Style Guide: Business Casual

Hello my fashionistas!

Working in a business causal work environment can mean different things from business to business. The easiest way to think of business casual is a mix of business professional and casual wear. Since this can be a bit confusing, I have put together a style guide to help you buy and style your business casual wardrobe!

P A N T S

Pants are one of the primary option for women in the workplace. When buying pants, be sure they fit you well, not too loose and not too tight. Frays or rips on your pants is not a professional look. Try your best to keep your pants wrinkle free (store them on a hanger rather then folded and steam/iron before wearing them). For maximum comfort, find a pant that his a bit of stretch in them. This will be great when going from sitting to standing all day long. Some companies consider a solid dark jean to be business casual. Ask your boss what their thoughts are before testing water.

Work pants can come in different colors, pattern and styles. Don't be afraid to spice up your everyday look with a bold pant color or pattern paired with a solid/neutral top. I own 1 pair of pink work pants and 1 pair with a pattern. I usually wear one of these every other week to change up my wardrobe. As for style, find the style that fits you best.

B L O U S E S / T O P S

Tops and blouses can be a fun way to add color to your outfit. Find the tones, colors and pattern that look best on you! I find that pinks, blacks and reds look best on me. I'm also drawn to floral patterns or solid colors.

In the colder months, wear 3/4 or full sleeve shirts to stay warm. During the Spring and Summer months, wear sleeves that cover the top of your shoulder. Spaghetti strap shirts are not appropriate for a work place setting unless covered with a sweater or jacket. Adding a fun, flair sleeve is a great way to jazz up your outfit!

Keep your neckline somewhat high with a collared, boat neck, square neck, or turtleneck. If you wear a scoop or V-neck shirt, make sure that cleavage is not on display. Layer with a tank top if your shirt is sheer or low cut. Always remember, you MUST wear a bra!!!

C A R D I G A N S

Cardigans are a fun way to add a different look into your everyday wardrobe! These are also a great layering piece. They can be paired with pants, shirts or even dresses. Avoid cardigans that are too baggy, they may make your look under dresses.

A basic staple cardigan is black and waist length. Don't shy away from colors, patterns and longer lengths. I have a floral cardigan, 3 longer (thigh length) cardigans and cardigans of all colors. Some can have buttons, zippers, collars or be plain. My zipper cardigan add a cool element to my outfits, it gives the allusion of a bomber jacket but is in a sweater material! To add character to your outfit, use a skinny belt at your waist line over your cardigan!

J A C K E T S / B L A Z E R S

A plain black blazer is one of the most important colder weather pieces! I LOVE my blazer. I dress up a more casual outfit and feel way more professional. For an office setting, a blazer may come off as too professional. This is a great piece for client meetings, interviews or other professionally important days. This doesn't mean you can wear other jackets. Rock a bomber, leather jacket, jean jacket or suede jacket!

I would stick with neutral colors for a blazer or jacket. Professional jackets tend to be on the pricey side, so getting a solid jacket means you can re-wear it more! The fit of a blazer is very important. Find the right one, don't settle. I personally have very large shoulders. I found that the blazers that fit my shoulders looked way to big on my waist area. I found a jacket that that was a stretchy material and fits my shoulders while still looking perfect around my waist. Also, don't feel obligated to wear a shoulder pad. This can be a very outdated look if done incorrectly.

S K I R T S / D R E S S E S

Although pants are comfortable in a business setting, don't be afraid to rock skirts and dresses! Skirts should not be shorter then about 3 inches above your knee and nothing too tight. If your shirt has a slit, make sure it is still modest. This also applies to dress length. Dress sleeves should follow the same rules as your tops. In the cooler months, layer your skirts and dresses with a pair of tights or leggings.

S H O E S

Personally, shoes is my favorite part of every outfit! Your basic business casual shoe is a flat. Find the style flat you personally like. I find that pointed flats are a cute, dressy addition to my outfits. I also go for comfort, I look for flats that have some support and soft soles.

In a more professional setting, pair your business casual outfits with a pair of heels or booties! Heels can be uncomfortable, which is why most people stick to a flat. But, heels add a really fun, professional look to a more casual outfit. I love the look of a dark jean and blazer paired with a low heel.

A C C E S S O R I E S

Accessorizing is something I'm not big on. I always forget to add a necklace or bracelet to my outfits. If you are into that look, and can remember in the morning, adding a chunky necklace to a lower cut shirt can add some bling and color. I tend to stay away from bracelets, they make too much noise and get in the way when I am typing on the computer.

If your accessory is a smartwatch or a fitbit, that is fine also! I personally wear my Apple Watch everyday! I bought a black leather wrist band to make this a bit more business professional. HERE is the band I use while at work.

T I P S (for Buying and Styling Business Casual Outfits)

Don't buy a full wardrobe all at once. Business clothes can be expensive. To eliminate a huge hit on your bank account, buy a few pieces at a time. Start with a few staple pieces that you can mix-and-match. From there, expand your wardrobe as needed. Don't feel pressured to buy a full new wardrobe in one shot! My first business causal pieces were 3 pairs of pants, 3 tops, 1 cardigan, 2 pairs of flats and a blazer. I found that I could mix and match until I was able to expand my closet.

There is no shame in checking the sale rack. I shop all sales for my work outfits! Finding quality items at a discounted price is a better options for my budget. I find that shopping off season is also very helpful. I find really great summer clothes during the cold weather, then put it away util the temperature is right!

Do your best to keep your clothes wrinkle free. I personally don't love ironing. I actually never learned how to iron and I am too nervous to burn/ruin my clothes. I love steaming! Working in retail, I was steaming all the display outfits before dressing mannequins. I got a steamer a few years back and I use it almost everyday. I find this quick and easy. HERE is the steamer I use! I also keep a majority of my clothes hung up, I feel that folding clothes creates deeper wrinkles that are harder to get out.

Add pops of color or even pops of print. If you are wearing a bold print, pair it with a plain blouse or blazer. When buying, keep in mind the colors and patterns you already own. Try to make outfits with the pieces you are buying to make sure they are wearable in your wardrobe.

Layer, layer, layer. If you wear a slightly sheer top, make sure to top it with a blazer. Wear a camisole underneath to be extra safe. If you have straps that are smaller then the size of your shoulder, pair with a cardigan or jacket.

Find what looks best on you. Every body type is different. The styles, colors and combinations that fit me, may not fit everyone.

Add your personal touch to your business professional wardrobe. Don't be afraid to add your own style. I personally have a lot of different styles. One of my main looks is very country chic. I tie this into my wardrobe with some cute crochet tops, large floral prints and cute brown boots. If you have a more edgy style, tie in some darker colors. With a sporty look, find a cute pair of sneakers to dress up or slick updo hair styles. Make your wardrobe your own.

I hope this business professional style guide helped your with how to dress at work.