomes easier if you keep in mind that your outfits need to be appropriate for office wear. Your business wear outfits should always lean more towards formal wear. While there is no universal definition of what business casual means, there are a few things to take note of.
The business casual for women became popular because it allowed more freedom. The stuffiness of formal wear is now a thing of the past. Uncomfortable suits gave way to appropriate but relaxed clothes specifically for office jobs. It is exactly as it sounds: casual clothes that you can wear for business. Specifically for women, the motive is to strike a balance between the comfort of informal wear and the professionalism of formal wear. This can be achieved by pairing your more casual tops with more formal bottoms and vice versa!
But, keep in mind that “business casual” can include different criteria based on the needs of the profession. If you have access to an employee handbook, refer to it to understand the needs of your profession. When in doubt, refer to the employee handbook!
Build a Business Casual Wardrobe!
So, let’s go and create a business casual wardrobe that is tailored for you and your style!
But first things first, let us remember the core tenets of business casual wear:
- NO showing excessive skin. It is inappropriate to show excessive skin in business settings. Remember to keep it loose and modest.
- YES to professionalism. Always keep in mind that your outfit needs to be professional before it needs to be stylish.
- NO to bling. While personal style might be important for a lot of people, it is second in a professional setting.
- YES to layers. The easiest way to transform your outfit into business casual, throw on a layer with the appropriate top. Add a blazer, cardigan, or sweater!
Business Casual Women Tops
With tops, you have a lot of options in terms of style and patterns. With a plethora of options comes the difficulty of choosing. But it becomes easier if you invest in a few versatile style options and colors. Some of the basic tops you can invest in are:
- A basic button down- in black and/or white
- A basic tee- in black and/or white
- A blouse and/or turtleneck of your choice- in a darker neutral color or versatile patterns such as plaid.
These basic style options can elevate your wardrobe. They offer various opportunities to mix and match.
Additionally, options to avoid include:
- Anything in bold and flashy colors or patterns.
- Hoodies and sweatshirts, as they can make you look sloppy
- Anything too tight or sheer
STYLING TIP: Opt for tops with muted tones, simple prints, and evergreen patterns. These work best with bottom wear of different styles and colors. A white button-up, for example, is the most versatile piece of clothing you can own. It can be paired with several different bottom wear in different patterns and colors.
Business Casual Women Bottoms
With bottoms, you have limited options: skirts and pants. But, they are flexible in design options and style options.
Skirts are a great option for summer wear. The ideal length for skirts (and dresses too!) for a professional setting is knee length or midi length. This length is appropriate for an office setting and comfortable for long hours of wear. Anything too long or too short can become inappropriate in an office. Additionally, do not wear denim, lace, or sequins. In terms of skirt options, you can choose from:
- A pencil skirt
- An A-line skirt.
- Structured wrap skirts
Again, if you cannot decide on a color or pattern, it is best to choose from functional styles. These include: colors such as brown, black, or navy blue; or patterns such as plaid.
As for pants, there are many options to choose from:
- straight-leg pants
- High-waisted pants
- Flared pants
- Wide-leg pants
Additionally, different work cultures have different opinions about the appropriateness of jeans. You can refer to your employee handbook about jeans. Even if allowed, choose colors such as blue, black, or grey. Do not wear low-waisted or ripped jeans. They are inappropriate for a professional environment.
STYLE TIP: To make decision-making easier, choose some basic but universal bottom wear. This can help you mix and match them with various tops. Avoid making bold choices when it comes to bottom wear, as they can prove difficult to style. Instead, experiment with tops!
Business Casual Women Dresses
When opting for dresses, choose a midi or knee-length dress. These lengths are the most appropriate for a workplace setting. Any dresses with loud patterns or colors are not considered appropriate. Additionally, avoid tight-fitting or sheer dresses. Body con dresses or mini dresses are also inappropriate for a professional setting. You can elevate a simple dress with a matching coat to achieve a simple yet professional look.
Business Casual Women Accessories
While accessories are a great addition to any outfit, in a business casual dress code, it is not a necessity. In the case of accessories, simplicity is the best. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, belts, and watches should add to your outfits. Simple gold or silver accessories can complement many outfits well.
STYLE TIP: Too many jewelry pieces can overcrowd your outfit. Wear only 1-2 accessories per outfit. If you feel overwhelmed with choices, go with a simple gold earring and a watch.
Business Casual Women Bags
When choosing a bag for an office setting, the most important thing to keep in mind is versatility and space. The bag of your choice needs to add to your outfit as well as your life. The best option in this case is to choose a large or medium structured bag. With a lot of options and a lot of space, it is one of the best bags for office needs. It offers the best of both worlds, as it with a lot of space and great versatility. For example, a tote bag or satchel in a neutral color is a great option for a professional workplace. It can complement most of your clothes, leading to an easier time in decision-making.
Business Casual Women Footwear
For appropriate footwear, comfort becomes the most necessary component in decision-making. The criteria of comfort are a personal choice for everyone. But, some examples include: loafers, kitten heels, or block heels. They provide both style and support for longer working hours.
Business Casual Winter Edition
For colder months, just add on layers. It is easier than changing your wardrobe based on seasonal changes. Change business jackets for coats, shorter for longer sleeves, and skirts for pants. Another great addition to your winter wardrobe is sweaters and cardigans. The same theory that is used to build your summer wardrobe applies to all your winter additions. Choose more structured jackets and coats, and opt for neutral colors to tie it all together. Additionally, boots become a very good substitute for all your footwear. They are comfortable, warm, and versatile enough to style with different outfits.
Business Casual Colour Palette
With so many options, it can become a difficult task to choose outfits that mix well together. If that is so, neutral colours are your best friends. Try to choose amongst darker colors such as black, navy blue, brown, or navy green. These colors offer opportunities to mix and match well together. Versatile colors such as black and white complement many colors and patterns.
But if you are someone who likes lighter colors, worry not. You can opt for lighter beige colors, and lighter shades of primary colors such as blue, pink, and yellow. Just remember to opt for shades that work well together. The aim is to create a wardrobe where you can mix and match with different pieces.
Conclusion
Business casual women clothes are an easy enough dress code to style. All you need to remember is to dress professionally and comfortably. That is the most basic need for the business casual dress code. It can easily be achieved by some versatile pieces in your closet in neutral color tones
FAQ
Business casual woman dress code is the dress code that is often followed in professional spaces. It includes clothes that are comfortable but still professional enough for the office.
Business casual women jeans are straight-leg jeans, high-waisted jeans, flared jeans, and wide-leg jeans. Do not wear low-waisted jeans or ripped jeans as they are not appropriate. However, not all offices allow jeans in business casual wear. Enquire your employee handbook to know whether they are allowed.
Business casual women can be found on Pinterest. It has different inspirations and outfit combos for you to choose from. Additionally, it also contains different color palettes and combinations to choose from.
Business casual women pants include straight-leg pants, high-waisted pants, flared pants, and wide-leg pants.
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