9 Styling Tips For Mastering a Business-Casual Outfit

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As that return-to-office date slowly creeps up on the calendar, so does the uncertainty about what to wear. Whether your employer has reestablished a new dress code or you're expected to go by the same rules, if you're returning to an office, it's probably time to freshen up your closet with more office-ready apparel. Business-casual clothing should be comfortable, while still helping you achieve a polished look: think blazers, tailored skirts, pantsuits, and sheath dresses that fit well and can be easily mixed and matched with your standard basics.

Putting together a stylish outfit with business-casual attire will require tapping into your existing arsenal of layer-able staples like button-ups and dressy T-shirts. But you don't have to be restricted to an everyday uniform. When shopping for business-casual pieces, items like knee-length skirts and close-toed shoes may be at the top of your list, but you can still incorporate your personality with the right accessories. Work in a designer handbag or your favorite statement jewelry to differentiate your business-casual look.

What Is Business Casual?

The term "business casual" has different definitions depending on the company you work for, your job, and your office location. The easiest way to think of it is as a hybrid way of dressing that's in between formal business attire and casual, everyday wear. It's not essential to wear a full suit, necessarily, but ideally your outfit is still "put together" enough to appear as though you gave your wardrobe some thought. Consider mixing interesting separates and accessories, such as a sleek moto jacket and a new piece of jewelry, or keep it relatively safe in neutral slacks and a patterned blouse. From a style perspective, the business-casual approach allows for workwear that's generally more fashion forward and personality driven.

Business Casual vs. Business Professional

While business casual has room for interpretation and allows you to pull from the casual side of your closet more frequently, business professional is a traditional dress code usually reserved for stricter work environments like government, law, or banking. In this setting, suits, blazers, and shirts are neat (no wrinkles!) and tailored. It's best to avoid overly bright colors and keep accessories to a minimum, except for a simple belt or understated jewelry.

Where to Buy Business-Casual Clothes

Go-to spots for the POPSUGAR fashion team to find stylish business-casual clothes include COS, The Frankie Shop, Club Monaco, Henning, Universal Standard, Misha Nonoo, Tibi, Anine Bing, Nanushka, Vince, Veronica Beard, and Victoria Beckham. Continue reading for a curated selection of business-casual items, in addition to a few styling tips.

The Best Business-Casual Dresses
Getty | Jeremy Moeller

The Best Business-Casual Dresses

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.

So, Are Jeans Business Casual?
Sharon López

So, Are Jeans Business Casual?

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.

The Best Business-Casual Pants
Sharon López

The Best Business-Casual Pants

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.

How to Dress Trendy Business Casual
Sharon López

How to Dress Trendy Business Casual

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.

The Best Business-Casual Tops
Sharon López

The Best Business-Casual Tops

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.

How to Dress Summer Business Casual
Sharon López

How to Dress Summer Business Casual

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.

The Best Business-Casual Skirts
Sharon López

The Best Business-Casual Skirts

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.

The Best Business-Casual Blazers
Sharon López

The Best Business-Casual Blazers

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.

The Best Business-Casual Shoes
Sharon López

The Best Business-Casual Shoes

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.

Business-Casual Examples
aninebing.com

Business-Casual Examples

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

Glassworks London Shorts
glassworkslondon.com

Glassworks London Shorts

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

Prada Triangle Logo Loafers
farfetch.com

Prada Triangle Logo Loafers

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

Zara Textured Double Breasted Blazer
zara.com

Zara Textured Double Breasted Blazer

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

H&M Oversized Cotton Shirt
www2.hm.com

H&M Oversized Cotton Shirt

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

Babaton Tabloid Trench Coat
aritzia.com

Babaton Tabloid Trench Coat

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.

COS Longline Tailored Waist Coat
cosstores.com

COS Longline Tailored Waist Coat

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.

Henning Ribbed Knit Dress
henningnyc.com

Henning Ribbed Knit Dress

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

Loeffler Randall Goldy Sienna Tall Boot
loefflerrandall.com

Loeffler Randall Goldy Sienna Tall Boot

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

The Frankie Shop Minerva Suit
thefrankieshop.com

The Frankie Shop Minerva Suit

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).

Tibi Fluid Suiting Maxi Trouser Skirt
tibi.com

Tibi Fluid Suiting Maxi Trouser Skirt

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.

Source Unknown Tie-Back Oversized Pad Shirt
sourceunknown.com

Source Unknown Tie-Back Oversized Pad Shirt

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.

Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina
mansurgavriel.com

Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina

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.

Batsheva Prairie Printed Cotton Dress
luisaviaroma.com

Batsheva Prairie Printed Cotton Dress

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.

& Other Stories Fitted Checkered Blazer
stories.com

& Other Stories Fitted Checkered Blazer

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.

Misha Nonoo Husband Shirt
mishanonoo.com

Misha Nonoo Husband Shirt

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

J.Crew Sweetheart Sheath Dress
jcrew.com

J.Crew Sweetheart Sheath Dress

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.

Nanushka Mariko Vegan Leather Blazer
nanushka.com

Nanushka Mariko Vegan Leather Blazer

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.

Victor Glemaud Sweater Dress
shopbop.com

Victor Glemaud Sweater Dress

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.

Vince Soft Stripe Belted Pull-On Pant
vince.com

Vince Soft Stripe Belted Pull-On Pant

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.

Victoria Beckham Wrap Skirt
us.victoriabeckham.com

Victoria Beckham Wrap Skirt

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.

Club Monaco Textured Shirt Jacket
clubmonaco.com

Club Monaco Textured Shirt Jacket

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