Anytime I see the words “business casual,” I panic. One of the worst experiences is to show up to an event not dressed appropriately, especially when it is career-related. As someone in the fashion industry, one of my main concerns is how to show that I am fashionable and have a personal style, while still following this dress code. My biggest mantra is that a good outfit brews confidence. Whether going to a university networking event or the first day at a new job, feeling confident in your business attire is one of the key components to success.
First things first, what exactly does business casual mean? Business casual is a specific dress code that is less formal than traditional business attire but still gives off a professional appearance. Examples of business casual clothing could be a professional dress, skirt, blouse, pair of trousers, blazer, boots, flats, or heels. This is broad which makes it daunting, but it presents the opportunity to be creative and show up as your truest self.
So, how do we navigate the seemingly endless (and even ugly) world of professional attire? Personally, I learn through examples. If I am in need of a good outfit, I am heading straight to Instagram to stalk for inspiration. Here are some of my favorite, current, fashionable business casual outfits for you to browse to spark some initial inspiration:
Now that we have some examples in mind, keep reading to see the best shops to turn to when searching for the perfect business casual pieces to add to your wardrobe.
Aritzia
Aritzia’s pieces are created with high-quality materials aiming to bring their customers everyday luxury through their pieces. With hundreds of blazers, blouses, and pants to choose from, it is hard to go wrong with anything from Aritzia when it comes to business casual.
Aritzia Babaton New Agency Blazer
$228.
Aritzia Wilfred The Effortless Pant
$148.
Aritzia Babaton Carter Blouse
$78.
Aritzia Babaton Arbus Blazer
$228.
Aritzia Babaton Hazlitt Sweater Vest
$98.
Abercrombie & Fitch
We all know by now that Abercrombie & Fitch has definitely made a comeback, specifically in their denim department. However, do not forget about them when hunting for business casual pieces. Many of their simple bodysuits or shirts will pair perfectly under a blazer or with their Sloane Tailored Pant.
Abercrombie & Fitch Long Sleeve Cotton Seamless Fabric Crew Bodysuit
$50.
Abercrombie & Fitch Oversized Poplin Colorblock Button-Up Shirt
$70.
Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Leather Blazer
$140.
Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve Satin Shirt Dress
$80.
Abercrombie & Fitch Single-Breasted Blazer
$120.
Djerf Avenue
Matilda Djerf can do no wrong, especially when it comes to her clothing brand, Djerf Avenue. The mission of the brand is to bring timeless pieces to their customers through their perfect basics. Being from Stockholm, Matilda and her brand have a Scandinavian-style aesthetic which is perfect when searching for business casual pieces.
Djerf Avenue Day-to-Day Pants
$143.
Djerf Avenue Forever Blazer
$179.
Djerf Avenue Midi Tube Skirt
$107.
Djerf Avenue Getaway Top
$107.
Djerf Avenue Breezy Shirt
$107.
H&M
H&M was the store where I bought my first business casual ensemble, and even six years later, they are still executing flawlessly in this department. Do not sleep on them when it comes to finding the perfect business casual pieces.
H&M Knit Bodycon Dress
$50.
H&M Satin Shirt
$25.
H&M Suit Vest
$18.
H&M Draped Blouse
$28.
H&M Flared Pants
$35.
Zara
The list would not be complete without the one-and-only, Zara. When looking for more unique business casual pieces, this is the place to go. From fun colors to cool details, Zara adds that extra flair to its pieces.
Zara Straight Cut Faux Leather Blazer
$80.
Zara Topstitched Denim Blazer
$130.
Zara Pinstripe Midi Skirt
$50.
Zara Heeled Knee High Boots
$169.
Zara Lug Sole Leather Loafers
$90.
I am sure we have all heard the saying, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Investing in a few high-quality business pieces is a great way to do this! A nice pair of black trousers can be worn many different ways for years and years to come. Next time you need to know where to actually find cute business casual pieces, check back to this article, visit these sites, and do not forget to tag @cfashionista in all your business casual outfit pictures!
Featured Image via @kassidiraee. Design by Her Campus Media/Francesca Grima of Unsplash.
