Business Casual Clothing: Does it have to be boring?
When I started my first “big girl” job, I realized that I was ill-prepared for dressing business casual. I dug out my one pair of dark jeans and the few button-up shirts I had and internally panicked. My Pinterest feed was full of models in color-blocked outfits sporting trench coats and Gucci loafers. My own sense of style, lack of a capsule wardrobe, and bank account made it seem impossible to be creative and cute in the workplace. After some thought, I realized I could use what I already had and only buy a few staples to make it work. Looking a business professional doesn’t have to mean looking colorless or even shapeless. Business professional means that you’re taking your job seriously. The trick is to let your personality shine through in a cohesive, balanced, and classy way.
PANTS
A nice pair of jeans without holes and a pair of slacks don’t seem to satisfy the creative desire to be the most fabulous in the office. Quirky pants let your fit be niche to your aesthetic while still being professional and sleek.
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TOPS
Classic bodysuits create a clean minimal look with ease. Not only are these ones on Amazon incredibly soft, but their classy necklines and timeless shape, make them a staple that go with any type of outfit. If you get them in a fun color, it’s the perfect way to let your personality shine while still looking professional. Full coverage and minimalism don’t have to be boring.
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If your workplace is more on the casual side, cut-out asymmetrical bodysuits add dimension to the look.
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Another classic is button-ups and sweaters. Depending on the weather, you can pair these together or separately. Layering them together allows you a chance to color block items that you already have. In the Texas heat, the time for sweaters is infrequent and limited. But pairing bold colors that compliment each other create a vibrant look that can still be cohesive.
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SHOES
Black ballerina flats are my nemesis. I understand that wearing heels every day isn't an option. I gave it my best shot and, I too, agree that it simply isn't worth it once you reach hour six. They add little to no dimension to the outfit and often look plain jane and scuffed. But adding just one extra element to flats can take them a long way. It could be a fun color, an ankle tie, embellishments, or a bow. DIYing your flats is easy, hardly costs any money at all, and lets you use what’s already in your closet.
DIYing Your Flats:
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Loafers are classy, bringing a coastal touch if you add blues and whites. They add a taste of preppiness to the outfit and are also extremely comfortable. These shoes don't even have to be Gucci. Nice leather loafers can be found on Amazon and even at Target.
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ACCESSORIES
Adding a scarf adds quite a bit of pizzazz to a look. It can be the bridge that ties together your top and pants or elevates the look from mediocre to chic. Tying it as a belt, around your neck, in your hair, or letting it hang from a belt loop is an easy and fun element to add.
Hair bows never go out of style. A thick white satin bow takes a shirt and pant combo from bland to sweet.
Simple & Easy Ribbon and Bow Hairstyles
Layer on the jewelry. If you feel like the outfit is missing something, fun earrings and lots of gold can elevate a look fabulously. Oftentimes, we have fun items in our closet, we just don't think to pair them with anything other than a party outfit. Perhaps we should think again?
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Photo by We Heart It
Written by Mallory McKeever
Edited by Ruthann Daniel