How to Dress Casual at Work for Women

Business casual means you still need to look professional.

The term "business casual" can leave some of us scratching our heads. While casual means jeans or capri pants for some of us, when it comes to the workplace -- we have to think differently. Build a business casual wardrobe with basics that can mix and match to make outfits that will all be office appropriate.

Things You'll Need

• Pants
• Skirts
• Dresses
• Blouses
• Sweaters
• Jackets
• Accessories
• Scarves
• Low-heeled shoes

Instructions

1. Stock up on basic wardrobe pieces. Items like trouser slacks in neutral colors such as khaki and black, black pencil skirts that are knee length or longer, and simple, but pretty dresses that are conservative and don't show too much skin.

2. Add the top pieces. Button-up blouses will work with your skirts and pants, and they can be solids or prints, as long as they aren't low cut or revealing. Make sure cotton and linen tops are wrinkle free. Silk is a pretty option and it looks good with black skirts or pants.

3. Layer your pieces. Add a tailored jacket over a blouse, a cardigan over a dress or a jacket with a pencil skirt for a finished, polished look.

4. Accessorize with simple, tasteful jewelry. Don't go overboard with distracting pieces or big, heavy jewelry. Add a printed scarf to a solid-colored dress, or a few bracelets and an elegant necklace to a slacks and blouse combination.

5. Slip into dark, conservative shoes. Leave the stilettos for the weekends. Work shoes should be loafers with a slight heel, a kitten-heeled shoe or a simple slide in neutral colors. Never wear sandals, even in a business casual environment.

Tips & Warnings

• A good rule to follow is if you would wear it to a nightclub then it's not appropriate for the office.

References

• Virginia Tech Career Services: Business Casual Attire
• CNN: How to Dress for Success at Work; Rosemary Haefner