Dress Coding: Business Casual
"Business casual" is the trickiest code to crack. There isn't an exact definition as to what constitutes business casual. In a nutshell, it is the informal version of business professional attire. As Wikipedia puts it, "business casual is a kind of middle ground between formal business wear and street wear." Translation: Mix traditional business formal pieces with everyday clothing items (save for your weekend wear).
While business casual is applicable to a wide variety of workplaces, it is often interpreted in varying degrees. Needless to say, there is a delicate balance that must be reached to achieve the perfect business casual look. Depending on your work environment, you should be able judge what level of business casual you ought to be wearing based on your superior's attire. If your office is on the more formal end of the spectrum, lean toward clothing items that fall into the business professional category. However, if you're in a laidback workplace you may have more flexibility when it comes to incorporating casual items into your daily ensembles. Regardless of where your office falls on the scale between casual and dressy, you should aim to look professionally dressed, but in a relaxed yet pulled together type of way.
There's a wide range of options for business casual wear–skirt/pant + blouse, dress + cardigan/jacket/sweater, skirt/pant + sweater/cardigan... The possibilities are endless. Unlike business professional, you can wear a wider variety of colors and prints as well.
Here are some basic tips for achieving the perfect business casual look:
- Follow these commandments on 9 to 5 style.
- Steer clear of denim. Instead, opt for bottoms in cotton, silk, or blends.
- Avoid anything neon or shiny, unless it's an understated accessory. This includes sequin tops, rhinestone pants, and neon bellbottoms. Disco style was left in the 1970s for a reason.
- If you would wear it to a club, you shouldn't wear it to work. Just because a top is "dressy" doesn't mean it's office-friendly. Modesty is key.
- All clothing should be clean, pressed, and wrinkle-free.
- Hats are not okay for the office, ladies. Please leave your fedoras at home.
- Closed-toe shoes are ideal. But, if your office is more lax, nice sandals (not thongs or flip-flops) during warmer months are probably okay.
Now for some outfit inspiration... Below, I've put together five simple yet stylish looks for the "biz-cas" gal.
1. Cozy-Chic:
JC Penny Color Craze Necklace, Elizabeth & James Manor Booties, Carven Cropped Wool Sweater, LC Lauren Conrad Pleated Chiffon Skirt
2. Two-Tone Tomboy:
RJ Graziano Polished Gold Cuff, Vanessa Bruno Mohair Sweater, JC Penny 14K Stud Earrings, Topshop Marcus Loafers, J.Crew Cafe Cropped Pants
3. Edgy Lady:
Madewell Hole Punch Tee, Valentino Crystal & Pearl Necklace, Banana Republic Channing Eyeglasses, Club Monaco Leather Pencil Skirt, Banana Republic Parker High-Heel Penny Loafers
4. Black Base Babe:
2028 Flower Stud Earrings, See by Chloe Cherry Print Blouse, 3.1 Phillip Lim Tuxedo Pant, Dorothy Perkins Purple Marry Jane Heels
5. Go-Getter:
Miss Selfridge Fluro Cardigan, Club Monaco Mary Kate Belt, LC Lauren Conrad Flats, LC Lauren Conrad Mixed Media Dress, LC Lauren Conrad Flower Earrings
Style Tip: If your skirt or dress is too short, add tights!
One of the best basic business casual outfits is a simple pair of cotton-blend trousers, a nice blouse or tank (floral and print tops are always nice) with a pretty cardigan layered over. Top it off with a pair of comfortable ballet flats or oxfords for an easy yet professional "business casual" ensemble.
Like I said before, putting the term business casual into a box and labeling it is a difficult task to do since there are many different interpretations of what constitutes the ideal outfit. At the very least, keep in mind that you want to preserve a professional image. And ultimately, you want to look polished, stylish, and put together. In the words of Tommy Hilfiger, "You want to look fashionable and put-together, not like you hit every sale rack this season." I couldn't have said it better myself.
What's your go-to business casual outfit?
Upload a photo of your favorite work outfit to your LaurenConrad.com profile and link the image in the comments below. I'll feature my favorite photo submissions in a Member Spotlight post soon!
Click here to learn how to upload and submit photos.
Next up in my Dress Coding series is casual work attire!
XO Lauren
P.S. When in doubt, remember this tip: Keep it 50% formal (as in business formal attire). For instance, if you're going to wear a casual sundress, throw on a sharp blazer. It is always best to err on the side of caution than to risk a run in with the fashion police.
92 comments
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One more thiing... this from the best broker I ever worked for. When in doubt Over dress. For business casual girls have the advantage. But skip the glitter unless it's on your shoes.
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Outfits are just darling, however the fedora rule needs a corollary. if it's raining then Hats rule!!
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I really wish you continued with a show! I absolutely loved your style and loved seeing so much of it :(
Xo,S
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This fits me so well Lauren because my work is business casual! Can't wait to submit my photo to you!
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A hair style guide for business and casual would be great too! Sometimes I definitely lack inspiration to get creative with my hair for work and college :)
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I absolutly love the pleated chiffron skirt. I would wear it with a black cardigan and oxford heels, also black tights too.
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I am in love with those orange JCrew pants.... I wanted them in pink but they sold out so quickly!
Here's how I get to play with my fashion at work, cool nails: http://eyeblinkfashion.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/tutorial-ink-dipped-nails/
- Cher
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Thanks Lauren! That's really helpful.
At the moment I'm just really lucky to work in an IT office where jeans and t-shirt are ok. I'm such a denim girl! For more corporate events I already got a very thin, black pair of denim (which hardly looks like jean at all :)).
But all these tips and tricks are good to know! :)
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Lauren, thank you very much for this post. It was very inspiring for me - a working girl:)!! I love every outfit!!
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Here is one of my favorite business casual outfits:)
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i think jeans can also be part of a business casual look as well. Like if one were to wear a ruffled top with a blazer and jeans that can casual but not to casual for a business look. also long plain colored polyester dresses can be business casual if u were to pair it with a nice mid-length cardigan and a simple neclace with a pair of heels.
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A few other tips: invest in a nice fitted, neutral blazer. That will definitely pull any look together. Other good fabric ideas: tweed and corduroy.
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Great tips! Lauren, these will help me in my outfits here at work. Hope you can add some more. Thanks!
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Great Tips! I wonder If you can do Outfit of the Day pictures??? Please? maybe on twitter or here on the website? Thank you for all that you do! Love the website! =)
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Love your tips for business wear. Something I already to for church to keep it modest dress.
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