SWEATER: J.CREW EMILIE SWEATER LADY JACKET IN STRIPE (ON SALE, COMES IN THREE COLORS) | PANTS: J.CREW STRAIGHT-LEG PANT IN FOUR-SEASON STRETCH (FIVE OTHER COLORS AVAILABLE) | EARRINGS: J.CREW OVERSIZED METALLIC-BALL STUD EARRINGS | SHOES: J.CREW ZOE BALLET FLATS IN LEATHER.
What does business casual office wear means? There’s no set rule. It’s all about balancing appropriate business attire with a touch of your personality. Think about it as a mix of traditionally professional pieces and relaxed basics. When in doubt, always go a little more formal and you’ll be fine. There’s nothing more put together than a fitted suit and even though I don’t wear them often, I do feel empowered when I’m in one, see some examples here and here. Depending on the occasion, I can be more stylish. If I’m seeing a client, I stick with business casual, where professional elements are front and center.
For office only days or Fridays, I play around with my looks more. I can wear jeans with sneakers, a t-shirt and a blazer. In spring, I wear more vests, usually on top of dress shirts, scalloped shirts, sweaters with slacks, and sleeveless blazers with structured pants. Veronica Beard has great business casual looks this season. Last week, I spotted some Sandro pieces that are so beautiful and perfect for a spring day at the office. During summer, I can wear printed dresses and no blazer but always keep a pashmina handy to cover my shoulders and to keep warm as sometimes office temperatures are a bit temperamental.
Business Casual Office Wear Basics
Blazers, sweater blazers
Blouses, dress shirts, structured tops
Turtlenecks, sweaters, scarves
Dress pants, tailored pants, khakis
Dresses, don’t go too short but above the knee and little higher are acceptable
Smart-casual footwear in the shape of flats, loafers, kitten heels and heels if you like them. I still have some but can’t remember when it was the last time I wore them. I’m in flats or ballerina flats most of the time.
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