In the modern world, women can occupy various positions, for example, as a manager or head of an enterprise. But, despite the choice of her profession and a strict dress code, every woman wants to look attractive and feminine.
Business clothing style became more confusing than before and it is not always easy to achieve a balance of professionalism and style. Modern offices promote free Fridays or have no strict dress code at all. For a business-like look, stylish women choose business casual, which is considered a relaxed take on classic office wear.
What is business casual for women and who is it for?
A brief description of the concept of business casual - an informal business style. It suits directors, managers, young entrepreneurs and modern businessmen well. The style combines garments that are typical for business and casual fashion. There are no strict business suits and ties, but restrained shapes and lines are still maintained.
Using this style of clothing, you can safely experiment with colors, not stop at black and white combinations. The use of textured fabrics is allowed, which are unacceptable in a classic business style. For example, jeans, a corduroy or velvet jacket will be in place.
Business casual for women focuses on practicality, style implies competent combinations of things and allows the use of accessories. This style is universal and will be appropriate both at business meetings, in the office and in a restaurant, cafe, on a date.
Basic style elements
Style requires high quality items in your wardrobe, ideally made from natural materials. It is best to have clothes that can be matched and worn at different times of the year. Business casual style involves trousers, blouses, traditional women's items - skirts and dresses. The style allows for jumpers and knitted sweaters.
It is also important to have accessories that would be combined with clothes and emphasize individuality. In any situation, a suit will help out. It is enough to put on a plain T-shirt under the jacket, put on loafers, and complement the image with a bag. Do not disregard plain bright suits. Monochrome options look perfect when all clothes and shoes are matched in one color.
Business casual for women is clothing in which she feels relaxed, free and stylish.
The main basic elements of the style:
- straight blue jeans and tapered trousers;
- tops without sleeves or with thin straps in combination with cardigans and jackets;
- sheath dresses and free-cut models;
- skirts of different styles;
- sweaters made of fine wool, in tandem with blouses;
- short sleeve jackets;
- jersey or cotton T-shirts;
- lace opaque blouses.
The designers have developed a formula for a basic wardrobe, which includes 22 items.
Such a simple and functional set can become the basis for choosing an image in a business casual style:
- skirts, trousers, jackets - 3 pairs;
- tops, shirts, blouses - 4 pieces;
- dresses for a jacket - 2 pieces;
- shoes - 3 pairs.
This set of clothes will allow you to create up to 60 different looks. Ideally, a set of matching jewelry should be selected for each top.
Shirts
When choosing a shirt for an image, it is better to focus on the classic model, it is better to take cotton or silk from the materials. When choosing the color of the shirt, you can choose any color scheme - blue, light green, pink and other neutral shades. Silk blouse with print or plain, bright color. There should be only one striking element in the image.
Sheer shirts and colorful Hawaiian motifs are best left for parties and informal gatherings. A white shirt should be in every wardrobe, and preferably a few different cuts.
You can create several stylish ensembles with one shirt:
- an oversized shirt and a wide belt at the waist;
- tucked into trousers and a scarf;
- over the shirt - a short vest.
Pants, jeans
Classic black trousers are always appropriate, an acceptable option is tapered, flared or cropped models. The color should be solid - brown, black, dark blue, marsala. If you have printed trousers in your wardrobe, it is recommended to choose a neutral option. In terms of material, trousers made from stretch fabrics provide maximum comfort.
If the company is allowed to wear jeans, then you should choose the classic dark blue models. You should forget about jeans with scuffs, cuts and holes, as well as about denim shorts.
Dresses
While trousers are considered a more appropriate piece of clothing for a woman's business casual look, dresses are a winning option as well. It not only matches the strict style of office wear, but also allows you to emphasize all the beauty and attractiveness of the female figure. Dresses in summer are especially irreplaceable, but it is worth choosing classics, with a length below the knee and closed shoulders.
When choosing a suitable model of an office dress, you need to pay special attention to the cut, styles, colors, and various details of tailoring. First, choose a color scheme. At this stage, it is necessary to abandon bright and catchy colors, even in the summer, when everyone is trying to diversify their clothes with all the colors of the rainbow. In summer, you can choose dresses in light colors: coffee with milk, sand, blue, light gray or other bed colors. For winter, dresses in dark blue colors, as well as in dark gray and burgundy are suitable.
Some of the fairer sex mistakenly choose red dresses. This color is very defiant, so it should be abandoned. Depending on the accepted dress code in a particular company, the color palette of an office dress may vary.
The larger selection is the type of fabric. Of course, light, translucent fabrics are not suitable for office wear, you will have to give up silk and chiffon. In order not to feel uncomfortable in dense fabrics in hot weather, you can choose a dress made of linen or cotton.
In addition, an office dress should be simple and restrained. Do not give preference to a dress decorated with ruffles, frills, bows and very deep neckline. It should also be too short or have a high cut.
The neckline of the dress is oval, with a stand-up collar or V-shaped. A deep neckline will look inappropriate and vulgar. The cut of the dress can be for every taste - a case, a free cut, a standard pencil or everyone's favorite A-shaped silhouette.
Sheath dress or shirt dress is ideal for any woman. For a variety of looks, they can be supplemented with a cardigan. A strongly elongated dress will not look in the office space either. This is better suited for a corporate party and formal celebration. A knee-length or mid-calf dress is ideal for a formal dress code.
To do this, you can search for information about the latest world shows, proposals of fashion houses. Of course, in most cases, the fashionable clothes of the catwalks are not particularly suitable for office work, so some famous designers have specially designed clothes in a business style.
One of the most fashionable brands Elie Saab has got this very collection.His business style took into account all the subtleties of this dress code: the dress reaches strictly to the knees, the color scheme does not go beyond what is permissible, but at the same time the dresses have charming curves that allow them to look great and can make any woman truly beautiful.
Donna Karan, a famous American designer, also brought her own peculiarities to the business style. She combined a pencil skirt with drapery, which is back in fashion, while highlighting the waist, accentuating a thin belt.
Skirts
The skirt is a popular element of women's wardrobe. The ideal style for business casual will be a "pencil skirt". But no one forbids classic styles, pleating or with a cut. A-line skirts, models with a wrap can be made of non-standard textured fabrics, decorated with a small pattern or geometric pattern.
The main thing is to adhere to the appropriate length and correctly combine with blouses, tops, jumpers and jackets. The skirt option is especially good when social gatherings are planned after work. It is worth changing the jacket to a cardigan and the new look is ready.
Footwear
Business casual for women offers to choose shoes with stable low heels, ballet flats or any other comfortable footwear. Favorite are pumps, but you can also wear ballet flats, ankle boots, oxfords. It is important that the shoes do not have massive buckles or other decorations.
In matters of color, black, brown and nude shades should be preferred. Refinement, comfort and simplicity are the main characteristics for choosing. Sandals and sandals are not suitable for the office. Shoes should have a closed heel and toe. In addition, the shoes must be comfortable. The stiletto heel is not an office option.
Additional elements
You can decorate your business style with additional elements. A jacket, cardigan or accessories - with this choice the image will sparkle with new colors and emphasize the taste and sense of style.
Casual fashion is a smart combination of elegance, confidence, smooth lines, textures and bold color schemes in one look. Therefore, you can safely add elements of everyday clothing to business casual, this will not spoil the image, but will make it bold. The look should be thoughtful and not flashy, so exclude sequins, glitter, rhinestones and fringes.
Jacket (blazer)
The jacket will be able to give the image of severity, you cannot do without it with the onset of cold weather. A fitted, elegant pastel shade model will be a versatile option. In a light jacket, you can hold a meeting in the office and relax in the club. It will look appropriate everywhere.
Rules for choosing a jacket:
- The correct cut, the silhouette should emphasize all the advantages, so you can choose any model - fitted, straight, to the hips or slightly below the waist. An oversized jacket is not for a business look.
- The fit of the jacket, here the shoulders, collar and back are indicative. The shoulders should be in place, the collar should be straight, and the back should be free from bulges and folds.
- The length of the sleeve is to the wrist bone, the watch and the edge of the sleeve of the lower blouse should be visible. 3/4 sleeve is relevant for the summer version of the jacket.
Basic models are available in black, dark blue and light shades.
Top
For the office, in addition to shirts, you can choose a bold top with a bright print or a solid solid color. You can bring harmony to such an image with the help of trousers, a skirt or a sundress of neutral shades.
A versatile wardrobe item includes a sleeveless top, which is worn under a jacket. Top material silk, viscose, polyester, soft and well draped varieties. Under a strict jacket, you can safely wear a top with decorative elements - ruffles, bows or lace.
Jumper (cardigan)
A cardigan is a great addition to any outfit. A knitted jacket is a good option for jeans, in the wardrobe it is better to have several bright and several neutral cardigans. They are appropriate in tandem with skirts and trousers of various styles.
A knitted cardigan has become a must-have part of a woman's wardrobe; it fits organically into any look. A cardigan with or without buttons is an excellent substitute for a jacket; under it you can wear a top, cotton shirt or silk blouse.
It is easier to care for than a jacket and less conservative. Any skirts, jeans and trousers fit him. Cashmere knee-highs, knitted sweaters or a chunky-knit jumper under a skirt or trousers are appropriate and comfortable options.
Accessories
Wives can complement their outfits with accessories that add accents and spice. Any accessories are acceptable in business casual style, the main condition is brevity. Business casual does not accept an abundance of shiny and shimmery details.
| Accessory | Selection features |
| Belt | This accessory will emphasize your look. The belt can be worn under any wardrobe item - trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses. The belt can be in the same color as the clothes or in a contrasting shade. |
| Wrist Watch | Style and elegance are always emphasized. Business style will be emphasized by watches of classic male models. Women's models with a graceful strap should be worn under a dress or light blouse. |
| Scarf | The scarf is becoming more and more popular. Such a cute accessory will add playfulness to the most strict image. The neckerchief is appropriate for the office and for a walk. Can be worn with a dress or a classic version with a white shirt. |
| Decorations | You don't need to put on everything you have at once. Or a watch, or a bracelet, 2 accessories at the same time will become overkill. You should be careful about brooches and necklaces; this option is better left for your evening wardrobe. For business style, jewelry that will not be flashy is suitable. |
| A bag | A baggy model will give the look of ease, a classic square bag will accentuate a business style. Bright backpacks and waist bags in this style should be discarded. |
| Scarf-plaid | A unique accessory that will highlight your style. It is not only meant to be worn around the neck. You can use it as a poncho or shawl. |
| Hats | Hats, caps and berets are a great option when the cold weather sets in. They will not spoil the image, but on the contrary, will emphasize style and sophistication. |
| Glasses | Fashion or eyeglasses are an easy way to add flavor. Bright frames can successfully emphasize the color scheme in the chosen image. |
| Perfume | There are no restrictions on the choice of aroma, the main thing is to remember about tact. Therefore, it is better not to use harsh and rich aromas at work. |
Clothes for obese women
For women with curvaceous shapes, it is not a problem to choose a comfortable and stylish wardrobe. There are many styles that are suitable for business casual. Curvy shapes require clothes to fit well and be sized.
It is also worth considering some of the nuances of styles, it is worth giving up:
- waist-length cardigans;
- narrow jackets;
- tulip skirts and pleated;
- tiered skirts;
- models with belly folds and high waist;
- decorative elements that focus on problem areas, for example, a basque;
- horizontal seams and prints.
From skirts, classic models or year will be good. A knee-length dress and stable shoes are what you need. The version with trousers is complemented by an elongated tunic. Women with lush breasts need to choose blouses and shirts made of stretch material, with grooves in the chest area.
To visually lengthen the silhouette, wear a cardigan over the blouse. It is better to wear a loose-fitting shirt with a straight skirt and add a belt. Formal blouses of a straight silhouette will look great with trousers. The best color scheme will be light, solid variations, without intricate patterns. Trousers should be made of dense fabrics, lie softly on the hips and do not hinder movements.
When choosing accessories, do not wear small and short jewelry.
Miniature ornaments accentuate the fullness.It is better to choose jewelry of medium size, droplet shape. Beads or a chain with a pendant should be on a long thread to visually lengthen the silhouette. Thin belts accentuate but accentuate the fullness. Therefore, they should also be abandoned in favor of wide belts and belts.
How to dress in Business casual style
Style allows you to be free in the choice of colors and items of clothing. To look stylish, you need to skillfully compose the image according to the color scheme and complement with accessories.
Business casual in a woman's wardrobe can be defined by the following tandems in clothes:
- Fitted dress with belt or strap. In winter, complemented by a cardigan, jacket or vest.
- Jeans or trousers with a blouse in pastel or bright colors. A fashionable belt will become an appropriate accessory.
- Trousers and a shirt over which a knitted sweater is worn.
- Solid top, pants or skirt, jacket and shoes.
That the image was strict, but feminine and elegant, several recommendations must be followed:
- Clothes should be of high quality and natural.
- The wardrobe should consist of basic things in calm shades, on the basis of which you can create an image.
- The length of the skirt or dress hem is at the knee level.
- Deep neckline and provocative cuts are unacceptable.
- Clothes should not be tight-fitting; straight and flared silhouettes are in priority.
- Hair, manicure and makeup must be impeccable.
The wardrobe should be appropriate for the situation and position. It is more cheeky than a strict business style, but still it lacks the freedom that everyday casual dictates. The business casual style was created for business women, whose profession allows a little liberty in the dress code. Mixing traditional classics with trendy and comfortable pieces, a stylish image of a business woman will come out.
Business casual style videos for women
Briefly and clearly about the casual style and its varieties: