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Guide to Business Casual for Women

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What is business casual for women? That’s a good question. Thankfully, there are some rules about what to wear and what not to wear for work that you can follow in order to keep yourself looking professional—and avoid being asked why you’re dressed like you’re going hiking!

What Is Business Casual for Women?

Business casual is a relaxed dress code that allows you to be more comfortable in the office. It’s more relaxed than business formal, but less formal than business professional.

Business casual can be worn during any season and on any occasion–you don’t have to wait until summer or winter to wear it!

Wear Cotton Chinos or Khakis

Cotton is a good choice for business casual because it’s less formal than wool. Cotton also breathes better and is more comfortable than wool, especially in hot weather.

Wool can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget and need to wear business casual often, cotton might be right for you!

A Nice Button-Down Shirt or a Polished Sweater

A button-down shirt is more formal than a polo shirt, so if you’re wearing one, make sure it’s tucked in.

A polished sweater is more formal than an untucked plain sweater.

Button down shirts and polo shirts should be tucked in; sweaters can be worn untucked (although if you’re wearing something with a lot of embellishment on the front or back of your top half–like this gorgeous one from Theory–it might look better tucked).

A Pencil Skirt of Appropriate Length

If you’re looking for a professional look that also flatters your figure, consider wearing a pencil skirt. The slimming silhouette is great for all body types, and the length of this style makes it ideal for many different occasions.

When choosing an appropriate length for your pencil skirt, keep these tips in mind:

  • A pencil skirt should be just above the knee (or slightly below). If it’s too long or too short on you, it will make both legs look shorter than they actually are – which isn’t flattering!
  • Make sure that when sitting down or bending over at work there isn’t any skin showing between where the hem hits and where stockings begin (if wearing them). This is especially important if using an opaque pair since some people might mistake them as pantyhose–and nobody wants their boss thinking they’re wearing pantyhose when really they’re just trying to dress professionally!

Dress Pants in Solid Colors (Darker Wash Is More Formal)

  • Dress pants are more formal than jeans, so you’ll want to stick with a darker wash. A medium to dark wash will be fine, but if you’re going for the most professional look possible, go with black or navy blue.
  • Dress pants are a good option for business casual attire because they can be paired with an equally casual top like a polo shirt or sweater (see below). You can also wear dress shirts tucked in with your dress pants for an even more formal look!
  • If you don’t have any nice button-downs or sweaters yet and need something else formal but not quite as much as wearing actual suit jackets would be, consider cotton chinos or khakis instead! They’ll give off the same vibe without being too stuffy–and plus they’re way easier than trying on multiple pairs of trousers before finding just one that fits well enough without getting too tight around the waistline (or worse yet: having them pull down every time someone walks by). Plus there are tons of different styles available nowadays so there really is something out there for everyone no matter what type/color preferences they might have… Just remember though – no flip flops or open toes!

Dark Jeans

Darker jeans are more formal than light ones. Jeans should be dark and not faded, clean and wrinkle-free. They shouldn’t be too tight or baggy, but they can’t be loose enough to see skin through them either–you want a nice fit that shows off your curves without revealing anything you don’t want seen!

Dark denim pairs well with all kinds of tops: button-down shirts, blouses, collared tees–even sweaters if it’s warm out! Make sure the top isn’t too short though; business casual means professional attire so keep things modest by wearing longer tops (even if they’re low cut).

Tucking In Your Shirt Creates a More Formal Look

Tucking in your shirt creates a more formal look. It also helps keep you from looking sloppy, especially if you’re wearing a skirt or dress. If your office isn’t particularly business casual, tucking in is probably the best way to go.

Tucking in also makes it easier for people to see what kind of shoes you have on (and whether or not they match) as well as which accessories–the necklace and earrings! The necklace and earrings! –you’re wearing underneath all those layers of clothing.

If there’s ever been an excuse not to tuck in at work, this would be it: “Oh no! My boss told me not to!” Well…if he/she says so! But unless someone specifically tells me otherwise (or makes fun of me behind my back), I’m going with “tuck away.”

No Flip Flops or Open Toes

  • Flip flops are not appropriate in the workplace.
  • Closed toe pumps are best, but loafers are acceptable too. If you’re going to wear sandals, make sure they have a heel and don’t have any straps that show off your toes!

Closed Toe Pumps Are Best, Though Loafers Are Acceptable Too!

Closed toe pumps are the best option for business casual. Loafers are acceptable, but they aren’t as professional as closed-toe shoes. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt that’s shorter than knee length, then sensible heels with a low heel (1 1/2 inch or less) are also acceptable.

If you can avoid it, don’t wear sandals! They aren’t appropriate for work and can make your feet look bigger than they actually are.

Business casual for women is a great way to dress for work! It’s comfortable, professional and stylish. I hope this guide has helped you learn more about what business casual looks like and how to achieve it.

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