Dress Coding: Casual Work Attire
For those of you who are lucky enough to enjoy a casual work environment thank your lucky stars! Generally speaking, casual dress code can be symbolic of a company's attitude toward its employees. In a way, it's a sign of respect and trust. Apple, Google, and Nike all have very casual, laidback dress codes. Formal dress doesn't always mean success. That is not to say, dressing like a slob is sanctioned casual work attire. Professionalism is still paramount. Make sure your ensembles are appropriate, modest, and always clean and put together. You should also take note of my General Work Attire Commandments as these still apply to you.
The best thing about a casual dress code is almost anything goes (unless it conflicts with The Commandments, of course). While most people are forced to bury a bit of their style sense when they clock in each morning, you don't have to leave your personal style at home. More often than not, casual work wear involves wearing jeans on a daily basis. If this sounds like your work uniform, switch it up by wearing faux leather leggings or cropped pants. You will be surprised by how a simple swap can update your entire look. (Did I mention leggings are incredibly comfortable too?)
Below are a few outfit ideas for all you casual work wear ladies to consider...
1. Laidback Lady:
Jaeger Circular Hem Sweater, 7 For All Mankind Roxanne Jeans, Butter London nail polish in British Racing Green, LC Lauren Conrad Bow Ring, H&M Cap Toe Flats, See by Chloe Loki Bag
2. Eclectic Chick:
Miss Selfridge Ochre Dress, Topshop Crop Jacket, Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Naked, Madewell Caravan Bag, H&M Platform Heels
3. Femme Fatale:
Essie nail polish in Wicked, American Vintage Cardigan, Paper Crown Serena Leggings, T by Alexander Wang Shirt, YSL Link Bracelet, Madewell Almanac Boots, Missoni for Target Scarf
4. Hip Miss:
The Row Roger Modal Tank, J Brand Bette Flared Jeans, Topshop Floral Kimono, Laurence Dacade Tigo Platforms, Cursive Initial Pendant, OPI nail polish in You Don't Know Jacques
5. Girl About Town:
Current/Elliot Cropped Jeans, Equipment Sophie Shirt, LC Lauren Conrad Oxford Shoes, J Crew Newsstand Tote, Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Boom Boom Pow, Marc by Marc Jacobs Claude Stud Earrings
The bottom line? Make sure you're fresh and put together each day. Your casual work attire will differ based on the type of work you do. Adjust accordingly. If you're on your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes. Ballet flats, low-rise wedges, boots, penny loafers, and oxfords are all excellent options. Just be sure to mix it up and avoid getting stuck in a shoe rut. Wearing the same shoes everyday will actually make those tootsies hurt even more. If your job involves some level of manual labor, wear lightweight cotton pieces that are easy to move in (and okay to get a little dirty). And if you're still unsure about what to wear, check out what the next highest female at your company is wearing and take a cue from her. Needless to say, at the end of the day clothes come off and what really matters are the accomplishments we have to show for ourselves.
What's your go-to casual office outfit?
If you work in a formal setting, be sure to check out my post on business professional attire. And for the majority of you who must dress business casual, click here.
XO Lauren
P.S. Based on the comments to my 9 to 5 Style blog, many of you work in the medical field where you are required to wear scrubs. Since you have to wear scrubs, focus on your accessories and your beauty routine. Try out fun hairstyles, new nail polish colors, and interesting pieces of jewelry. So look on the bright side–instead of splurging on work clothes, you will probably have extra pocket change to spend on your non-work wardrobe (lucky you)!
Join the Discussion!
70 comments
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Dear Lauren and friends, I am starting a new job on April 1st. I am required to wear business casual attire and when I asked the two gentlemen what would they consider business attire at my place of work, (it's an appliance store/warehouse) they responded that I should dress as if I were going golfing. They mentioned polos, button downs, khakis, boat shoes and etc. any suggestions on how to make this look appear fashionable, cute, yet professional? Any suggestions on websites with ideas on this type of look or where to shop? Thanks for all of your help! Xo Brenna -
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my uniform at work consists of work out clothes down to the shoes. any suggestions of how to still look chic,collected, and womanly?
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Super cute outfits, but could you do one for actual business attire? I have to wear suits and am so bored with the plain pant suit combo! I would love to see some great blouses or skirts to broaden my wardrobe!
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I really love your first outfit ! I am french and I'm one of your fans ! I'm just disappointed that we can't find your collection in France !
I wish you much happiness and good luck !
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My office has a pretty causal work environment, but I always feel like I'm taking it a little too far when I wear skinny jeans. I try to stick to straight-leg if possible. However, skinny jeans with a long sweater or cardigan is fairly easy to pull off.
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My blue PAPER CROWN "Emma" dress and quilted beige with a black patent toe French Sole "passport" flats. I wear this EVERYWHERE. It's a perfect work dress, date dress, brunch dress, and party dress.
PS - Where can I get the Cezanne mini skirt in Cranberry? I want to order it the day it's available!
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Hey dolls, check out my blog and follow me on twitter for fashion tips and outfits! :)
glofashion.blogspot.com @globuggy3
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I love these looks! Lauren Conrad was one of my style inspirations because of her amaze style. http://wp.me/p1adOY-ac
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I must say... I love all the looks! But I wear each look according to my mood, day of the week and things to do! Today I am wearing the first one, because it is saturday and I want to be confourtable because I just work in the mourning.
Bijou*
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I love the laidback lady outfit, would possibly know of some cost friendly similar clothes?
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I absolutely love this post!! I think I'm a mix of the Laid Back & Girl About Town. My work is totally casual and all the looks you posted are awesome. My one and only staple I always have at work is a black cardigan hanging on the back of my chair. It's usually chilly by my desk year round so it's nice to have a cardigan to keep warm, in the winter I bring in a sweater like cardigan.
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I love these type of posts!! Gosh I seriously would wear all of these looks! Thanks for putting these complete outfits together... I love seeing what people pair with what and you even included nail polish! Bless your heart! lol thanks lady! :)
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Lauren,
I received a compliment the other day about what I was wearing...and I said Thanks! It is all Lauren Conrad. Too funny, I looked down and eVERTYTHING I had on, right down the the shoes was your line! You have a gray knit long vest that I wear all the time!!! Any chance of designing other colors? I have to wear black for my job and would love a black one and also your flats that came in dusty pink and gray are the most comfortable I have EVER worn! Any chance of designing those in black? I just lost 50 pounds with 15 more to go and YOURS was the first pair of pants that I put on in size 10! I can't wait to get to 8!! But I reeeally appreciated when you had cute clothes in size XL as well.
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I LOVE the Laidback Lady look! its so me!
I have two requests...
1. Can you please make more looks like the L.L? It is also perfect for my work place!
2. I have many short sleave dress shirts that I dont know how to wear...I generally pair them with jeans because my office is so casual that dress pants are concidered a little fancy! I am also not a suit jacket fan...any suggestions on how to wear them or what I could do to change up the look?
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The first ensemble was my "dress down" Friday work outfit inspiration this morning! Thanks Lauren! Happy Friday everyone!
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I think 1,3,4,5 are something I could try. But that only gets me through four days of one week, what about the next week. How can you make you clothes go all Month without someone thinking/saying "Oh she wears that every week"?
:)