Imagine the show Chopped but instead of cooking, you have to make an outfit “business casual.”
In a world of ever-evolving fashion trends, finding the
balance between fashion and office wear can be challenging. Just because
something is fashion-forward doesn’t mean it is office appropriate and vice
versa. Office wear CAN be trendy. Since starting my career, I have taken my office
wear out of the office and find myself wearing certain outfits out to brunch or
shopping because I feel very confident that I have adopted a very
fashion-forward, comfortable, yet business casual look that I now use to brand
myself.
“Dress for the job you want, not the job you
have.”
I have a bit of a
clue of where I would like to see myself career-wise and I know I won’t get
there wearing leggings and a sweatshirt to work. I have tried a lot of looks.
Some are winners and some you never see me wear again. As professionals, we
have very few guidelines on how to dress in the office but they are hard rules
that need to be respected.
clue of where I would like to see myself career-wise and I know I won’t get
there wearing leggings and a sweatshirt to work. I have tried a lot of looks.
Some are winners and some you never see me wear again. As professionals, we
have very few guidelines on how to dress in the office but they are hard rules
that need to be respected.
Use Basic Office Dress Code as Your Initial Guideline
What is basic office dress code? Your employee handbook
should tell you more in-depth detail but a few no-brainers are:
should tell you more in-depth detail but a few no-brainers are:
- Employees must always present a clean, professional
appearance. Everyone is expected to be well-groomed and wear clean clothing,
free of holes, tears, or other signs of wear. - Clothing with offensive or inappropriate designs or stamps
are not allowed. - Clothing should not be too revealing.
- Skirts should hit at 3 inches above the knee.
- Clothing and grooming styles dictated by religion or
ethnicity are exempt.
Violate any of these guidelines and there could be
consequences. Plus, it is just in poor taste.
consequences. Plus, it is just in poor taste.
So, now that you know the basic expectations of work attire,
let’s check out a few looks that have been winners in my book in my business
casual office.
let’s check out a few looks that have been winners in my book in my business
casual office.
Monochromatic with a Pop of Sass
I love a monochromatic color scheme, but that is because I
love to add a little zest into the outfit too. Printed pants are a must in any
trendy business casual environment. By keeping your colors in the same family
this allows you to spice up your outfit with a little pop color in your makeup
or jewelry. Pair with a pair of cute booties or flats depending on the season
or work tasks.
 |
| Blouse: H&M Pants: Old Navy Shoes: Ross |
Linen Flare Trousers with Casual T-Shirt
Back at it again with
the printed pants. Like I said, these are a staple in the workforce. Flared
trousers with a verticle stripe design, paired with a simple T-shirt can really
bring a look down really puts the casual in “business casual.” Incorporate
some fun dainty jewelry and heels to bring the look back up to industry
standards. Iced coffee is an added
office touch.
the printed pants. Like I said, these are a staple in the workforce. Flared
trousers with a verticle stripe design, paired with a simple T-shirt can really
bring a look down really puts the casual in “business casual.” Incorporate
some fun dainty jewelry and heels to bring the look back up to industry
standards. Iced coffee is an added
office touch.
 |
| Top: Old Navy Plain V Neck Bottoms: Thrifted flare striped trousers Shoes: Payless Shoesource |
Animal Print Cardigan with Colored Skinny Slacks
A wise fashion soul once told me that “animal print is
a neutral” and I have never gotten over that. There is always room for an animalistic piece on your ensemble. They are great conversation pieces and GET YOU NOTICED. A simple lace or scallop camisole, solid color, slacks, and a fun printed cardigan.
Top: Ann Taylor (cami) Old Navy (Cardigan)
|
 |
| Blazer: Candie’s brand from Khols Top: Express Bottoms: H&M |
Severe Leather Alert
Who said you can’t wear leggings to work? Classier leggings
are a great outfit piece if paired with a worktop or blouse. They have to be
dressed up to avoid being frumpy though. This top from Rue 21 is the equivalent
of a mullet. Business in the front, party in the back.
are a great outfit piece if paired with a worktop or blouse. They have to be
dressed up to avoid being frumpy though. This top from Rue 21 is the equivalent
of a mullet. Business in the front, party in the back.
 |
| Top: Rue 21 Bottoms: Amazon Basics |
Goth Meets Office in Black and Plaid
Black is obviously the safe work color but you can do so
much with it. A lot of industry standards require you wear black so why not
make it interesting. Pair your black top with a plaid skirt and tights but put
a heavy emphasis on your shoes. Disclaimer, this skirt is a little more than 3
inches above the knee but still not revealing. Since the skirt is shorter, you
can pair them with tights to make the outfit more work appropriate. Add a
statement necklace because they hold more power than you think. By wearing a statement necklace when you don’t feel like your hair or makeup are top-notch. This will draw attention away from those areas.
much with it. A lot of industry standards require you wear black so why not
make it interesting. Pair your black top with a plaid skirt and tights but put
a heavy emphasis on your shoes. Disclaimer, this skirt is a little more than 3
inches above the knee but still not revealing. Since the skirt is shorter, you
can pair them with tights to make the outfit more work appropriate. Add a
statement necklace because they hold more power than you think. By wearing a statement necklace when you don’t feel like your hair or makeup are top-notch. This will draw attention away from those areas.
 |
| Top: Monki Bottom: H&M Shoes: Forever 21 |
French Tuck with Pinstripe Button Down
Never underestimate the power of a striped shirt and a
French tuck. This look is simple and edgy. Cropped ankle skinny pants with a
slouchy pinstriped button-down. Pair with some flashy earrings and chic heels
so people know you mean business. Wear a white button-down and you’ll channel your
inner Tom Cruise in Risky Business vibes.
French tuck. This look is simple and edgy. Cropped ankle skinny pants with a
slouchy pinstriped button-down. Pair with some flashy earrings and chic heels
so people know you mean business. Wear a white button-down and you’ll channel your
inner Tom Cruise in Risky Business vibes.
 |
| Top: Banana Republic Bottoms: Thrifted Earrings: Charming Charlie Shoes: Rue 21 |
Flowy Tee With a Waist Belt
This is one of my favorite business casual outfit ideas for
work! Pair a long chiffon top with skinny black trousers and simple black
booties or pumps. Add a waist belt to show off your figure and add some flare
on top!
 |
| Top: Target Bottoms: H&M Shoes: Call it Spring |
Layered Tank with Chinos
Pair any colored chino pants with a plain or patterned layered tank for a casual work outfit. Throw on a sassy pair of heels and you are set for your morning meeting.
 |
| Top: Vera Wang Bottoms: Thirfted Shoes: Call it Spring |
Classic Polka Dotted Dress
This is a perfect look for the summer months but looks just
as great with layers for when the winter months come along. An easy must-have
because it is amazingly comfy for the office and for post-work cocktails. Bring
out the polka dots with similar colored accessories and shoes to pull the
outfit together.
 |
| Dress: Old Navy Shoes: A’gaci |
Cinched Trousers with a Patterned Top
These tied trousers are a massive fashion statement all of a
sudden and they look great on all body types. Purchase a pair of these from any
fashion store and pair with a sheer patterned top.
sudden and they look great on all body types. Purchase a pair of these from any
fashion store and pair with a sheer patterned top.
 |
|
Top: Charolette Rousse
Bottoms: Ross
Shoes: Shoes for $2.99 (the store’s actual name)
|
For more inspiring outfits check out my FauxPas highlight reel on Instagram or any of my career fashion posts here.
What is your staple to office wear? Tell me about your go-to
office style in the comments below.
office style in the comments below.
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6 Responses
Love that flowy shirt 🙂
Beauty & Colour | Vegan Fashion + Lifestyle Blog
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