Now that I’m staying in town for more than a week at a time (woo!) I decided to make it a goal to go into the office at least once a week. It forces me to come up with some good business casual outfit ideas (read: more than leggings and an oversized sweater) and provides good social interaction with coworkers. My office dress code is pretty relaxed – we’re allowed to wear jeans – but I will say, it can be difficult to straddle the line between casual and professional.
My Style Guidelines for the Office
To keep this in check, I have a few style guidelines I live by – and while some people rock these looks and get away with it (#nojudging), I personally stay away from them.
- No distressed jeans – all of the jeans I wear to the office have a clean hem, no rips, and I definitely say away from the super tight jegging look (they’re still skinny jeans, just not quite as skin tight).
- No exposed shoulders – even in the summer, office buildings are cold! So, this rule is as much for comfort as it is professionalism.
- No exposed toes – okay, I’m fine with a peep toe pump of sorts, but I do steer away from the summer sandal look and opt for a ballet flat instead.
- No sundresses – dresses in the office can be tricky because it’s easy to go from nice professional shift dress to beachwear in an instant. My rule of thumb is if it’s made with a jersey material, save it for vacation.
Five Business Casual Outfit Ideas for the Office
As jeans at the office becomes pretty standard in the business world, I’m still a fan of looking a little sharper – whether you’re in jeans or not. Here are five looks to feel confident in. It goes without saying you should still “dress for your day” – which is my company’s official dress code, I believe. If you have a big meeting, maybe opt for a nicer pant or dress.
Business Casual Outfit Idea #1
Jeans | Floral Blouse | Similar Blouse | Booties
Personally, I love jeans with a front-tucked blouse and a cute bootie, depending on the season!
Outfit Idea #2
Relaxed Waist Skirt | Camisole | Cardigan | Ballet Flats
This is a great option in the summer when it’s chilly in the office, but hot outside. If you’re in a city with a cold winter, throw tights and booties under the skirt instead of ballet flats.
Outfit Idea #3
For a fancier day, you can’t go wrong with a simple dress and pair of pumps.
Outfit Idea #4
Printed Pants | Solid Shell | Cardigan | Wedge
This is one of my favorite options – mainly because I love Old Navy’s Pixie Pant for an inexpensive statement piece.
Outfit Idea #5
Jeans | Sweater | Statement Shoes
If you’re going to go with something simply like jeans and a solid front-tucked sweater, I say show your personality with a fun pair of shoes or statement jewelry.
What do you think of those business casual outfit ideas? What are fashion rules you have for your office attire? Any other great tips? Tell us in the comments!
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