Ah yes, Business Casual: the hardest code to crack (one that I haven’t fully cracked myself to be honest). We’ve all been there. We’ve gotten the co-op job we’ve been dreaming about all term and we’ve been fantasizing about walking into a new office on the first day looking amazing and ready to make the best first impression ever. But then our employer tells us that the dress code is “Business Casual” and we’re left frantically googling the definition of Business Casual on Wikipedia and scrolling through outfits on Pinterest the night before our first day (throwback to me in first year).
Don’t worry, you don’t have to rush to the store to get a bunch of super expensive blazers or blouses to pull off Business Casual, you can simply work with things already in your closet! There are endless possibilities when it comes to Business Casual. You have blouses and skirts and dresses and jeans to choose from. It’s all about putting together different pieces from your wardrobe to make an amazing outfit. Here are a few tips and tricks that will hopefully help you create the perfect Business Casual look!
1. Cardigans are Your Best Friend
No lie, cardigans will become a regular outfit choice. Not only do they instantly dress up an outfit but they also save you from the infamous cold temperature that all offices seem to have. You can easily throw on a casual shirt/tank top pair it with a neutral or fun cardigan and you’re ready to go.
2. Accessorize
It’s true, accessorizing is key. It makes it look like you put way more time getting ready in the morning despite the fact you actually just rolled out of bed, put on the first available items of clothes on the floor and ran out the door with a granola bar in hand for breakfast. With basic shirts that have higher necks, throw on a colourful statement necklace. It adds a pop of colour that will dress up a simple shirt. With shirts that might be lower cut, put on a longer and simple necklace for a delicate touch. Bracelets and rings also go a long way when dressing up an outfit and a scarf can work wonders too. Accessorize with what you feel comfortable with and use your judgement. You’ll look amazing no matter what!
3. Basics are Key
You don’t always have to dress up. Sometimes, keeping things basic is the best way to go. A simple button-down blouse and a nice pair of pants can work wonders. Again, it doesn’t even have to be a blouse if you are feeling more casual. Pair a plain sweater with some pants and a good old fashioned pair of flats/heels and you’ve still got an amazing workplace appropriate outfit.
4. Flats
Flats will become a regular part of your footwear collection no matter how much you hate them. So make sure you find a pair you like that are comfy – yet fashionable – then proceed to buy them in every colour/pattern imaginable. Trust me, wearing the same pair of old flats can get tiresome after a while so make sure to mix it up with new colours or patterns. It will add some flair and personality to your outfit while still looking workplace appropriate.
5. Ankle Boots
When you’ve finally exhausted all the pairs of flats you own and want to mix things up, a classic pair of ankles boots are your best bet. They can even have a heel if you want for an added edge to your outfit. Ankle boots are perfect for the colder months too and are versatile enough that you can still rock them in the summer sun!
6. Collars for the Win
There is just something about a good old-fashioned collar that makes an entire outfit look a million times more professional. It could be a simple collared t-shirt or a collared blouse but it definitely falls under the category of making you look like an amazing boss lady.
7.Tuck it in
I don’t know what it is about tucking in a shirt, but it automatically just makes an outfit look way more put together and classy. Some workplaces allow jeans and a simple yet effective way to dress up a simple pair of jeans is to simply tuck in a blouse, pair it with a belt and a nice pair of flats and you have an outfit ready to go. Seriously, the number of times I’ve gotten away with tucking in my shirt and having it be workplace-appropriate is actually amazing.
At the end of the day, Business Casual is actually just a hybrid of formal and casual. Always aim to look put together and professional regardless of where your workplace falls on the relaxed to casual scale. Take hints and clues from what your co-workers are wearing and adjust your wardrobe accordingly because every workplace is different! Happy working Warriors!