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Casual Work Clothes for Women

Business casual  may just be one of the trickiest phrases every invented.  Most people have a hard time deciphering exactly what this means, and how then to appropriately dress in the office.  When picking out casual work clothes,  you want to be stylish and polished, yet comfortable and relaxed.   

A Few Tips

  • Check with HR: Keep in mind that "business casual" means different things to different companies.  Ask your human resources department if they can provide some guidelines.
  • Get serious: Before you go casual, check your daily planner  to make sure you will not have any business meetings that day.  Meetings should always be more formal.  
  • Minimal make-up: Keep your make-up  light.  Let your natural beauty shine through.
  • Too sexy:  Wearing see-through sheers and lace, miniskirts, and stiletto sandals, and spaghetti straps is normally a BIG no-no at the workplace.
  • Too casual: Shorts, t-shirts, hats, and trainers typically make an outfit TOO casual, and thus are not appropriate for work.
  • Too sloppy: Anything wrinkled, baggy, or worn in too many layers can make you look much less professional, and therefore not taken seriously. 
  • Mix and match: You don't need to break the bank.  Have separates that can easily be mixed and matched together and will go from work to weekend. 

Suggestions for Fall/Winter

Mix and match these essential work clothing separates to make your casual look more sophisticated or more laid back!

Tops

Sweaters 

Cardigans,  cashmere,  wool,  or turtle neck  sweaters will keep you going through chilly work days.  Pair a sweater with feminine trousers  or a high waist pencil skirt. 

Light Jacket 

Little cover ups are great at work and with jeans  on the weekends.

Wrap Dress 

A long sleeved wrap around dress  is great in the winter when paired with opaque tights  and boots. 

Button Down Shirt 

Varieties of button downs now come with cute feminine details such as ruffles  or polka dots.   Pair one of these with a skirt, jeans, or trousers and you are set.  

Wool Coat 

A black wool coat  is timeless, elegant, and goes with everything from jeans to dressier looks.  
Bottoms

Pencil Skirt 

Perfect with ballerina flats  or pumps  for a more sophisticated look, or paired with tall boots  for a more casual feel.

Trousers 

Polyester blend,  cotton,  and wool  trousers pair beautifully with almost all kinds of tops and shoes.

Dark Denim 

Straight-leg jeans  are great tucked into boots or for keeping out of the puddles with flats.   A dark rinse  keeps you looking neat and polished.

Opaque Tights 

Opaque tights in greys  and blacks  can be paired with a sweater dress,  wool skirt. 

Khakis 

Women's chinos  or khaki trousers  will keep your look timeless and professional and can be paired with just about anything.
Accessories

Flat Boots 

A good pair of flat leather boots  are practical, trendy, and can be worn with everything.

Ballerina Flats 

Ballerina flats are fun, playful, and cute.  Look for bright colours  to make your outfit pop, or dainty jewels  as an embellishment.

Scarf 

As an accent to an outfit, try a silk scarf.   To add warmth to your outerwear, think about a pretty cashmere. 

Handbag 

A handbag in a heavy material is perfect for the cold months.  Try a tote in leather  or suede.  

Costume Jewellery 

Give your ensemble a touch of personality with tasteful bangle bracelets,  chunky necklaces,  or chandelier earrings.  

Related Guides

External Links

  • About.com: An article on what to wear to work, no matter what your dress code.
  • eHow.com: How to dress "business casual."
  • ElleUK.com: The latest in fashion advice, tips, and trends.
  • Monster.com: Advice on dressing for work from a major career finder.