How to Wear Women's Business Casual Attire

The shift from professional to business casual attire in the office is relaxing for men but can be a trap for women. Women have more clothing options available and therefore, more opportunities to confuse "business casual" with "too casual." The best way to build a business casual outfit for women is to start with professional attire and take just a few steps to ensure you don't make the wrong impression.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wear a suit. Yes, a suit can be business casual for women and is a great beginning because it will help you maintain a hint of professionalism. Instead of the navy wool suit you usually wear, try a brushed cotton suit in powder blue. The jacket can be a more comfortable, boxy cut than your navy suit and hang open without buttons. The pants or skirt may be a little shorter than normal, with no cuffs or pleats…maybe even an elastic waist. The color, cut and fabric of the suit are what will make it business casual as opposed to professional.

2. Dress up. A dress is an excellent business-casual element for women. Business casual is about looking professional while feeling a bit more comfortable, and a long, flowing dress does the trick. Choose a shirt-waist style dress with long or short sleeves or a long sheath. The casual element will be the color or pattern of the dress. If the dress is long enough, you may skip the nylons.

3. Don the khaki uniform. Follow the lead of the men in your office by wearing khaki pants, a golf shirt and loafers. Be sure the pants fit properly and the shirt is tucked in. This look will also work with a khaki skirt, as long as the skirt is long enough to be worn in the office.

4. Go a little shorter. Swap out those cuffed trousers you usually wear for some capri pants. Capris can be part of a business-casual look for women if they're not too tight or too short. Pair them with a casual jacket and a sleeveless button-down for a smart casual look.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt, throw a suit jacket over it. A suit jacket can add an air of professionalism to any outfit.
• Even on casual day, open-toe shoes are not proper for the office.
• Business casual does not mean "bare all." Maintain the same standards as with professional attire with respect to how much skin you show in the office.

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[Calyptra]

on 7/24/2007 Check http://whatsbuzzing.wordpress.com/ for more ideas on how to dress for work and PLEASE dress for work!!!