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As someone who started her career working remotely in the middle of a pandemic, I was dismayed by terms like “business casual” when it came time to finally step into the office. All I knew about workwear was that it was better to be overdressed than underdressed, but after a year of working in a variety of sweatpants, pajamas, and shorts, I wasn’t even sure what the baseline was.
How To Dress Business Casual
Luckily, if you’re trying to dress business casual in 2024, you don’t have to fear as much as I did. We consulted top fashion experts to help you define what business casual attire means and learn how dress codes have changed in recent years. and show us how to dress for it.
A Guide To Business Casual Attire For Women
“Business casual” is a dress code that expresses exactly what the term means: a mix of formal and casual attire. It’s less formal than business attire, such as a suit, but still professional. It is one of many types of workwear that people wear at work.
This dress code can be a little more difficult to define in practice because it doesn’t have a specific “look.” This isn’t a pantsuit, but it’s not jeans and a t-shirt either. Cue the panic of my first day at the office. So what do fashion experts think?
“I think business casual is the perfect blend of ‘elegant’ and ‘effortless,'” says De Anne Combs, a fashion, textile and travel expert and co-founder of La Peony, an ethical women’s luxury clothing line. “A luxurious look that is stylish enough to attract attention but simple enough not to overwhelm.”
MaryKathryn McArthur, head stylist at Short Story, a DTC retailer and personal styling service that helps petite women, agrees that business is all about balance — “the harmonious balance between a suit and weekend wear,” she says.
Live Action Getup: Rugged Business Casual · Primer
“It brings a level of comfort to the table, not only because you can avoid a stiff suit, but because you feel more YOU!” she says she. “Depending on your workplace, this might mean a pair of black or dark wash jeans paired with a nice blouse that can be paired with a smart blazer.”
So, according to experts, workwear is all about balance; It elevates your everyday look while making room for your personality.
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On the spectrum of casual to formal wear, business casual and business professional sit right next to each other; business professional is a little more formal.
Business Casual Vs. Business Professional: What’s The Difference? [infographic]
Business casual is all about dressing in a more formal business attire; Business professional is the middle ground between business casual and formal.
Both styles may include similar elements: shirts and dress pants, blazers, trousers or loafers. However, the business professional is a bit more strict and conservative; Business casual, on the other hand, allows for more flexibility in style, color and pattern.
Business casual can look different depending on the workplace. For example, jeans may be more prevalent in a casual startup, and blazers may be preferred for a marketing agency where clients visit the office regularly. So how can you figure out what your company means by “business casual” in the office?
Fortunately, you don’t have to go into the office without any idea of what day-to-day work entails at that company. Instead, do your research. Look for photos of employees working at the company that you can find on LinkedIn, the company website, or social media.
Business Casual Capsule Wardrobe: What To Wear To The Office
You can also ask what work is like at the company! If you’re in the interview process, ask the recruiter for details of the dress code. And if you’re joining the job, ask your hiring manager if there are any rules you need to know before your first day.
There’s no shame in asking what the dress code is; It may even show how respectful you are of the company culture. It can also save you from an awkward first impression!
When I went into the office for one of my first internships, I decided to wear shoes with smaller heels and quickly realized that the office was more business casual, even smart casual. Luckily, I had brought a nicer pair of sneakers in my bag. I quickly changed and felt much more comfortable – but I was embarrassed carrying heels in my bag! I could have saved that awkward moment of rapid change if I had asked my future bosses.
If you haven’t had a chance to ask the recruiter or hiring manager, or you’re still unsure, you should always err on the official side.
What To Wear To The Office
The workplace has changed in countless ways since the start of the pandemic, including dress codes; which has made it much harder to know what the trends will be when many people return to work (again, pointing to my fashion crisis).
Looking back now, we know that business attire has shifted towards casual wear. After working from home and enjoying the convenience of a more casual look, many people maintained their emphasis on comfort when called back to the office.
“We replaced dress pants with leggings, and tracksuits became tailored ‘streetwear,’” says Combs. “Even high-heeled shoes have turned into slippers or luxury sneakers. Before, I wouldn’t have imagined that boyfriend jeans or any of the above items would come in handy at an office meeting or birthday brunch. But thanks to some stylish updates, they not only work, they’re also a sophisticated wardrobe option!
McArthur believes that focusing on comfort allows professionals to “reveal more of themselves” in their workwear, especially if they work from home.
How To Dress Business Casual With Style
“One minute you’ll be discussing millionaire dollar deals and the next minute you’ll be feeding your dog, so you’ll want to feel 100% in your element.”
Fashion experts predict that business casual attire for women in 2024 will be all about highlighting the essentials and showcasing your unique style.
For example, Giovanni Bordone, professor of fashion at London Metropolitan University, says dark suits will return to style, but “with a different touch, like a fancy scarf, a pair of cool trainers or a colorful jumper.”
Bordone says women will continue to use suits to “power dress” in 2024, but they will “transition to a more personalized and personalized look where accessories play a decisive role.” This will make the formal “suit” look a little more casual to fit the dress code.
Business Casual Dress Code: A Modern Man’s Guide In 2024
Blouses, button-downs, knit tops, and sweaters are great options for business casual tops for women. While t-shirts aren’t generally appropriate for business casual attire (unless your company is more casual), you can still stay cool in this business attire by opting for lightweight fabrics like linen.
Don’t be afraid to be bolder with your color choices! Tops in non-neutral colors like vibrant palettes or pastels are all fair game.
Blazers can be a great way to dress up your business casual outfit. Opt for more neutral colors like navy, gray or black for these so they’re more versatile and you can wear them over brighter or bold tops.
Wide-leg trousers are very fashionable in 2024. Whether you want to follow trends or not, it’s generally safe to opt for non-jean pants. Tailored pants, slacks, khakis, and even cargo pants are all good options.
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While there are tons of fun patterned pants on the market, business casual pants should generally be solid colored. This doesn’t mean you can’t choose more fun colors like eggplant or olive!
Length and fit are the two main factors you need to consider when choosing a dress for business casual. Typically dresses should be knee-length or longer and not too tight on the body.
Shift dresses, wrap dresses and midi dresses are great options. Here you can be more impressive with colors and patterns.
Closed-toed shoes are the way to go for business casual attire. Choose boots, loafers or flat shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops. While heels are standard at more formal dress codes, you can also wear them on business casual, especially to elevate a more casual look.
Appropriate Business Attire For Both Men And Women
Sneakers aren’t completely off the table, depending on the workplace. But make sure these sneakers are not for running or the gym; Dressy or designer sneakers are a better option.
Accessories are a great way to show your personality with business casual dress codes. Scarves, jewelry, and even bags can add some elegance as long as they’re not distracting or ostentatious.
According to Combs, men’s business attire in 2024 will also focus heavily on “casual.” He says we’ll see “a return to some fun, old-school elements from the pre-millennial era.” Ties, baggy trousers, low waists, patchwork fabrics and denim-on-denim outfits are just a few of the latest catwalk styles.”
Classic shirt options like button-downs, Oxford shirts or Henley shirts are perfect for men’s business casual attire. In cold seasons, sweaters fit perfectly; in hot seasons,
Business Casual Capsule Wardrobe
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