Your go-to workwear pieces could be your khakis – make sure they have a dark wash and slim fit to maintain professional appearance.
Avoid trousers that look too casual and sloppy, such as those featuring outdoor toggles or chunky ribbing. Instead, opt for more elegant fabrics such as cotton or linen for your trousers.
Pants
Business casual attire requires the perfect pair of pants as the foundation. When selecting these garments, look for practical fabrics like wool, cotton (including corduroy), linen, or gabardine; tailored fit trousers without frayed hems or seams are best; avoid yoga pants, jeans with bold prints or distressed denim, running shoes, and hooded sweatshirts as these may compromise business casual standards.
Consider adding sheath dresses that hit just below the knee to your wardrobe as well. These pieces are versatile and look great layered up with sweaters, turtlenecks and blazers for any season or event. Short-sleeve sheaths or those featuring an inappropriate neckline shouldn’t be seen in most workplaces.
Chinos
Men looking to wear business casual attire often benefit from having a pair of smart, fashionable chinos like those offered by SANVT in classic colors with minimalist features for optimal fitting on most business casual occasions. These pieces come in classic colours while offering minimalist features for optimal fitting that makes these trousers perfect.
Chinos can easily be dressed up or down by adding a tie, though its use is certainly not necessary. Tie colors and styles vary according to personal taste – however navy grenadine tends to work best for most occasions.
A blazer or sports coat is another way to elevate a pair of chinos. Again, personal preference should dictate your choice in this department – but when combined with your chinos it can truly tie an outfit together and show professionalism. Don’t forget your belt as well; ideally in shades similar to brown or black of your shoes’ soles!
Skirts
Skirts may provide an acceptable alternative to pants in certain workplaces for women who don’t feel confident wearing jeans to work. Just be mindful that too casual of an approach could prove detrimental when working in sales and service roles where formality may be expected when meeting with customers and external partners.
Similar to blouses, skirts should avoid plunging necklines and bare shoulders, as well as asymmetrical and high-low hemlines. Instead, opt for classic knee-length styles which can easily be combined with business casual cardigans and blazers when temperatures cool off.
Add some personality and flair to your outfits by mixing in pastel pinks and pastel pastels that aren’t too bold. Just be sure to stick to neutral colors when selecting pants and dresses, keeping color in mind for accessories such as shoes. When it comes to footwear, choose neutral pair of flats or loafers that coordinate well with the rest of your ensemble, such as an Oxford, Derby or Monk Strap shoe style for maximum impact.
Shirts
A stylish polo shirt or button-down with subtle stripes makes for an easy business casual outfit option. Look for conservative styles with short or long sleeves depending on the season, neutral colors or subdued patterns and perhaps add a cardigan for cold weather dressing them up as needed.
Sheath dresses are an office-appropriate solution during warmer months. Hitting below the knee, they make for easy layering options when cold weather arrives or adding flair for special events.
Shoes complete any look and should be given equal consideration when dressing for work. Oxfords, derbies and loafers work well with business casual attire while loafers or brogues can add another element. In tech startups boots or plain-colored sneakers may even be acceptable as part of your attire.
Shoes
Feet are one of the key elements to business casual attire. They can either complete your look and feel or render it inappropriate; therefore, classic with some flair should always be the way forward when selecting shoes for business casual wear.
Flats or modest heels are an easy go-to when it comes to business casual footwear for women. Heeled pumps, ballet flats and loafers all make great additions that add some sophistication while remaining comfortable at work.
Sneakers may not seem appropriate for business casual occasions, but it might be beneficial to inquire at your workplace what their rules are regarding this dress code. If they allow sneaks, classic dress sneakers in neutral colors such as black or gray could make an excellent addition to your business casual wardrobe.
Accessories
An accessory can quickly transform any look from business casual to business professional in an instant, such as adding a classic tie. But remember: more is not necessarily better when it comes to accessories – adding too many pieces can detract from the overall look of your ensemble!
Storing several essential items in your closet is an excellent way to be prepared for unexpected meetings or events that come up unexpectedly, such as navy blazer, corduroy jacket or tweed sport coat – you could even keep a classic tie handy as backup!
Choose darker hues such as black, grey or olive when selecting footwear and accessories for business casual attire, such as black, grey or olive. Avoid flashy bracelets or wrap scarves which reduce formality; dress shoes or loafers would make more suitable choices than sneakers.
