Business Casuals for Women

In today's times, most workplaces demand a certain dress code from their employees. While some prefer only business attire, a few others may accept a business casual dress code for women. The term business casual for women can itself lead to quite a bit of confusion. While business casuals definitely do not include your old ripped jeans and t-shirt, they definitely provide more flexibility and variety in clothes choices, especially for women.

While it is common knowledge that in business, formal clothing usually includes dark pant suits or skirt suits for women. On the other hand, business casuals though are scaled down from formal business attire, but should still present a sophisticated and professional appearance. Business casual for women does not mean that you have to burn a hole in your pocket. The key element in any business casual for young women is to keep it classic, rather than trendy. It's all about classic cuts which suits your body type, and which are not too tight or too baggy. By keeping it simple and classy, you will not lose your sophisticated touch, but still will be able to avoid those suits.

Business Casual Attire for Women

Fabrics: Let's start with the basics, while choosing fabrics for business casual for women you have to keep in mind to choose fabrics that have a rich look. They should not look drab, but rich and elegant. The following are examples of fabrics that are appropriate for business casual for women.

• Linen
• Wool
• Silk
• Cotton
• Gabardine
• Corduroy
• Twill
• Khaki can also be used to some extent

Colors: The next step is choosing the right colors. While you are not restricted to use only solid neutral colors like black, navy blue, gray, tan, etc. for business casuals, it is best to stick to them. If you love color, you can still add bright colors into your dress, the best way is in the form of scarves, accessories or belts. This will liven up your dress, but still keep you looking professional like proper working women.

Attire: Business casual for women should not be flashy, or over the top. The key here is to keep it simple, classy, elegant and sophisticated with the help of clothes that have a good fit and cut. Unlike men, women clothing have tons of options from skirts and pants to dresses.

• Pants: For pants, the best choice would be to go for tailored pants in solid shades and soft fabrics, such as lightweight wool or wool crepe. Make sure that the pants have a good fit, that is, they should not be extremely tight or baggy. One classic option is with straight fit and simple silhouette.
• Skirts: For skirts, you have the option of straight and A-line skirts. The basic rule is that the length for business casual attire for women must be at least till the knee (while you are standing). Generally, the slits in the skirt should be in the center back of the skirt in order to facilitate climbing of stairs comfortably. If you have a long skirt, then you should definitely avoid slits that run above the knee.
• Shirts and Sweaters: When it comes to choosing the right top for your skirts or pants, the best options for business casual for women are tailored shirts, tailored blouses or knit sweaters etc. Tailored shirts are evergreen and versatile, as they can be paired with skirts or pants. The other option is wearing knitted sweaters which can add style and variety. A stylish sweater with a crew neck or V neck with three-quarter length sleeves makes you look casual yet elegant.
• Shoes: Shoes should preferably be of leather, fabric or microfiber. They should cover the feet completely, and should be in colors that correspond to the dress, such as black, white, beige, tan etc. In order to be comfortable, it is best if you do not wear women's shoes with six-inch heels. Instead, two to three-inch heels add the feminine touch, while still being comfortable.
• Accessories: Do not be afraid to add bold accessories to your outfit. A printed or bright-colored scarf makes the outfit stand out, while a colorful beaded necklace on a white shirt can add color to your outfit and make you look casual while still being sophisticated.

These were some basic guidelines for business casual for women. As long as you follow the basic guidelines, you can use your creativity and mix and match to come up with outfits that suit your personality and style. After all fashion is all about taking inspiration from trends and adapting it to suit your style, whether it is for your workplace or for partying!