Casual Work Clothes for Women

Decades ago women were so thrilled to be entering the workforce they were happy to dress like men in boxy suits  complete with floppy ties  and clunky shoes.   In the 80's and early 90's, designers finally caught up with the times and designed feminine suits for the office.  Then wham!  The Internet boom came along and introduced office casual clothing.  Sure for men this is easy, they just grab a pair of khaki pants  and a button down shirt  and they're good to go. Ladies have it tougher.

Please Define Business Casual!

According to Wikipedia.org, business casual clothing :

1. Looks relaxed yet neat and pulled together.
2. Falls into the middle ground between formal wear (read: suits and dresses) and street wear (read: jeans and t-shirts).

Still stumped?  Check out the eHow article on "How to Dress Business Casual".

Business Casual Basics

Here are a few of the basics you should have in a variety of colors for your business casual wardrobe. The best way to build a wardrobe is to start with a foundation color (for example, black pants) and then only buy tops and accessories that will go with those pants. This way, you never have to worry about bizarre colors or patterns clashing with each other. 

Pants Business casual pants cover a range of styles. On one end, you can opt for tailored khakis  or linen pants.  On the other, wool slacks  (even the bottom half of a suit) are a good choice. In the summer, cropped pants  are a lighter choice, but never wear shorts to the office! Don't choose anything too tight, although a touch of stretch  in the fabric can be a lifesaver. As with pants of all stripes, its more important that they fit you well.	Skirts A more fun, feminine alternative to pants. Look for skirts  that will be easy to match with a number of different blouses so that you can mix up your outfits -- or get the matching set at the store and save time. In the winter, longer skirts  can be paired with boots,  while shorter skirts  and sandals  look great in summer. Don't forget that you'll need good shoes; loafers  just won't work with many skirts.	Blouses Cropped, fitted t-shirts aren't going to cut it! For the office, you'll need some stylish blouses.  On the casual side of things, you might be able to wear a long-sleeved t-shirt.  A good white blouse  is a must. Beyond that, the selection of blouses  is nearly endless and is an easy way to express your style; just keep in mind what the office climate is like, both in terms of dress code and temperature!	Jackets and Sweaters Air conditioners in offices are notorious for being set to freeze. A good jacket  or blazer  can add style to any outfit (throw it on over a t-shirt) and keeps you warm. Sweaters  are another good choice; many can be layered on over other shirts to keep you cozy. A cardigan  or a sweater shirt,  like a jacket, can dress up even a t-shirt  or tank top.  Don't forget about sweater sets,  the quintessential office classic.	Dresses Dresses  can be tricky. On the one hand, throw it on and you're ready to go, no need to worry about matching. On the other, though, it can be awkward to find one that fits. Look for tasteful  styles; too-short, too low cut, and strapless styles are a no-go for the office! Look for dresses with short  or long sleeves.  Knee-length  is a safe hemline for everyone. Fitted is always better; adding a belt  can enhance your appearance, too!

How to Shop

• Check with your office HR department for guidelines: Are jeans allowed? What is the suggested skirt length?
• Make a list of the items you will need.
• Keep in mind colors that will flatter.
• Select versatile items. Many of these looks can also be worn on the weekend.
• Spend more on basics and classics. Hunt for sale items when it comes to trendy pieces.

Plus-Sized Options

Dressing for work also means dressing for your body type. Luckily, there are plenty of plus-sized options that look fantastic, and work with your curves instead of trying to hide them or squeeze them into a shape that they aren't!

Blouses  can be more on the casual side, or more formal  if you want, it just depends on the rest of your outfit. Collared shirts  work great too	Cropped Pants  or even gouchos  are great for summer, without showing too much leg. They go with a lot of tops, and look great with heels, flats, and sandals!	Flowing Skirts  are very popular, so pair one with a formal top and some conservative shoes for a boho twist on office attire!	A great tank top  that's plain enough to wear under a sweater or jacket works great for an office appropriate look that feels good too.

This Gillian Grey Kimono Top  looks office-ready while still being flowing and breezy with a fun pattern.	A printed ribbon-tie top  brings back retro fashion with a feminine bow over a floral pattern.	The Gillian Grey Ponte Di Roma Notched Collar Jacket  keeps you warm when the A/C is on...and it looks great!

Related Guides

Women's Summer Style Guide	The Complete Women's Wardrobe	Figure Flattering Clothes for Women	Women's Clothing Designers	Women's Fall style Guide

Related Products

Pumps	Sweater Vests	Leather Handbags

 External Links

• Monster.com discusses the new dress code in an article by Pat Boer.

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
FR: Habillement Feminin