Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (2024)

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If you must do in-person meetings, do it fashionably.

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Katherine J. Igoe

Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (1)

Katherine J. Igoe

Katherine J. Igoe has been a full-time freelancer for over a decade with a focus on style, lifestyle, and parenting. She has written for the New York Times, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, SELF, and more, and has been a contributing editor at major publications.

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Published on February 12, 2024 @ 07:44AM

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Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (2)

If your office has a business casual dress code, it's great news for all your "weekend" clothes that you've been dying to use more often. You know: your chunky knits, your jeans, your graphic tops, even your crop tops if the situation is right! Business casual is somewhere between a full suit (which is just business attire) and a tee and jeans (which is just casual attire)—as the name implies, it theoretically straddles these two dress codes effortlessly. In practice, it's a little harder to pull off, but that's what we're here for. We've got a few inspo outfits to help you navigate the minefield of business casual dressing.

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A Coat and Jeans

This is a good foundation for a business casual outfit. Just switch out your trousers for jeans and keep the rest of your outfit the same.

If you want to retain the "business" vibe, swap out this bomber for a blazer (or layer a structured shirt underneath). Tie up the top if you're worried about your belly button showing.

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A Slouchier Suit

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Similarly, this is suit-esque, just slouchier. The material in the jacket and pants is a little softer, and keeping the sweater collar popped feels more laidback instead of fussy. The bag and shoes are still nice and work-appropriate, it's important to note.

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Fancy Denim

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With an Oxford shirt on top and chunky loafers on bottom, there's still some structure to the look—which means you can get away with jeans. The print on the denim is cool and funky, and you'd style them like printed trousers.

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A Patterned Sweater

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Instead of a button-down shirt, how about a statement sweater? This option is slouchy and cool (and no doubt more comfortable than a collared shirt), but keep the trousers and boots so there's still a touch of formality.

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Tonal Beige

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This head-to-toe tan knit is a glorious execution of the style. Everything's a cozy soft knit (and a t-shirt peeks out from underneath the sweater), but everything's high quality—which is an important part of making it look office-appropriate.

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A Statement Blazer

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Taking the basic principle of blazer and jeans, why not spice things up a bit by replacing your black blazer with something a bit more textured? These pals are essentially using the same formula (we love a matching BFF): visual interest on top, neutral on bottom.

Dark Denim

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The key is to have everything be a darker rinse and have everything match or near-match, that way it just looks like a denim dress suit!

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Oversized Knits

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This long tunic turtleneck would be divine for sitting on the couch and having a warm beverage. But you can bring it into your business casual repertoire by pairing it with stiffer pieces: jacket, bag, and boots.

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A Cardigan as a Top

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Here Bella Hadid uses a cardigan as a top and plays with layering, allowing the top to peek out under her blazer. Opt to button all the buttons if you'd rather not show skin.

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A Nicer Coat

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White denim in winter is absolutely fine, in case you were wondering. If you want to ground the look, use a bulkier jacket to make it clear this is a wintry outfit. You could even do white fashion sneakers in place of loafers here.

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A Graphic Sweater

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If a graphic tee or sweater feels out of place as normal workwear, save it for Casual Fridays. This one is still deeply cool and, at the very least, a conversation starter.

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A Leather Skirt

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Leather as a concept doesn't have to be reserved for business casual attire, but a patent leather button skirt is a bit edgier than, say, a leather or vegan leather blazer. If you did want to make this business-appropriate, swap the tee out with a collared shirt. As it is, though, this outfit is chic and cool in all the right ways.

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A Canadian Tuxedo

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If you're feeling daring, use your denim pieces as if they were a suit and pair them together. In that case, you'll want to use denim that isn't distressed as the pants are here, and you'll want to use two pieces that are similar in color.

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Suit Shorts

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Like her sister, Gigi Hadid has some strong street style creds. Weather permitting, emulate her by getting some formal shorts (or turning up some formal capris, as she does) and pairing them with a blazer in a similar color. In colder weather, wear tights.

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Black Tights

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This is not for the faint of heart (or for the everyday office). If you work for a fashion house or magazine—or anywhere else where it won't cause people to be shocked—it's okay to dip a toe into the "no pants" trend. Just use some very opaque tights, okay? (And if that's too much for you, opt for a mini instead!)

Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (2024)

FAQs

What to wear to an office business casual? ›

The following will help you solidify good standing at a new position: Top: neutral-colored short-sleeved button-down shirts, button-up or collared shirt, sport coat, sweaters in a mix of colors and patterns. Bottom: semi-formal pants, dress slacks, and dark jeans.

How to dress professionally but casually? ›

Business casual includes trousers, pencil skirts, slacks, khakis, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, sweaters and sports coats. Accessories may include simple jewelry, belts or ties. Business casual shoes include loafers, lifestyle sneakers (with leather or canvas), mules, flats, Oxfords, boots and heels.

What do you wear to the office when you have nothing to wear? ›

Pair a classic white button-down shirt with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt for a timeless ensemble. You can also layer a structured blazer over a simple dress or a blouse and trousers to add polish and sophistication to your outfit.

Do and don'ts of dressing business casual? ›

Business Casual for Women: Do's and Don'ts
  • DO Wear Clean Clothes. ...
  • DON'T Wear Ripped or Torn Clothing. ...
  • DO Think Beyond Skirts. ...
  • DON'T Wear Athleisure. ...
  • DO Watch Your Footwear. ...
  • DON'T Default to Jeans and Sneakers. ...
  • DO Watch Your Messaging. ...
  • DON'T Wear Visible Undergarments.

Are jeans okay for business casual? ›

Absolutely! Women can wear jeans as part of a business casual ensemble, provided they are well-fitted, in good condition, and of a darker wash. Pairing them with a polished top and appropriate accessories can elevate the look to meet business casual standards.

What is business casual attire for a female? ›

Business casual attire for women typically involves a blend of professional and relaxed elements. Key items include tailored pants or skirts, blazers, structured tops, modest dresses, and smart-casual footwear like flats or low heels.

How to look rich but casual? ›

Always wear clean clothes, freshly pressed, with no threads, rips, stains, or fading. Black, white, navy are always elegant colours that can make you look more expensive. Match your outfit with some assorted accessories such as a couple of bracelets and a pair of sunglasses for that extra visual effect.

How do I look cool in business casual? ›

Business casual ideas
  1. Tailored dress slacks.
  2. Chinos, khakis, dark jeans without any holes.
  3. Modest skirts (knee-length, A-line)
  4. A sheath dress to pair with another layer.
  5. Button-downs, collar shirts (solid, striped or simple pattern)
  6. Blouses (in an assortment of colors)
  7. A chambray shirt.
  8. Sweaters and cardigans.
Oct 16, 2023

How can I look hot but casual? ›

You can wear things that drape for a casual look combined with something tight to add a bit of sex appeal, or you can show off your legs with a sexy skirt while wearing a more modest top. Combine a short bottom, such as a mini shirt, with a turtleneck or long sleeved top.

What are three appropriate office dress code? ›

If you ask someone what the dress code at their office is, they'll generally give you one of four dress codes: business professional, business casual, smart casual or casual. There are some other in-between dress codes, but these four generally cover the spectrum of what your average American wears to work every day.

What is not appropriate to wear in an office? ›

Clothing should be clean - no torn, dirty or excessively wrinkled items. Clothing with offensive or distracting words or pictures would remain out of the workplace. Overly revealing apparel exposing too much skin or undergarments is also inappropriate in the workplace.

What is the best color for business casual? ›

Lighter colored suits like beige, light blue, light grey and white, as well as non-traditional patterns and colors such as coral and army green are perfect for the business casual style while still looking sharp.

What is not business casual for a woman? ›

Women's Business Casual Attire

Blouses should either have sleeves or be covered by a jacket or cardigan- no sleeveless tops! Slacks - A pair of dress slacks/trousers typically in black, charcoal, gray, or khaki. Jeans, sweat pants, shorts or athletic pants are not acceptable attire.

Do I have to tuck in my shirt for business casual? ›

Smart Casual: If you are wearing a casual shirt by itself leave it untucked, however, if you are wearing a shirt paired with a casual jacket or coat, tuck it in for smart casual occasions. Business Casual: Whether you are sporting a blazer, sweater or just a shirt, always have your shirt tucked in.

Do you need to tuck in your shirt for business casual? ›

Smart Casual: If you are wearing a casual shirt by itself leave it untucked, however, if you are wearing a shirt paired with a casual jacket or coat, tuck it in for smart casual occasions. Business Casual: Whether you are sporting a blazer, sweater or just a shirt, always have your shirt tucked in.

What does business casual look like for a man? ›

Business casual will normally mean dress pants or dark, rip-free jeans, with a polo or dress shirt, but you won't need a jacket or tie. It gives you more flexibility to show off your own personal style, while still looking professional and presentable.

What is professional dress code business casual? ›

Examples of business casual attire: Examples of business casual clothing include pencil skirts, slacks, khakis, trousers, blouses, collared shirts, button-down shirts, sport coats, blazers and sweaters. Accessorize with jackets, ties, simple jewelry and belts.

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