J Crew is a good place to shop for business casual.
Hi Alexandra,
Could you please define ‘business casual’? I feel like it’s rather straight forward for men, but for women there seems to be a spectrum of what is appropriate, particularly in Vancouver. Or in that case, maybe it’s easier to define what is NOT business casual? I also find it difficult to make business casual look anything but boring, as in what trends would be appropriate to make an outfit look current?
Some business casual looks featuring knitwear. (Image from Net A Porter magazine.)
Hi Kai,
Business casual is a professional dress code devised by a very sad, corporate person who decided suits were too formal and jeans too casual. Personally, I’d rather just wear a suit in an office because at least you know exactly what you are dealing with. I agree that it is a dress code that is quite vague.
Business casual was, for a short time, the bane of my existence. I’ve had one job where this dress code was enforced, and it was ridiculous. Our definition (and this was an “arts” school…) included no jeans, no leggings, and no “trendy” clothing. I am guessing that most companies use the “business casual” dress code so they have leverage if someone dresses like a freak. If you follow business casual, you should, in theory, look inoffensive, not too casual, and not too formal.
A slick, modern version of business casual from COS.
But that’s also vague, so let’s get down to a few specifics for women who don’t want to wear super lame pencil skirts with boring cream coloured blouses, panty hose, and a pair of navy pumps. I also gathered a few images of looks that I’d define as business casual, without losing your soul.
DO
- Think “half of a suit.” So blazer with less formal pants, smart skirt or trousers with blouse or sweater.
- Go easy on the prints and patterns. That’s not say you can’t wear them, but try and tone them down by pairing them with some neutrals.
- Accessorize, but don’t go overboard. I hate to use the term “light jewelry” but I think you guys can figure out what that means.
- Invest in blouses and shirts, and stay warm in winter with chic knits.
- Wear well-tailored pants or skirts.
- Go easy on the makeup.
- Think keywords tailored, classic, simple, chic.
Great work dresses from Net A Porter.
DON’T
- Do jeans. This is acceptable for some dress codes, not for others. It depends on your company, but avoid if you aren’t sure.
- Wear anything sporty, aside from a super luxe t-shirt worn under a blazer. That means no leggings, no sweatshirt materials, no running shoes, and NO YOGA PANTS.
- Expose too much skin. Daring necklines and mini skirts are out. You could do a mini dress, with very thick tights, but other than that, hems should be near the knee.
- Try halters and strapless. But as you may know, I’m not really keen on strapless at all.
- Wear anything too tight. On that note, since oversized is still a big trend, I would also suggest not to wear anything too loose. Neither is very appropriate for the office.
- Totter in heels that are ridiculously high. It is not professional and not practical.
- Show piercings, tattoos, or have coloured hair. Those things should be hidden!
- Think keywords edgy, sexy, bodycon and casual.
Banana Republic is another go-to for work attire.
If you wouldn’t be willing to wear the outfit to meet your boyfriend’s parents, it might not be appropriate as business casual. And if you WOULD wear it clubbing, I think you’ve gone too far.
I hope this helps. And I hope I never have to wear business casual again.
Any of you work in jobs with business casual dress codes? What do you wear?
