Trying to find the balance between a casual, everyday look that is also professional can be a lot harder than expected. For the past four summers, I've had to dress business casual every day for work.
With that being said, when I was told I needed to dress up once a week for a business class I was in the first semester and twice a week second semester for my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, I was instantly stressed.
What type of business casual? Are jeans allowed? What am I supposed to wear for shoes?
I didn't have enough dressy outfits for that! So if you feel like me when you get told to dress up, here is a guide to help you figure out the world of business casual dress-wear:
Your first step is to figure out the rules! Everyone hates dress codes, but when it comes to business wear they actually help and create a guideline for you to follow.
Are you allowed open toed shoes? What are the skirt/ dress length requirements? Can you wear cold shoulder tops or tank tops? Are jeans allowed?
(I've had heated debates on if jeans are business casual… my place of work has recently allowed jeans as long as they are hole-free and appropriate, but this isn't the case everywhere.)
Try working with what you already have. Try on your dresses and see if they are an appropriate length. Look in your closet for some tops that you could easily dress up with the right pants and shoes.
Also, if you ever get caught in a situation where you need to dress up last second and have nothing, just wear black or colored jeans (without holes) because chances are people won't really notice. Also, a plain shirt and a cardigan are super simple things that most people have and pass as business casual.
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Once you get the hang of the basics, find your style! Check Pinterest for ideas!
I have a whole board dedicated to business casual and professional outfits that I go to for inspiration all the time. Or look up some ideas on Instagram.
I feel like people initially feel like they have limited options when it comes to dressing up when really there are so many different choices.
Once you know what you have and was you still need, it's time to go shopping! Choose some stores you want to shop at and wait for sales.
I can't stress the sales part enough because business clothes can be pricer at some places so save yourself some money and practice patience. My favorite stores are The Loft, Old Navy, Express, Kohl's, and Maurices.
You could also try a thrift store because you can find such good pieces at great prices!
Lastly, put it all together! Make the outfit your own and add your own twist! Tuck in your shirt for an instantly more polished look. Throw on a cardigan and/ or some jewelry to complete a look.
Wear a pair of heels, flats, boots, or whatever you think goes best! Once you get a few staple pieces it is so easy to mix and match to make countless different outfits!
