Have you been searching for business casual outfits to wear to work? You need to see my guide on how to build work outfits with chic but casual pieces!
Building Chic Business Casual Outfits
Business casual is the perfect balance of professional-looking and laid-back—and sometimes, achieving this aesthetic is easier said than done! There’s definitely room for things like jeans, classic tees, flats, and more in a business casual wardrobe, as long as you pair them with the right pieces for a balanced look. You can even create work outfits with only 20 pieces or less by keeping business casual staples in your closet!
So, if you’ve been searching for inspiration for business casual looks, this guide on what staple pieces to include in your closet and tips on how to style them might be exactly what you need!
20 Staple Pieces
Here are the pieces I’ve included as my business casual outfit staples:
Trench Coat or Wool Coat
A long coat is a must for work outfits on cool or rainy days and can be worn in most seasons.
Oversized Blazer
An oversized blazer works perfectly for adding that business feel to a look.
Lady Jacket
Lady jackets elevate any work outfit while adding a feminine touch.
Knit Cardigan
A knit cardigan definitely has a casual vibe but is still refined enough for a business ensemble.
Crewneck Sweater
A crewneck sweater is a must for something minimal and work-appropriate (opt for heavier fabrics in cool seasons and lighter in warm).
Shirt Dress
Shirt dresses are sleek and simple, making them excellent office attire.
Oxford Shirt
A high-end button-up is essential in any business casual wardrobe.
Silk or Satin Blouse
Add a feminine touch to your work outfits with a silk or satin blouse.
Classic Tees
This timeless top is great for business casual outfits when paired with the right pieces.
Sleeveless Knit Top
For warmer days, a sleeveless knit top is elegant and work-appropriate.
Black Trousers
Black trousers are a staple in office wear, and I love that they’re also comfy.
Tan/Beige Trousers
Change the color palette of your business casual outfits with tan, beige, or camel pleated trousers.
Classic Jeans
Opt for darker wash jeans and avoid rips/distressing for a business-appropriate polished look.
Midi Skirt
A midi skirt is great for a formal ensemble. You can choose from pleated, satin, pencil, leather skirts, and more.
Tote Bag
You can’t go wrong with an elegant tote bag to hold your laptop and other work essentials.
Loafers
Loafers are an obvious choice for a business casual wardrobe, and they can easily dress up any look.
Boots (seasonal)
In fall and winter, ankle boots are cute and stylish while keeping your outfit work-appropriate.
Pumps
Classic pumps and slingbacks are perfect for business outfits, but I recommend avoiding high heels and fancy styles.
Flats
You can get away with flats in the office if they’re an elevated style like ballet flats or Mary Janes.
Accessories
Add a refined touch to your work outfits with a black or tan belt, simple gold jewelry, and an elegant watch.
Timeless Work Outfits To Try
Want to know how to pair the pieces above together for an effortless and elevated work outfit? Check out the business casual outfits below to see how I mix and match pieces for plenty of office outfit options. (All pieces in outfits are linked in the staples list above!).
blazer, jeans & booties
Elevate jeans and a black tee with an oversized blazer and ankle boots for a chic fall business casual look.
loafers + a blazer
Loafers and a blazer are a classic work combo, and you can balance these pieces with a laid-back pair of jeans and a crewneck sweater.
slingbacks & lady jacket w/ jeans
I recommend pairing a lady jacket and slingback heels with jeans for a stylish and feminine office-appropriate ensemble.
silk button-up, blazer + Mary Janes
A silky button-up is another great choice for a feminine outfit, while the comfy Mary Jane flats and dark blue jeans keep it casual.
pleated trousers & striped cardigan
Pleated pants are my top pick for a business casual outfit, and the formal look of these trousers pairs well with casual pieces like a tee and cardigan.
lady jacket + slingbacks
Layer a lady jacket over a classic tee and pair it with tailored trousers and slingback heels for a high-class and feminine office outfit.
trench coat & pencil skirt
If you want to rock a skirt at the office, pair a midi pencil skirt with a tee and long coat for an effortless ensemble.
ankle boots + blazer w/ pencil skirt
I love this for a chic fall outfit that’s high-end and stylish yet comfy and relaxed!
pleated pants + striped button-up
I think a striped oxford shirt is perfect for any elevated yet casual ensemble, and pairing this top with pleated pants is excellent for a work outfit.
jeans, button-up & Mary Janes
You can also pair a striped oxford shirt with jeans and a trench coat for a laid-back vibe that still works for the office.
pleated trousers + striped cardigan
And finally, a striped cardigan and black trousers are effortlessly stylish, and the flats are a great addition for a relaxed vibe.
Business casual outfits are easy to create when you have wardrobe staples that pair effortlessly together. Use this guide to help you create work outfits with a professional yet laid-back aesthetic!
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