Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (2024)

If your office has a business casual dress code, it's great news for all your "weekend" clothes that you've been dying to use more often. You know: your chunky knits, your jeans, your graphic tops, even your crop tops if the situation is right! Business casual is somewhere between a full suit (which is just business attire) and a tee and jeans (which is just casual attire)—as the name implies, it theoretically straddles these two dress codes effortlessly. In practice, it's a little harder to pull off, but that's what we're here for. We've got a few inspo outfits to help you navigate the minefield of business casual dressing.

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A Coat and Jeans

Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (1)

This is a good foundation for a business casual outfit. Just switch out your trousers for jeans and keep the rest of your outfit the same.

If you want to retain the "business" vibe, swap out this bomber for a blazer (or layer a structured shirt underneath). Tie up the top if you're worried about your belly button showing.

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A Slouchier Suit

Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (2)

Similarly, this is suit-esque, just slouchier. The material in the jacket and pants is a little softer, and keeping the sweater collar popped feels more laidback instead of fussy. The bag and shoes are still nice and work-appropriate, it's important to note.

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Fancy Denim

Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (3)

With an Oxford shirt on top and chunky loafers on bottom, there's still some structure to the look—which means you can get away with jeans. The print on the denim is cool and funky, and you'd style them like printed trousers.

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A Patterned Sweater

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Instead of a button-down shirt, how about a statement sweater? This option is slouchy and cool (and no doubt more comfortable than a collared shirt), but keep the trousers and boots so there's still a touch of formality.

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Tonal Beige

Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (5)

This head-to-toe tan knit is a glorious execution of the style. Everything's a cozy soft knit (and a t-shirt peeks out from underneath the sweater), but everything's high quality—which is an important part of making it look office-appropriate.

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A Statement Blazer

Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (6)

Taking the basic principle of blazer and jeans, why not spice things up a bit by replacing your black blazer with something a bit more textured? These pals are essentially using the same formula (we love a matching BFF): visual interest on top, neutral on bottom.

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Dark Denim

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The key is to have everything be a darker rinse and have everything match or near-match, that way it just looks like a denim dress suit!

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Oversized Knits

Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (8)

This long tunic turtleneck would be divine for sitting on the couch and having a warm beverage. But you can bring it into your business casual repertoire by pairing it with stiffer pieces: jacket, bag, and boots.

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A Cardigan as a Top

Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (9)

Here Bella Hadid uses a cardigan as a top and plays with layering, allowing the top to peek out under her blazer. Opt to button all the buttons if you'd rather not show skin.

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A Nicer Coat

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White denim in winter is absolutely fine, in case you were wondering. If you want to ground the look, use a bulkier jacket to make it clear this is a wintry outfit. You could even do white fashion sneakers in place of loafers here.

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A Graphic Sweater

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If a graphic tee or sweater feels out of place as normal workwear, save it for Casual Fridays. This one is still deeply cool and, at the very least, a conversation starter.

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A Leather Skirt

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Leather as a concept doesn't have to be reserved for business casual attire, but a patent leather button skirt is a bit edgier than, say, a leather or vegan leather blazer. If you did want to make this business-appropriate, swap the tee out with a collared shirt. As it is, though, this outfit is chic and cool in all the right ways.

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A Canadian Tuxedo

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If you're feeling daring, use your denim pieces as if they were a suit and pair them together. In that case, you'll want to use denim that isn't distressed as the pants are here, and you'll want to use two pieces that are similar in color.

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Suit Shorts

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Like her sister, Gigi Hadid has some strong street style creds. Weather permitting, emulate her by getting some formal shorts (or turning up some formal capris, as she does) and pairing them with a blazer in a similar color. In colder weather, wear tights.

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Black Tights

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This is not for the faint of heart (or for the everyday office). If you work for a fashion house or magazine—or anywhere else where it won't cause people to be shocked—it's okay to dip a toe into the "no pants" trend. Just use some very opaque tights, okay? (And if that's too much for you, opt for a mini instead!)

Biz Casual Outfit Inspo for When You (Sigh) Have to Go to the Office (2024)

FAQs

What do you wear to an office business casual? ›

Business casual is basically a dress code that involves wearing traditional business attire with a couple of relaxed tweaks here and there. For example, wearing khaki pants or slacks with a blouse/polo, but without a tie would be considered typically business casual.

What do ladies wear for business casual? ›

Business casual attire for women typically involves a blend of professional and relaxed elements. Key items include tailored pants or skirts, blazers, structured tops, modest dresses, and smart-casual footwear like flats or low heels.

How do you dress business casual everyday? ›

When the need is for “business casual,” you can (generally) still wear jeans or you can choose slacks. On top, go for button-down shirts, polo shirts, blouses or sweaters. You can select cardigans or sport coats, especially if you're in a colder climate. Women can also select knee-length or maxi dresses.

What do you wear to work when you have nothing to wear? ›

8. Jeans And A Blazer
  • A Mini Skirt And Shirt (Or Jumper) Sylvie Mus is a minimalist style icon; she's an expert at crafting outfit formulas that mix and match tailored pieces to perfection. ...
  • A Suit. ...
  • A Printed Dress And Sneakers. ...
  • A Jumpsuit. ...
  • A Waistcoat and Tailored Trousers. ...
  • A Vibrant Shirt And Jeans. ...
  • Double Denim.
Oct 4, 2023

Are jeans OK for business casual? ›

Jeans are usually considered business casual, with some exceptions. Business casual jeans should be clean and in good condition, free of any tears, fading or fraying. Avoid bright-colored jeans or styles that have flashy details, in favor of classic styles that you can pair with accessories or layers as needed.

Are jeans business casual for office? ›

Although jeans as a whole are considered business casual, not all jeans are business casual, and color plays a big part. As a general rule of thumb, the darker the jean, the more suitable for a business casual dress code. If your workplace is on the casual side, however, you can opt for a lighter wash.

Can you wear sneakers with business casual? ›

Business casual has become a standard at many workplaces. To put it simply, business casual involves combining traditional business attire with casual components, and this can also involve sneakers.

Should I tuck in my shirt female business casual? ›

Here are some insights: The trick to carrying off an un-tucked shirt in a business casual environment and not looking sloppy or like you are half dressed is to be mindful of how it fits, how long it hangs on your frame and how it compliments the other items you are wearing. Shirts with long tails should be tucked.

What color pants for business casual? ›

While it depends on how adventurous your office is, try to stick to plain or neutral-colored pants like black, grey, tan, or dark-toned colors. Avoid bright-colored bottoms (neon yellow isn't always the most professional, unfortunately). Always include a belt in similarly neutral tones.

How do I look cool in business casual? ›

Wear your simple crew neck t-shirt under a colored v-neck jumper or pair your button-down shirt with a round neck jumper and a light colored suit jacket or blazer. Layering adds depth and dimension to your business casual ensemble. You may look relaxed but you'll still appear stylish. This is how you wear it!

What is not business casual attire? ›

Jeans, sweat pants, athletic pants, or shorts are not acceptable business casual attire. As with full professional dress, make sure that your socks and shoes are a color fit for your slacks. Shoes/Belt - Be sure to wear a belt and shoes that are in good condition.

What type of dress code is business casual? ›

“Business casual” is a dress code where the term translates precisely to what it means: a mix of formal and casual clothing. It's less formal than business wear, like suits, but still professional. It's one of many types of business attire that people wear in the workplace.

How can I look stylish at work? ›

Start with a well-fitting suit, blazer, or dress in a neutral color like navy, black, grey, or beige. Add a blouse or shirt and make sure it fits properly and is not too revealing. Choose trousers that are tailored to fit your body shape, and add polished shoes such as loafers or pumps.

How to dress like a woman at work? ›

Wear a pantsuit or tea-length skirt to a meeting or the office. Put on shorts of an appropriate length and a light blouse to run errands during the summer. When you're dressing up, go for something like a little black dress or a tailored suit—anything that makes you feel amazing and is dressier than your everyday look.

What can a person wear that is never out of fashion? ›

A smile.

Do you need to tuck in your shirt for business casual? ›

Here are some insights: The trick to carrying off an un-tucked shirt in a business casual environment and not looking sloppy or like you are half dressed is to be mindful of how it fits, how long it hangs on your frame and how it compliments the other items you are wearing. Shirts with long tails should be tucked.

Does business casual require a blazer? ›

Business casual attire may include: Sport coat or casual blazer (optional) Collared shirt or casual button-down. Tie (optional)

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