Where Girls Should Shop For Professional Clothes
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Girl's Guide To Professional And Chic Business Wear

How to navigate the world of professional clothing and make it your own.

270
Spring attire

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.


Postris

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!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70785
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132404
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments