Style July 8, 2019
Business, but make it fashion.
Where are all my boss ladies? Welcome to the complete guide on how to dress in business casual attire while also staying fashionable at the same time. Here are some handy tips and tricks for when you’re looking to be trendy at the office — or even if you’re just looking to reinvent your style.
Before I move on to show you some of my favorite outfit ideas, one thing to take note of is your work setting. Every office you go into is going to be different. Some offices may even allow jeans. I do not personally integrate jeans into a business casual look, but more relaxed offices may allow jeans in their dress code.
So, if you’re a jean type of girl, own it! There are chic and trendy ways to incorporate your favorite pair of jeans into a business casual outfit. Throw on a loose-fitting blazer with some heels (or flats, if you’re not a heel gal) to complete the look.
Once you’ve mastered the do’s and don’ts of what exactly is appropriate for work, you will have a wardrobe that you feel proud of and confident in.
Now, let’s dive into how to dress like the chic and trendy girlboss that you are.
If you are looking to only buy only one thing from this style guide, make sure it’s this: a good quality blazer. I suggest owning at least one to two styles; a well fitted blazer and/or a more loose fitting blazer.
The great thing about business casual is that you don’t need to buy a whole suit. The matching blazer and slacks is more for a formal business setting. I know, phew! Blazers pair perfectly with almost anything in your closest and will definitely help elevate your style. You can pair a blazer with a skirt, a dress or even with some jeans to the office.
A lot of these staple pieces work well with your every day looks as well; which is my favorite thing about business casual attire. You don’t have to feel bad about breaking the bank and only wearing your business casual outfits to work.
For example, you can pair the loose fitting blazer with a lace trim camisole top, some distressed denim and a pair of open-toed heels.
Trousers are a great alternative to slacks, they are usually referred to as a form of dressier pants (but not too dressy). Luckily for us, trousers have emerged as a trend in various different styles. You may have seen a lot of high waisted pants with the belted bow (pictured above).
These pair of pants in particular are not only perfect for the office but are also super flattering on anyone. You can tuck almost any blouse or cami into these trousers.
Another trendy style of trousers that are appropriate for the office are patterned pants. They can be checkered, floral, striped, or maybe even have polkadots. This is a fun way to incorporate your style and personality into your business casual attire.
Another tip, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try different color pants. Trousers don’t always have to be black and grey. Go for the bold colors that stand out. If you want to take it a little further in trendy, go for the flared colored trousers with a pleat detail.
You can never go wrong with an (appropriate length) dress to the office. Luckily for business casual attire, you have the ability to incorporate different prints and colors to your look.
As a former salesperson, I’ve always encouraged customers to stray away from wearing the typical “black dress” to work. Although, there is nothing wrong with owning a few black dresses, there’s no harm in trying on something you wouldn’t usually gravitate towards.
Especially now that summer is here. Ladies, don’t sweat more than you need to in a black sun-absorbing dress. Go for the yellows, blues, and let’s not forget the fun prints.
A nice blouse sounds pretty simple, but investing in several polished blouses is crucial to your business casual attire.
There are so many fun styles to choose from — it’s usually my favorite part of every outfit. I tend to go for staple blouses that stand out; from bell sleeves, to ruffles to wrap tops. These blouses will be key to looking like the trendiest girl in the office.
Most blouses will even pair great with both skirts and pants, which is most definitely a plus. You will also be able to wear several of your blouses as part of your everyday wear. Throw on some shorts with a ruffle top and you have a fun and trendy look for the spring/summer.
Ladies, let’s take a moment to apperciate Christian Dior for this one — thanks to Mr. Dior, the world’s first pencil skirt was born. I know what you’re probably thinking, “pencil skirts are for corporate women, why is a pencil skirt in this style guide?”
Although yes, many of our corporate boss ladies own a million pencil skirts, I can promise you that these can definitely be worn in a more casual setting.
Like most 21st century styles, pencil skirts have re-emerged in a new, exciting and trendy way.
If you’re really looking for that chic boss lady look, well look no further. Try out a leather pencil skirt; it’ll become one of your favorite staple pieces. This look exemplifies confidence, sophistication and success. Style this look with higher neck lines, long sleeves and a pair of sock booties.
For women that work in a more professional setting, leave the leather skirt on for date night after work. If you’re not into the whole leather and/or faux leather look, don’t worry! A non-leather pencil skirt is just as trendy.
I hope this guide helped inspire you to own a closet that you are proud to wear. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new styles. Once you’ve got it down, you’ll become the new fashion icon that everyone in the office turns to for fashion advice.
