A Guide To: Business Casual

uatrendpr
Oct 2, 2017
4 min read

A business casual dress code is difficult to decipher. In order to dress with ease for the occasion; Jaye, Meredith and I have created 9 looks that fit the business casual dress code.

Part 1: The Trouser Pant

Cristina's Outfit: Business in the Front, Party in the Back

There is nothing more that says, "I am ready" than these loud pair of trouser pants. I am a huge advocate of expressing your personality through whatever outfit you choose to wear. The best way to experiment with prints or brighter colors is to keep the rest of the look very neutral. Stick with prints that are smaller or have a more concentrated color scheme. Pair it with a blazer and some slides, heels, or loafers, and you are more than "business casual" ready.

Outfit Details

Top: J. Crew

Blazer: J. Crew

Trousers: J. Crew

Shoes: Gucci

Jaye's Outfit: Make It Your Own

This is the most casual look out of all the outfits because I would still feel comfortable wearing this out and about. I would wear this look if you want to showcase your personality and style because you can totally play around with different shoes and accessories. If you have a basic white t-shirt and a pair of trousers you are pretty much set for this outfit! Looking to dress this outfit up a bit more for your meeting or interview? Throw on a trendy blazer and you’re ready to go!

Outfit Details

Top: Madewell

Blazer: Banana Republic (borrowed from the lovely Cristina McHugh)

Trousers: J. Crew

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Banana Republic

Cristina's Outfit: The Classic Casual

One can never go wrong with a classic button down tucked into a pair of trousers. If you aren't in the market for a blazer but are in need of a business casual look, this is the outfit concept for you. Pair a printed button down, or one with a unique cuff or collar, with a pair of trousers and you are good to go. The elevated details of the blouse will save you from needing another layer. A pair of jogger trousers still create a crisp effect that still appears tailored. To finish off the look, I decided to unconventionally match my top and loafers to create texture and tie everything together.

Outfit Details

Top: J. Crew

Trousers: Uniqlo

Loafers: TopShop

Jaye's Outfit: Simplicity is Key

I LOVE this look! This is definitely my favorite outfit out of all three. I went for a simple and traditional look, but that doesn’t make it any less fashionable. In this look, I rolled up the hem of my trousers and paired them with a simple black button down. I wanted to dress up this simple look, so I wore my black scalloped heels. Although accessorizing is fun and important for outfits, sometimes an outfit speaks more when there’s not so much going on. I really wanted to focus on showing how simplicity is key.

Outfit Details

Top: Forever 21

Trousers: Zara

Heels: Shoe Boutique in El Paso, TX

Bracelet: Boutique in California

Part Two: Shorts and Skirts

Meredith's Outfit: The Quintessential Look

If the weather is warmer and the venue is casual enough, don't shy away from cute and flirty skirts. The classic pencil skirt, or any reasonably lengthed skirt, can be paired with a simple button down, a scooped-neck tee, or a silk tank. To complete the look, layer with a blazer that ties in the color palette of the outfit, or that matches the skirt of your choice.

Outfit Details

Top: Express

Blazer: Banana Republic

Skirt: Express

Cristina's Outfit: Playing with Patterns

This outfit would suit a more creative setting. Whether you are looking to work a retail job or land a position in an innovative profession, this is the business casual choice for you. An aspect that pulls the whole outfit together would be the matching pattern in the shorts and blazer. This would also work well with solid colors. To elevate the look and allow it to appear more professional, I've added a shorter classic nude heel. Don't be afraid to get creative!

Outfit Details

Top: Ann Taylor

Blazer: Banana Republic

Shorts: Banana Republic

Heels: J. Crew

Meredith's Outfit: Pretty in Pink

Simple, sweet, and neutral color palette's are always good options to consider. Pair this outfit with any button down top, or elevated tank, as pictured. To complete the look, opt for a medium-toned shoe to play with textures. By wearing heels or wedges, you are able to elongate the leg and create a longer figure. If heels aren't your thing, loafers or slides in neutral shades are the perfect option.

Outfit Details:

Top: Express

Skirt: Express

Part Three: The Dress

Jaye's Outfit: The Go-To

For my last look, I wanted to show the importance of owning a business casual dress. Sometimes we don’t have the time to put together a full outfit (there’s always a day where we run short on time), so throwing on a dress is the go-to solution! This outfit is also perfect for the hot weather here in Arizona, and can easily be worn in the fall as well with a great jacket or blazer.

Outfit Details

Dress: Tobi

Shoes: Shoe Boutique in El Paso, TX

Watch: Francesca’s

Meredith's Outfit: Sailing to Success

Accessorize your favorite dress with a belt cinched in at the waist, layered necklaces, or an embellished headband. By adding these details to a more casual dress, you instantly create a more put together business casual outfit. If the weather is a bit cooler, layer the dress with a shorter blazer and a pair of matching heels. Make sure the dress is an appropriate length, and if it does hug your figure, do make sure the fabric is thicker and the silhouette is tailored.