9 Styling Tips For Mastering a Business-Casual Outfit

Sheath dresses, which hit below the knee, are often considered business casual. Look for roomy silhouettes and nondistracting prints to layer underneath other pieces in the office, like a structured blazer or jacket, and you'll be that much readier for any meeting on your calendar.

While some companies might consider jeans business casual — especially on a Friday or a designated day of dressing down — in general, it's a safe bet to wear them only when you've gotten the OK from HR. If there is a dress code in your office but denim is allowed, be mindful of cut, wash, and added details. For example, stay away from ripped jeans or acid-wash styles and reserve those deconstructed pairs for the weekend.

High-rise or straight-leg trousers — in any fit that you're comfortable with — are typically the most reliable pants for the office. Try different colors besides brown and black to express more of your style personality.

Just because your place of work requires business-casual attire doesn't mean you can't show your appreciation for trend-driven pieces. Adding a luxury handbag in an interesting shape will play up your look. Play around with other trendy elements, such as outerwear with sharp shoulders or loafers with platforms.

Button-down shirts, collared sweaters, cashmere tees, and pussy-bow blouses are among the most popular business-casual tops, and how you wear them is up to you. If your office dress code is more by-the-book, consider crisp collars, sleek tailoring, and luxe materials, and avoid anything too sheer. If your office is more relaxed, experiment with layering and accessorizing.

Yes, you definitely can wear shorts to a business-casual office, especially at a well-tailored bermuda length. Play with proportions, and style loose pairs with fitted sweaters and pumps — you'll be ready for that big presentation but also way more comfortable in the middle of that summer heatwave.

A midi- or maxi-length skirt is ideal to achieve a business-casual look. Play around with accessories with leather finishes (perhaps your favorite skinny belt or loafers) to update these classic silhouettes.

Everyone should have a business-casual blazer in their wardrobe. Make sure it's lightweight so it can be easily layered under a coat during the cooler months. Reach for classic neutrals and textures like linen and silk, and get experimental with playful prints when you want to step outside your office-style comfort zone.

Sleek loafers, knee-high leather boots, and minimalist flats are reliable options for business-casual footwear. Since these styles are truly timeless, invest in a designer brand you love. Chances are, you'll keep these in heavy rotation, wearing them with pants, blazers, and your favorite outerwear throughout the entire year.

You'll feel right on trend in the Anine Bing Sonora Blazer ($399) and Anine Bing Joelle Trouser ($299), which feature playful front slits.

Keep these Glassworks London Shorts ($30, originally $74) on hand for warmer days.

The Prada Triangle Logo Loafers ($1,050) are a worthwhile investment that will add refinement to your wardrobe for years to come.

Add a splash of color and texture to your business-casual ensemble with this Zara Textured Double Breasted Blazer ($90).

You'll feel chic and elevated in this Mango Seams Leather Skirt ($300).

The H&M Oversized Cotton Shirt ($30) is a staple that can be worn tucked in or out, especially after work hours.

The classic pinstripe pattern gets updated in the Sundarbay Black Pinstripe Oversized Blazer ($201) and Sundarbay Black Pinstripe High Waisted Pants ($149).

The Babaton Tabloid Trench Coat ($268) is lightweight and the perfect neutral to mix with your other workwear staples, like black trousers and patterned sheath dresses.

There are countless ways to wear this COS Longline Tailored Waist Coat ($150) — whether it's layered over a long-sleeved dress or pants and your favorite turtleneck.

Comfy yet put-together is the winning combo for all business-casual outfits, and this Henning Ribbed Knit Dress ($289) ticks off both boxes.

The Loeffler Randall Goldy Sienna Tall Boot ($695) will always be in style with its neutral cream hue and almond-shaped toe.

This ASOS Design Curve '70s Drape Front Wrap Midi Dress ($65) can easily go from a brainstorm session at the office to a postwork happy hour later in the evening.

Your business-casual look deserves a little (or a lot of) color. Make everyone's day more interesting by wearing this The Frankie Shop Minerva Blazer ($249) and The Frankie Shop Minerva Suit Pants ($149).

Invest in this Tibi Fluid Suiting Maxi Trouser Skirt ($495) for the shape and color; it'll pair with a classic white button-up blouse for work and a cool graphic tee for going out with friends.

Style the Source Unknown Tie-Back Oversized Pad Shirt ($118) with chic, high-waisted pants and heeled boots for an on-trend business-casual outfit.

These practical Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina ($395) flats are the obvious answer to any commute, and they'll work with literally everything in your closet.

A sleeveless sheath option like this Batsheva Prairie Printed Cotton Dress ($263, originally $526) in the summer is ideal; you can wear a cardigan over it when the office air conditioning is up too high.

The plaid print on this & Other Stories Fitted Checkered Blazer ($179) comes in a muted enough palette that it can function like a neutral, working easily with black slacks and a plain white T-shirt.

The Misha Nonoo Husband Shirt ($205) is lightweight and elegant, looking just as chic untucked as it does secured into your waistband.

The bold coral shade of this J.Crew Sweetheart Sheath Dress ($178) is warm-weather ready, though it also comes in classic black, if that's more your style.

With its notched collar and tie-waist belt, the Nanushka Mariko Vegan Leather Blazer ($1,025) is undeniably eye-catching, and the neutral vanilla hue will complement your wardrobe no matter how you define business casual.

This Victor Glemaud Sweater Dress ($195, originally $650) is one of those dependable items that you can throw on for the office without much thought and still look completely put-together.

The Vince Soft Stripe Belted Pull On-Pant ($345) has a voluminous, wide-leg silhouette, allowing for easy movement and giving you the perfect opportunity to show off your new favorite pumps.

This Victoria Beckham Wrap Skirt ($550) is a timeless business-casual silhouette, but it's the refreshing, spring-inspired color palette that will spark conversation.

You'll get plenty of wear out of the Club Monaco Textured Shirt Jacket ($229), which doubles as outerwear in the spring and summer.

The Universal Standard Moira V Neck Twill Dress ($101, originally $168) is a solid option for transitional dressing and can be worn with your footwear of choice, from flats to boots and heels to sneakers.