Let’s solve it once and for all: What is business casual for women?
As corporate and business dress codes evolve and become more casual, old guidelines like “business” and “business casual” don’t provide the hard-and-fast guidance they used to. Does that mean blazer or no blazer? Heels or flats? Do I need to wear panty hose? Do they even make panty hose anymore?
Ultimately “business casual” may mean different things at different companies, and every woman is going to wear it differently. So instead of prescribing a standard outfit formula, we’re going to show you 19 ways to interpret women's business casual.
A few business casual guidelines
Okay, so we can provide some guidance as to what this means, or rather what biz casual doesn’t mean.
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Business casual doesn’t usually call for showing a lot of skin. Mini skirts, midi shirts, short shorts, and super low-cut tops are typically not the best choice for the workplace.
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If you’re going to do a T-shirt (which can work for business casual, see below), make sure it has some shape to it. That baggy “Corporate Team Building 2015” shirt doesn’t qualify.
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Business casual doesn’t usually include shorts. No denim shorts, no basic JCrew chino shorts, etc. Most office environments won’t really allow for shorts, so it’s best to feel out office culture and environment first. If shorts do work for your office’s definition of business casual, Britt Lathrece below will show you how to do them right.
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Jeans. Whether jeans qualify for this dress code will differ with every office, so the best thing to do is just observe the office dress code or ask your manager or an HR rep if jeans are appropriate. Some offices may allow jeans but ask that they not have holes in them.
19 women who rock the business casual look
Erini Christina does business casual with patterned jacquard crop pants, open-toe espadrilles, and a sleeveless navy top.
Tae, showing us how.
Business casual with a pop of color.
Give me all your queen power in that ivory jumpsuit and ankle-strap heeled sandals, Sunny Zhang. The faux wrap on the top of that suit dresses up the look. This goes straight from desk to drinks.
Yes, you can do a T-shirt, Taylor.
Do not miss that electric lime clutch. That acid wash jacket brings the casual to this business situation.
Perfect for fall and winter. Take this from the office to dinner.
A blazer is never wrong.
Bright green, navy dots. A little heel.
Homegirl showing us how to do monochrome like she owns the place. Dressed up with a few accent pieces and we are ready for this.
Leopard print is always right. Always.
View this post on InstagramAutumn hues @seedheritage - thanks so much for Mother’s Day love today #fashion #styleover50
YES, please. Yoana does color and class with those high-waisted slacks and shoulder ruffles we’d like to sleep in.
This is how to do business casual with a kick crop.
This. Is. How. You. Break. The. Rules. If anyone can elevate shorts to business casual it’s Britt Lathrece.
A moment of silence for Shaheen’s jumpsuit moment, please.
An ivory blazer, nautical stripes, a little heel.
We all need more grommets on our business casual strappy sandals.
THIS is how to wear a yellow heel—like you invented the color itself.
Business casual for a rainy day.
Best places to buy women’s business casual clothes
Boden knows how to dress a woman’s body. They have some of the most flattering dress styles out there, plus plenty of bright colors and patterns. Get right to it in their workwear section.
Ann Taylor / LOFT Plus / LOFT
Okay, Ann Taylor gets a lot of crap, but this brand is a solid and consistent choice for business casual basics. Plus, its sister company, LOFT just added sizes up to 26.
If you love a good dress or a pencil skirt, try Eloquii. We love their yummy day-to-night looks made specifically for sizes 14 to 28.
Browse CoEdition’s wear to work section—we love their ultra versatile wrap tops.
Woman owned, woman designed. Classic and timeless wardrobe pieces and plenty of business casual looks. Shop online with their Bento box or make an appointment at one of their showrooms.
Love San Fran–inspired basics? So does Everlane. They sell everything from ponte work pants and silk blouses to basics tees and the world’s best blazers (no, really). They have lots of non-gender-conforming styles as well. Use Everlane to build the perfect base wardrobe.
Banana republic is killing it with dresses this year. Plus they always have some excellent blazers non-gender-conforming options, and eye-catching accessories.
No time for the store? Have your biz cas wardrobe sent directly to you. Inclusive sizing up to 24W and 3X.
For those who like a link funk in their wardrobe—old school think girly dresses and retro silhouettes—ModCloth is a great solution.
Talbots offers a slew of versatile wardrobe options no matter your work environment or off-duty style.
The gap has plenty of looks and cuts for those who like comfort and denim. So much great denim!
Hate paying retail prices? Find gently used business casual options in all your favorite brands on this resale app.
