Best Business Casual Clothes For All Body Types
Stay comfortable at work in business casual clothes that flatter every figure. There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing apparel for the office, so it’s easy to find outfits that work for you. Here are some outfit ideas to get you started.
Midi Skirts and Blouses
The skirt-and-blouse combo is a classic outfit that works for any office. Look for a midi skirt with the slightest hint of stretch and plenty of swing. An elastic waist keeps you comfortable, while a knee length provides plenty of coverage. Midi skirts come in solid colors and prints to coordinate with most any top.
A women’s white blouse is a stylish accompaniment to any midi skirt. There are pullover styles with keyhole necklines, along with the classic buttoned dress shirt. If you want a darker color for fall and winter, navy or black will go with almost any color skirt.
Add a women’s cardigan sweater or blazer over your blouse for added warmth and an on-trend layered look.
Maxi Dresses and Sweaters
Maxi dresses for women are a must-have for every business casual wardrobe because they’re stylish and versatile. Although a sleeveless maxi dress in a jersey knit fabric is perfect for date night, you can adapt it for the office with a blazer or sweater on top. A cropped jacket in a classic hue is another option when styling a maxi dress for work.
The type of shoe you wear with a maxi also makes a difference. Make the look business casual with a classic pair of pumps. If you prefer flat shoes, ballet flats or moccasins can add a businesslike look to most any dress. If you think the outfit is still too casual for the office, dress it up with a few jewelry pieces.
Skorts and Tops
Another essential wardrobe item for a business casual office is the skort. It provides the coverage and comfort of shorts with the look of a skirt. You’ll find skorts in black, navy, and khaki—all of which can be worn with almost any color top. When it comes to length, a mid-length skort is versatile and work-appropriate.
Pair a skort with a dressy top for an office-ready look. A pleated keyhole blouse in a silky fabric is one option. Another is the classic women’s Oxford shirt, which adds a menswear-inspired touch to your outfit. If you want something with long sleeves, you can’t go wrong with a ribbed turtleneck made from a smooth cotton/modal blend fabric.
Wide-Leg Pants and Fitted Tops
Wide-leg pants are chic and comfortable for work, and they go with lots of top styles. To keep your look balanced, wear wide-leg pants with a fitted top. A cotton/polyester blend with a hint of spandex offers softness and stretch, without being too tight.
This style of pants goes with just about any kind of women’s dress shoes. For spring and summer, a pair of boat shoes or moccasins will add a casual touch to your office look. Fall and winter call for an ankle boot in suede or leather, which you’ll find in classic colors such as brown and black.
Khakis and Cashmere
Khaki slacks are another piece of workwear that you can pair with lots of different tops. To make this semi-casual pants style dressier, wear it with a cashmere sweater in a classic neutral color or a rich jewel tone. There are short-sleeve cashmere sweaters for spring and summer, along with long-sleeve styles for fall and winter.
A pair of low heels adds a stylish touch to khakis and cashmere. You can also go for a pair of heels in a nude khaki tone for a trendy monochromatic look. Add sparkle to your outfit with a pair of hoop earrings or a statement necklace.
Black Jeans and Heels
In some cases, you can wear women’s jeans to work. If your workplace permits denim, keep things business-casual with a pair in classic black. Skinny jeans can be worn with heels for a look that goes from the office to after-work, especially when you choose a dressy top. Tunic sweaters come in lots of colors and go well with skinny jeans and leggings, along with most types of skirts.
Another option is to wear a silky blouse with a pair of black skinny jeans. You can tuck your shirt in and add a blazer or cardigan on top, or wear it untucked for a laid-back look. In the summer, depending on your office dress code, you may be able to wear white jeans to work. Cropped jeans are a summer essential that you can wear for work and beyond.
Many of these pieces can be mixed-and-matched to create even more looks. Experiment with a variety of business casual wardrobe items to find the ones that work best for you.