What Does 'Business Casual' Mean Anyway? How Workwear Staples Have Evolved, Plus 25 Chic, Modern Business Casual Styles to Build Your Wardrobe
We're taking all the guesswork out of the business casual clothing trend.
Whether for work or weddings, dress codes tend to be more straightforward for men than they are for women, especially when it actually sounds conflicting, like business casual. This leaves more room for interpretation, which can be as frustrating as it is fun. "There isn’t one generally accepted definition of business casual, which is part of what can make it challenging to dress for," says Shelby Goldfaden, Director of Merchandising at women's workwear brand M.M.LaFleur. With her help, we were able to narrow down the meaning of business casual attire for women, and round up 25 of the best picks in a range of prices.
What is business casual attire for women?
"If you think about dress codes as a spectrum from very formal to very casual, business casual lives closer to the formal end," explains Goldfaden. Think less head-to-toe suiting and heels, and more polished slacks with an interesting blouse. That said, it's also changed over time, especially since 2020. "We’re finding that business casual dress codes have evolved to accommodate comfort and individual style," she continues. This can mean brighter colors or prints, as well as styles that are deceptively comfortable. There's one thing she wants to make clear though: "You'll never find jeans in a business casual look; they should be reserved for what we call power casual or casual dress environments."
What do I already own that's business casual?
Actually, a lot. "We’re no longer living in a world where you need to separate your clothes for work and the weekend, so it’s great to think about ways your wardrobe can pull double duty for you, even if your workday look has remained fairly buttoned up," Goldfaden insists. For example, look in your closet and you'll probably find a blouse or polished t-shirt. "When paired with a more tailored blazer and slacks, they make a fantastic foundation for a stylish and comfortable business casual look," she finishes.
How do you build a business casual wardrobe?
According to Goldfaden, there's a general ratio you can use for guidance, focused on creating a balanced wardrobe. Her recommendation is as follows:
40% of your wardrobe should consist of your everyday pieces that get you through the average workday. These are your comfortable, versatile and machine washable tops, dresses, slacks, and knits that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
40% of your wardrobe should consist of more elevated styles for days when you need to take it up a notch. For example, a really sharp blazer might fit into this category.
20% of your wardrobe should include a few showstopper pieces that you pull out when you really need to wow (like board meetings or speaking engagements).
Here at Parade.com, we're all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
25 Business Casual Attire Picks for Women
1. J.Crew Factory Schoolboy Sweater-Blazer, $80 at J.Crew Factory
A blazer is a business casual essential, but it doesn't mean it has to be tailored and structured. This knit one is made from 100% cotton and produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory. J.Crew Factory Schoolboy Sweater-Blazer, $80 at J.Crew Factory
2. BURU X LCB Wide Leg Trousers, $178 at BURU
Nowadays, trousers have the power to be less of a basic and more of a statement. We love the modern wide-leg crop and how each pair is made in Los Angeles from up-cycled textiles. BURU X LCB Wide Leg Trousers, $178 at BURU
3. Free Assembly Polo Sweater Midi Dress, $30 at Walmart
A classic silhouette in fun color combinations, this is a throw-on-and-go piece you'll always look polished in (and it only costs $30). Free Assembly Polo Sweater Midi Dress, $30 at Walmart
4. J.McLaughlin Serina Skirt, $148 at J.McLaughlin
At the intersection of formal and fashionable is this chic pencil skirt, whose most defining details are grosgrain loops and enamel buttons. J.McLaughlin Serina Skirt, $148 at J.McLaughlin
5. M.M.LaFleur The Paige Tank, $65 at M.M.LaFleur
You could probably wear this layer everyday and still manage to make it look brand new, it's that versatile. The Peruvian Pima cotton is so soft, you'll mistake the tank for pajamas, though it may shrink up to a half size (so consider going up). M.M.LaFleur The Paige Tank, $65 at M.M.LaFleur
6. Dudley Stephens Park Slope Turtleneck, $158 at Dudley Stephens
It's hard to believe this turtleneck with a structured stand-up collar is recycled terry fleece. However, when it's tucked into high-waisted trousers, no one will ever know. Dudley Stephens Park Slope Turtleneck, $158 at Dudley Stephens
7. A New Day Midi A-Line Slip Skirt, $25 at Target
Heart polka dots? Yes, you can pull them off. From far away, they look like any other spotted print. Otherwise, you can choose from four other colors and sizes XS-4X. A New Day Midi A-Line Slip Skirt, $25 at Target
8. Neely & Chloe No. 62 Travel Tote, $328 at Neely & Chloe
Instead of the standard black leather tote, opt for this one in a pre-treated coated canvas with croc embossed leather trim. Bonus: It can be personalized with embroidery or hand-painting. Neely & Chloe No. 62 Travel Tote, $328 at Neely & Chloe
9. Maurices Front Tie Dot Print Blouse, $35 at Maurices
When in doubt, throw on a printed blouse. They're ideal for layering under all your solid basics, adding a pop of personality. Maurices Front Tie Dot Print Blouse, $35 at Maurices
10. Wilfred The Effortless Pant, $148 at Aritzia
With your choice of 25 colors, three fits (short, regular, tall), and sizes 00-16, you'll be hard pressed to find a pant as cool with this much variety. Wilfred The Effortless Pant, $148 at Artizia
11. Abercrombie Oversized Poplin Button-Up Shirt, $60 at Abercrombie
Just one more example of how Abercrombie's evolved in the past decade, at $60 a pop, you'll want one of this button up in every color (including some fun pattern mixing options). Note: True to its name, it really does fit oversized, so you may want to size down. Abercrombie Oversized Poplin Button-Up Shirt, $60 at Abercrombie
12. Margaux The Penny, $295 at Margaux
Is there anything so quintessentially business casual as the penny loafer? With an Italian suede exterior and unlined interior, this pair is so comfortable, there's no break-in period needed. Margaux The Penny, $295 at Margaux
13. ROYLAMP Button Up Split Dress, $31 on Amazon
When you don't know what to wear, put this on. The silhouette is timeless and universally flattering, and it's available in 17 colors and prints. ROYLAMP Button Up Split Dress, $31 at Amazon
14. Tuckernuck Royal Shirt Dress, $178 at Tuckernuck
Pretty and polished, easy and breezy, this dress will be in your constant rotation for its limitless styling possibilities. Tuckernuck Royal Shirt Dress, $178 at Tuckernuck
15. Extra High-Waisted Stevie Straight Taper Ankle Pants, $40 at Old Navy
The extra flattering high waist, stretchy ponte fabric and wide range of sizes/fits work together to create the perfect pants at the perfect price. Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Stevie Straight Taper Ankle Pants, $40 at Old Navy
16. Sarah Flint Arabesque Slide, $395 at Sarah Flint
For those warm weather, slightly more casual days, these two-tone Italian leather slides are the obvious choice for their plush comfort and unique style. Fit tip: Go down a half size if you're between sizes or have narrow feet. Sarah Flint Arabesque Slide, $395 at Sarah Flint
17. Free Assembly Tweed Cardigan Sweater, $30 at Walmart
Do you have the need for tweed? At just $30, this cardigan gives you all the Coco Chanel vibes but on a (much, much smaller) budget. Free Assembly Tweed Cardigan Sweater, $30 at Walmart
18. Everlane The Boxy Oxford, $88 at Everlane
You can never have enough oxfords in your business casual closet. Designed with a boxy fit, drop shoulders, and a high-low hem, this button down is made from super soft organic cotton. Everlane The Boxy Oxford, $88 at Everlane
19. M.M.LaFleur The Merritt Jardigan, $325 at M.M.LaFleur
A worthy investment for your work wardrobe and beyond, with this universally flattering jacket you get all the professionalism of a blazer with the coziness of a cardigan. M.M.LaFleur The Merritt Jardigan, $325 at M.M.LaFleur
20. Quince Washable Stretch Silk Notch Collar Blouse, $70 at Quince
Two words: washable silk. High brow yet low maintenance, this blouse is impressively priced at just $70. P.S. If you want a more relaxed look, size up. Quince Washable Stretch Silk Notch Collar Blouse, $70 at Quince
21. Grace Karin High Elastic Waist Pleated Chiffon Skirt, $34 on Amazon
This pleated midi skirt is flowy, feminine, and flattering. It's also surprisingly versatile, able to be paired with much more than you'd expect. Grace Karin High Elastic Waist Pleated Chiffon Skirt, $34 at Amazon
22. A New Day Puff Short Sleeve T-Shirt, $20 at Target
With this $20 find (because Target is the best), you get the comfort of your favorite tee with the style of your favorite blouse. A New Day Puff Short Sleeve T-Shirt, $20 at Target
23. Abercrombie Tailored Relaxed Straight Pant, $90 at Abercrombie
Abercrombie is a low-key business casual mecca, featuring well-priced pieces like these pleated pants that look way more expensive than the price on the tag. Abercrombie Tailored Relaxed Straight Pant, $90 at Abercrombie
24. BEIS The Work Tote, $118 at BEIS
Equally functional and fashionable, this tote is packed with pockets and other features that will make it your go-to for every occasion. BEIS The Work Tote, $118 at BEIS
25. M.Gemi The Danza, $248 at M.Gemi
Surprise! These flats aren't flats at all. They have a 20 mm hidden wedge inside, offering a little extra height and comfort. The square toe is at once modern and retro, making them timeless with a twist. M.Gemi The Danza, $248 at M.Gemi
