Office Staples

Business casual wear for women combines professionalism with laid-back ease. Here are some ideas for business casual work outfits: Start with a sharp pair of wide-leg jeansOpens in a new window or straight jeansOpens in a new window and pair it with a structured blazer, camisole or t-shirt, and heels. Or wear your jeans with a crisp, button-down shirt, and an eye-catching shoe like a bold-colored boot or heels.

Business casual is a step away from the boardroom and a step toward comfort and casual wear. For example, everyday women’s workwear is more likely to include heels, skirts, dresses, or women’s suits, whereas those wouldn’t really be business casual.

Business casual hints at the weekend with elements like flats or casual street shoes; sweaters, blazers, and cardigans paired with jeans or casual pants; or fun fashionable pieces like bodysuits or jumpsuits.

Women’s business casual attire can accommodate lots of pants options, including pleated trousers, straight trousers, wool or linen pants, palazzo pants, capris, cropped wide-leg pants, and of course, jeans.

It depends on your industry and whether you’ll be meeting clients or customers. You might be going casual in your office’s swag t-shirt, but you’ll probably want to dress on the more professional officewear side when attending conferences.

Between speaking events, happy hours, and meet-and-greets, it’s all about workwear that goes the distance without sacrificing style. And event spaces tend to crank the A/C, so bring a few layers in case you get chilly.

Here are some ideas: Pair pleated trousers with a thin sweater and blazer, plus comfortable heels or flats for footwear. Or wear a flattering dress like a soft knit midi or maxi dress or a shirt dress that will look great from morning to night. Or pair our fan-favorite Scuba Wide-leg TrousersOpens in a new window with a long-sleeve bodysuit—can you get any more comfy while still looking like a boss?

Part of looking polished is not trying too hard. Skip anything that doesn’t vibe with a professional setting (see below), and pair classic work clothes with eye-catching elements.

What’s classic work clothing? Think crisp button-down shirts, pencil skirts, dark blazers, pleats, women’s vests, and sweater vests. Once you stock your wardrobe with these workwear essentials, you can spice it up with trendy pieces like faux leather pants, oversized blazers, bodysuitsOpens in a new window to go under your vest or blazer, and a killer pair of jeans.

Almost all professional settings would consider it inappropriate to show your midriff or belly button or to have skirts shorter than where your fingertips end when your arms hang down. We’d add to that: tube tops or sleeveless dresses, spaghetti straps on dresses or tanks, plunge necklines that cut super low, or bodycon dresses.