Incorporating patterns and prints into your business casual outfits can be a great way to add personality and style to your work attire. The key is to choose pieces that are stylish and appropriate for the workplace, with a little bit of creativity and forethought.
Dress pants and classic button-down shirts are essential items for any business casual wardrobe. Pair these with a light-colored cardigan and flats for a polished look.
Professional Print Styles
As workplaces move away from mandatory daily suits, a business casual approach to outfitting allows for comfortable wear and more of an individual style. However, that doesn’t equate to a free pass to wear whatever clothes you like to work.
The right mix of tailored pieces with casual items will create a polished and professional look that meets your company’s dress code requirements. Start with a foundation of classic colors such as black or navy, then add a pop of pattern with an appropriate-length shirt or jacket. Finish your ensemble with close-toe shoes (no flip-flops) in leather or suede.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the details when it comes to fashion, a basic understanding of business casual attire is essential. Business casual is generally traditional business clothing in more relaxed or “casual” styles.
When it comes to pants, loose-fit bottoms appear casual while skinny and tight-fit pants and skirts lean more toward business professional. When it comes to dresses, skirts and blouses, modest shapes and hemlines are best. A sheath dress is a versatile choice, as are midi and maxi dresses in classic silhouettes and neutral tones. For outerwear, a trench coat is the ultimate business casual staple. This versatile jacket looks professional yet is a good option for warmer weather and works well with most styles of pants and dresses.
Patterns for Business Attire
Keeping a business casual look clean and refined is crucial to maintaining professionalism. In addition to choosing the right fabrics, experimenting with textures helps make outfits stand out without feeling too formal. For example, a trim-fitting sweater in merino wool or cashmere works well under a sports coat in place of a blazer. The right polo shirt is another wardrobe secret weapon for business casual; it occupies the sweet spot on the formality scale, being dressier than a t-shirt and more comfortable than a button-up shirt. Opt for a style made of luxe cotton like Supima for a smooth feel and a sophisticated finish.
Pairing your clothes with the right shoes is also essential to a polished business casual look. While you can’t go overboard with sneakers (unless your workplace allows it), classic leather shoes and loafers are versatile options that complement a variety of outfits.
For the bottom half, business casual attire typically features trousers or khaki chinos in neutral colors like navy, charcoal and grey. However, jeans can be appropriate in some workplaces; just ensure they’re dark wash and perfectly fitted, and that the hem of the pants falls at or above your shoelaces. Alternatively, opt for a pair of tailored trousers with a non-matching blazer for a classic business casual look. Incorporating a belt is another way to add definition to your silhouette, but avoid loud patterns or vibrant hues that fall outside the business casual guidelines.
Business Casual Outfit Ideas
As the name suggests, business casual is a style that bridges the gap between strictly formal corporate attire and casual everyday wear. The essence of the style is a careful combination of neutrals and a pop of pattern or print. The look is surprisingly versatile and allows for a great deal of personal flair without crossing into inappropriately casual territory.
For example, a blouse with a subtle floral pattern can be worn over a simple tee or linen blazer for a polished yet relaxed look that’s perfect for warmer weather. For winter, a sweater dress with a classic round neck can be worn over a fitted tee and topped off with a light jacket or oversized trench coat. Incorporate a pair of comfortable flat shoes or ankle boots and minimalistic jewelry to keep the outfit looking polished but relaxed.
Depending on the industry and company policy, women’s business casual can be more relaxed than men’s business casual and often includes jeans and skirts (as long as they are not too short). Try a pair of slim or wide-leg corduroy pants in a rich fall color like burgundy or olive green and pair them with a crisp button-down shirt. Finish the look with a pair of loafers or boots and accessorize with a classic watch and statement belt.
Polo shirts are an ideal choice for business casual outfits because they occupy that sweet spot in the clothing formality scale between a tee and a button-up shirt. Try a Supima cotton polo in a neutral shade that’s free of large logos for a look that’s both polished and relaxed.
How to Wear Patterns at Work
If you’re new to patterns and prints, it’s best to start small. The safest way to incorporate them into your wardrobe is in accessories like shoes, socks, bags, scarves and belts. When you want to take it https://insidemen.vn/ a step further, try a patterned shirt or blouse or a patterned skirt or trousers. If you’re feeling bold, a floral pattern is an alluring choice that never goes out of style. Just remember to pair them with a solid colored third piece, such as a cardigan or blazer to tone down the pattern.
You can also mix and match patterned clothing to create a look that’s uniquely you. It’s a great idea to wear patterns in neutral colors or add a pop of color with something like a bright belt. A solid scarf or shawl in a complementary hue is another option for a patterned accessory that still keeps the outfit professional.
In addition to adding interest to your business casual wardrobe, you can also use patterns and prints to dress up your professional attire for special occasions or industry events. For example, if you’re heading to a job interview, try mixing patterns for a look that’s both polished and comfortable. You can even practice your interview style with Yoodli’s virtual closet tool.