As offices around the world open up after months of remote work, the dread and worry of what to wear slowly creeps up amongst the most put-together of women. Whether you have a dress code in place or are just free styling it most days, it’s time to spruce up your wardrobe with some professional looking, business casual outfits ready for your first day back in the office. Here are our tips on how to prepare your wardrobe and make it into more business, less casual :
Nimble Made/Unsplash. Dive into your existing wardrobe and build a capsule consisting of just the basics to build on.
Step into the basics
To put together your first few office ready outfits, look into what you already own and wear comfortably. Button ups, dressy shirts and neutral cardigans are your best friends right now. You can add layers to these as per the need arises. Now that you have your basics prepared, make a list of what other essentials pair up with them best. Look out for complementary colors, patterns and fabrics. Knee length skirts, dress pants and close toed shoes should be at the top of your to-get list. Once you have your capsule wardrobe ready, you can experiment with looks by mixing and matching items of clothing. Do not forget to add your personal element by incorporating in your favorite accessories, bags and shoes for the oomph and characteristic.
Josh Duke/Unsplash. The ideal outfit for the office must be comfortable and proper, incorporated with your style.
What is business – casual?
Before you blur the lines between casual, business casual and business formal attire, it is better to understand what a business casual wardrobe entails.
Business professional attire is more restricted, with a proper dress code which you are required to follow. These are followed more in stricter work environments, such as law, banks and the government sectors. Business suits, blazers and shirts are a staple in the strictly business professional attire. The only personalization you can add is through some delicate jewelry and formal belts.
Laura Chouette/Unsplash. Well tailored jackets, crisp shirts and well-fitted pants are necessary elements to the business casual attire.
Business casual, on the other hand, allows you to add in a few elements of your personal style and taste. It is not important to wear business suits and neutral colors all the time, but they do need a semblance of professionalism to appear more put together. Sleek, well tailored jackets, matching monochrome separates, neutral pants and signature shoes are some of the elements of a business casual wardrobe which you can play around with to create different, signature looks perfect for the office.
