What is Business Casual for Women?

For those who have never been assigned a business casual dress code or even those who have, figuring out what to wear can be a mystery. The way I like to think of business casual for women is if you were dressing business professional (a suit; blazer with pants, dress or skirt) and you remove the blazer and/or reduce the structure of the outfit. So think, dress pants and a button down, dress pants and a blouse, a modest dress, a skirt and sweater, etc.

There are many different variations to business casual and most companies/ organizations typically have their own dress code. However, if you are starting a new job and have no idea what to wear for your first day, my go-to is to wear trousers, a button down, and closed toe dress shoes. The collar, long pants, and closed toe shoes is a safe business casual for women outfit option. The last thing you want to do is show up on your first day of work only to realize that your outfit breaks dress code. On your first day you will see what others are wearing, and you should receive an employee handbook that will outline the dress code in more detail. Sometimes the shoe must be closed toe, sometimes certain open toe shoes are permitted, and sometimes you will be permitted to wear shoes with laces.

Important note: Many stores have no idea what business casual or appropriate work wear actually looks like. So do not trust their “work wear” edit sections. Just because something has a blazer, collar, or is structured does not make it professional and office appropriate.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Business Casual for Women

DO’S

Wear clean clothes
Find a pant that you love and buy it in all colors
Invest in neutral, comfortable shoes that you can pair with most outfits
Accessorize with jewelry, belts, and shoes to show your personal style (avoid being too flashy to draw the wrong kind of attention)
Build your business casual wardrobe off of quality basics in neutral colors
Mix fabric textures to add interest and it just looks more expensive
Monochromatic outfits
Wear layers, offices can be cold
Wear skirts and dresses that are knee length or longer

DON’T

Wear jeans (there are exceptions, depending on dress code)
Wear clothes with graphics/ brand names, they may be cute but they are not professional
Low cut shirts
Expose your stomach
Wear clothes with distressing
Wearing clashing colors
Wear extremely oversized clothes
Wear any sandals you would wear to the beach
Wear a hat
Wear leggings (very few exceptions here, even if you have your butt covered it still likely looks unprofessional)
Wear tank tops with straps thinner than a credit card
Wear business professional (you’ll look silly)
Wear shorts