Looking for business casual attire for women? Well, then just keep scrolling down. Most of the offices have incorporated the Business Casual Dress Code. This dress code allows for creating a work atmosphere that is more relaxed and comfortable whilst maintaining the office decorum. Sometimes it gets quite perplexing to interpret what is acceptable business casual outfits and what is not. Knowing what is acceptable and what is not can make your rush hour quite simpler. So let’s get into the knowing. A business casual dress code typically depends on one office to another, the nature of the work and etc. But there are some general rules which you can practice to nail the business casual attire on point. Before we get into the details of these business casual outfits and outfit ideas let’s first understand what is business casual for women.
Table Of Contents
- What is Business Casual For Women?
- Business Casual For Women – A Guide With 12 Outfit Ideas
- Business Casual Blouses And Tops
- Business Casual Pants And Jeans
- Business Casual Sweaters
- Business Casual Dresses
- Business Casual Skirts
- Business Casual Jackets
- Business Casual Outfits For Summer
- Business Casual Outfits For Winter
- Business Casual Shoes
- Business Casual Accessories
- Business Casual Outfits For Conference
- Business Casual Outfits Tips
- Conclusion
What is Business Casual For Women?
The motto of the business casual outfit is to build a work environment that is relaxed, comfortable as well as sophisticated at the same time. Business Casual outfits require striking a perfect balance between formal and casual outfits to create a put-together office look. Though it’s fun to create this look still it is not a straightforward task. You have to be a little vigilant while creating this look or you may end up creating a more casual look as there are certain outfits that are permissible to wear and certain outfits that you are not allowed to wear. As well as you have to be mindful of the length of the outfits. To solve this dilemma here is the guide of the Business Casual Outfits For Women With 12 Outfit ideas and some tips.
Read: Wardrobe Basic Checklist – 16 Essentials For All Round The Year
Business Casual For Women – A Guide With 12 Outfit Ideas
1. Business Casual Blouses And Tops
In business casual outfits or business casual for women, this is the room where you can add cute elements to your attire and elevate your look. In summer you can opt for light colour blouses or tops like white.
Style tip: Think of a white blouse paired with bottoms like a skirt (pencil skirt for a more polished look) or black pants.
Peplum tops, wrap tops, turtleneck sweaters, crewnecks, tops with lace, and polo shirts are some of the options you can explore while choosing business casual tops. For summers you can go for bright colours while for winters you can opt for some darker hues.
You can throw on a cardigan or jacket when the temperature fickles towards cool. Also, if your top or blouse is sleeveless or the neckline is low-cut make sure you pair it with a jacket.
Also, if the blouse is sheer you can wear a tank top underneath. T-shirts, halter neck tops, one-shoulder tops, off-shoulder tops, and tank tops aren’t allowed unless worn with a jacket.
Outfit Idea 1
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Outfit Idea 2
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Read: 14 Best Fashion Tips That Promises To Keep You Stylish
2. Business Casual Pants And Jeans
Choose pants that are neutral in colours like black, white, beige, navy blue, tan, etc. These colours can be pulled off seamlessly with any top or blouse. Khaki pants are an amazing choice for office attire. Straight-fit, slim-fit, wide-leg, and flared trousers, long length or cropped length are all acceptable and work-appropriate pants.
Style Tip: Tuck in your blouse or top for a sophisticated and smart look. Add an elegant belt, with no studded embellishments to qualify the attire as a business casual outfit look.
Although jeans do not qualify as business casual outfits. But few offices are lax about jeans. It would be more relevant to clad up in a jacket as it would balance out the casual and formal look. If your office permits you to wear jeans opt for dark wash jeans as they look elegant and sophisticated and avoid faded jeans or jeans that have fray hems or are ripped. If you are heavier on the hips and thighs dark wash jeans are a bonus for you as dark colours render a slimming effect. Akin to pants, you can wear straight-fit, slim-fit, boot-cut, and wide-leg jeans. Boot-cut fit is the most flattering amongst all types of jeans and compliments any body shape as they balance out proportions commendably.
Outfit Idea 3
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Read: Best Jeans For Every Body Type For Female That Gives A Flattering Look
3. Business Casual Sweaters
Sweaters most certainly fall under the category of cute business casual outfits. You have multiple options to look for in sweaters like pullover sweaters, button-down sweaters, sweater vests, and cardigans. You can clad up a sweater as a layer over a shirt or you can simply wear it as a top.
Style Tip: Consider wearing a sweater vest over a shirt paired with trousers. When wearing the sweater as a top, the chicer option would be to pair it with a pleated skirt or flared skirt. This is a chicer yet work-appropriate attire. If you wish to pair it with pants look for plaid pants for a smarter approach. You can throw on a cardigan over almost anything from a blouse, or shirt to tops.
Outfit Idea 4
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4. Business Casual Dresses
While wearing a dress, you have to be vigilant about the length of the dress. It has to be at least knee-length and nothing less than that. Avoid wearing a low-cut neck dress or cut-out dress else throw on a jacket. Dresses having too many studded embellishments or that are too dazzling like a sequin dress is a no-no. You can opt for floral print, geometric design, polka dots, and striped pattern dresses. In summer go for bright hues like red, orange, and yellow while for winter choose darker hues like dark green, deep red, deep blue, etc.
Outfit Idea 5
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5. Business Casual Skirts
Skirts especially pencil skirts always outperformed the formal office outfit look. They have an aura of sophistication and elegance. The pencil skirt is one of the best for business casual outfits too. Also, pleated skirts, flared or A-line skirts are acceptable business casual outfits.
Style Tip: To augment and balance out the business casual look pair the skirt with any long-sleeved blouse or top that is tucked in. A classic white button-down shirt or sweater paired with a pleated skirt is a ten-on-ten look.
Be watchful with the length of the skirt. Wearing a mini-skirt is not acceptable in business casual attire. The length of the skirt should be a minimum of the knee level.
Outfit Idea 6
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6. Business Casual Jackets
The general thumb rule for any jacket is that it shouldn’t be ill-fitted. Jackets or blazers that are falling from the shoulders or too long break the look. Look for a jacket in neutral colours. A black blazer is the staple of wardrobe essentials. Whether you have an interview lined up or have got to attend an important meeting a black blazer is all that you entail. Do not rule out other neutral colours blazers though.
Blazers that are fitted from the waist ostentate the silhouette of the waist adding more definition to the overall look. A trenchcoat is also another best option to sheath you from bleak weather and add refinement to your look. The jackets can also have some prints on them to make them look casual yet formal.
Outfit Idea 7
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7. Business Casual Outfits For Summer
Summer calls for outfits that are more relaxed and comfortable rescuing you from the scorching heat. You have options like dresses, skirts, and trousers. The white top would be an excellent choice for summer as they keep you cool. Reach out for materials like cotton, linen, and silk in summer.
Style Tip: Think of a white blouse with a skirt or trousers. You can also play around with bright colours to add some fun to the look.
Outfit Idea 8
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Outfit Idea 9
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Outfit Idea 10
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8. Business Casual Outfits For Winter
A knitted sweater apart from being fashionable sheaths you from the chill. You can wear them over your shirt in winter for extra warmth teamed up with trousers. Also, you can throw on a cardigan, coat, or jacket over your top or dress.
Style Tip: A turtleneck sweater paired with a skirt looks chicer.
If you are wearing a skirt or dress you can wear tights or slacks to protect your legs from cold or simply put on a knee-high boot. Remember, knee-high boots are appropriate as business casual for as long as they do not have any fancy embellishments.
Outfit Idea 11
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Outfit Idea 12
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9. Business Casual Shoes
Pumps, loafers, oxfords, and ballet are some of the shoes that are relevant for business casual shoes. Shoes that are closed from the toe qualify under this category. If you prefer low heels you can opt for kitten heels. Be certain that the heel should be within the decent limit and not too very high. You can wear flats too but heels add poise to the look.
For winter you can wear knee-high boots but ensure that the boot has minimal to no studded adornments on them.
Snakeskin, leopard print, sneakers, and flip-flops are not acceptable in business casual outfits.
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10. Business Casual Accessories
When it comes to accessorizing for a corporate look strive to keep it simple and elegant. Remember, the key is less is more. The lesser accessories you adorn the more elegant you look. A simple bracelet, chain, and rings are just enough for the office look. For earrings, you can opt for a diamond stud or small hoops. Ensure that your earrings aren’t too long. The earrings that hug the ears are just perfect for business casual attire.
You can add scarves too to amp up your look. For bags, reach out for something that perfectly suits your requirements and it’s roomy enough to equip all your essentials. Look for neutral colours in bags as they complement any outfit.
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11. Business Casual Outfits For Conference
Well, business casual attire for conferences is nothing but your usual business casual outfits. You just have to keep in mind the location of the conference and the climate of that place. Pack your things according to these two factors from your regular casual outfits and also pack some sassy outfits for evening parties. The bottoms in neutral colours will pair with any of your tops, so try to pack neutral colour bottoms to keep the bag light. Also, black pumps are an ideal choice for conferences, as they would pair with business casual outfits for the day as well as on an evening party outfit.
Business Casual Outfits Tips
- Avoid outfits that are too tight or too flowy.
- Evade wearing skirts or dresses above knee length.
- Avoid tops or blouses that have deep necklines.
- Wear neat, clean, and crisp outfits that are ironed.
- Sneakers, snakeskin shoes, leopard print shoes, and flip-flops are too casual so they don’t come under the business casual category.
- Avoid dazzling accessories or shoes and adorn simple and elegant ones.
Conclusion
Here we end the article on the Business Casual For Women – A Guide With 12 Outfit Ideas. In a nutshell, let’s quickly wrap up the post. Mini-skirts, low-neck dresses, tank tops, and cut-outs are some of the outfits that you should avoid wearing for business casual outfits.
Turtlenecks, crewnecks, peplums, wrap tops, and tops with laces are some of the tops that look cute and qualify the business casual outfit.
Reach out for khaki pants, or neutral colour pants like beige, navy blue, white, black, tan, etc. Also, you can have bottom options from flared, boot-cut, straight-fit, and slim-fit to wide-leg pants or jeans. While opting for jeans choose dark wash jeans and avoid faded or ripped jeans.
Wear knee-length skirts or dresses and avoid shoes and accessories that are too dazzling and opt for simple pieces.
Hope you relished reading this article and find this helpful in making your morning routine simpler. Share this article on Business Casual For Women – A Guide With 12 Outfit Ideas if you liked it. Do follow my blog for the latest post updates.
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