The business casual dress code for women is a bit difficult to decipher in today's work environment and can also vary depending on the job and office environment. Since appropriate clothing is very important at work, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the dress code rules.
Today we are going to give you some basic tips on what a woman should wear when a business casual outfit is required. We'll also show you some of the most beautiful looks from Amal Clooney - a businesswoman who is always elegant and chic and often becomes a style icon.
What does business casual mean?
The business casual dress code is slightly more casual than the traditional office clothing style. You don't have to wear a full suit, but a strapless sundress with flip-flops is a no-go.
Business casual has long since established itself as the modern office look in most companies. You can wear elements of more formal business attire such as a blazer, suit skirt or trousers, but they do not necessarily have to be combined together.
It is also advisable to choose most of your clothes in neutral colors: black, gray, navy blue, brown, beige and white. Based on the simple, plain-colored pieces, you can then add a few touches of color that underline your personality.
Which trousers go well with a business casual look?
Pants are an obvious and often most women's first choice for their office outfit. Make sure they fit well, are wrinkle-free and have no frayed hems or torn seams. Wool, cotton, linen and gabardine are best, but you can also use easy-care polyester. Nowadays there is also a nice selection of office-friendly jeans without rips, embroidery or extreme washing.
Plain trousers in solid colors are usually best as they can be combined with many colored tops. Pants in a dark muted color like burgundy or forest green look very beautiful. Pinstripes, glen check or plaid patterns are absolute classics. In addition to the actual wearing comfort, the optimal fit is also very important. Pants with straight legs, bootcuts or ankle length are real all-rounders.
Blouses, shirts etc.
To add a pop of color to an outfit, think blouses and tops. Choose thoseColors that match your skin toneand would complement your eyes beautifully. Pastel colors, jewel tones such as opal, amethyst and turquoise, checked, floral patterns and other prints such as paisley, polka dot, ikat are acceptable.
In colder months, choose blouses with long or ¾ sleeves. Short-sleeved blouses and cap sleeves are ideal for spring and summer. Pay attention to the neckline. Blouses with a Peter Pan collar, stand-up collar, round neck, boat neck, turtleneck or a square neckline look elegant. If you choose a V-neck, make sure the neckline is not too low.
Sweaters and cardigans
You can combine sweaters in many ways - wear them with pants, a skirt or over a dress. The fit is important here, so stay away from oversized sweaters. Whether with or without buttons, soft, fine-knit sweaters are great all-rounders. You can even wear longer cardigans with a narrow belt to give your outfit a completely different look.
Coat, jacket or blazer
A blazer is not a must if a business casual outfit is required. But don't think you can wear a denim jacket on the way to work. You still need professional looking outerwear. (You never know when you'll have to go to lunch with the boss or a client!)
Stay on the safe side with neutral colors like black, charcoal, brown and navy blue. If you want some variety, go for classic jewel tones, thin pinstripes, or herringbone patterns. Fit is often a big problem with jackets and blazers. Classic, tailored models always look good.
skirts and dresses
While pants are part of casual office attire, don't forget about skirts and dresses. Blouses that are worn in combination with trousers usually also go well with a skirt. Pencil skirts, A-line skirts or pleated skirts look very elegant. Colorful skirts are fine, but avoid overly bright colors and prints like flowers. If the skirt has a slit, make sure it is appropriate, especially in a sitting position.
Dresses are an easy choice for business casual attire. Put on your dress and get started. It is not necessary to think for a long time whether the top fits this bottom. You see well tooCardigans and blazersoff when the weather is colder. The neckline and sleeves should follow the above rules for blouses. The hem can range from a few inches above the knee to just below the knee. Mini, mullet and asymmetrical skirts are best left in the closet.
Which shoes fit the business casual dress code?
When it comes to shoes, you have many beautiful options. Ballerina flats, wedges, pumps, ankle boots and certain sandal models can be combined well with your business casual outfits. Ballerina shoes are a comfortable option and should especially be worn with trousers. Loafers, moccasins, ballerinas with round or pointed toes or even Oxford shoes are suitable for the office. Heels are typically seen in a work environment, but with a heel height of 7-8cm or less. If you like wearing heels, you can combine pumps, slingbacks, T-strap pumps, peep-toes with your office outfit.
When it comes to color and pattern, anything is allowed. During the colder months, throw on a pair of ankle boots or knee-high boots, either flat, heeled, or wedge-heeled. Boots should be made of leather (or a vegan alternative) and in a neutral color. Avoid embellishments such as rivets or buckles.
10 golden rules for a successful business casual outfit
Last but not least, we list the 10 golden rules for you again:
1. Sleeveless tops should reach the edges of your shoulders. No spaghetti straps.
2. The neckline should never extend deeper than 10 cm below the collarbone.
3. Make sure your clothes look as wrinkle-free as possible.
4. Use patterns sparingly.
5. If you wear a slightly sheer top, make sure to pair it with a blazer or undershirt.
6. A knee-length skirt is ideal for the office. Never shorter than a few centimeters above the knee.
7. If you want to wear patterned trousers, choose a plain blouse with them.
8. A few pops of color are totally fine!
9. Buy a few quality pieces of clothing such as a suit, a well-fitting blazer, a pencil or A-line skirt and a silk blouse.
10 If you want to wear jeans, then choose a dark wash.
