What is Business Casual? (And 8 Outfit Ideas to Copy)

What is Business Casual? Today we are talking about what this dress code is and business casual outfit ideas.

Curious what business casual is? Perhaps you have started a new job that requires you to dress professionally. Here are some ideas for business casual outfits and an overview of what business casual is exactly.

What is Business Casual?

It’s easier to understand what “business casual” is if you first know what “business” dress code is. Business dress code is a suit with trousers and a blazer or a skirt and blazer. It is also appropriate to wear a shirt with buttons or a dressy blouse and slacks or a skirt WITHOUT a blazer.

So Business Casual is a step below that. Your top doesn’t have to be a tight button-up or dressy blouse, and you can choose more casual pants and shoes. It depends on the workplace, but sometimes nice jeans can be worn with business casual, and sometimes sneakers are appropriate. Then nice tight sneakers and non-distressed jeans are the best option.

8 examples of business casual outfits

Here are some examples of business casual outfits that you can copy with pieces in your closet, or use as outfit formulas to put outfits together.

1. Paperbag waist pants with T-shirt and blazer

• This is a good example of a more “business” style outfit. Instead of more conservative dress pants, choose a bolder pair in a fun color and then pair it with a basic t-shirt instead of a blouse. I added a linen blazer to make it feel professional, and closed-toed shoes (though open-toed versus closed-toed shoe allowances vary from workplace to workplace!)

PAPER BAG WAIST PANTS (wearing size small) | CUTS TEE (code MERRICKSART) | MADEWELL LINEN BLAZER (wear size XXS, size smaller!)| SIMILAR LOAFER MULES

2. Try linen pants with a bold blouse

• These linen pants are a great option for summer business casual workwear. They are so comfortable and lightweight that they are suitable for both professional outfits and casual outfits. I chose a bold blouse and added some sleek neutral ankle boots. If you want to dress this up a bit more, add a pair of classic pumps instead of boots!

ANTHROPOLOGY LINEN TROUSERS (wearing a size 25, one size smaller!) | ANTHROPOLOGY BLOUSE (wearing size XS) | SIMILAR ANKLE BOOTS

3. Add a cool blazer to a blouse and jeans

• If you can wear jeans with your business casual outfits, these are good ones because they are a bit more dressy with the kick flare and they aren’t distracting. A dark wash would also be a good option! I paired with a chic blouse and a cool blazer to make it look more professional, and although I opted for a sneaker, it’s a plain white slim sneaker, so it might work well for some business casual occasions. If you need something smarter, go for a loafer or flat or wedge!

TALBOTS BLAZER (wear size 2) | KICK CROP JEANS (wears a size 25, one size down) | WHITE BLOUSE (wears size XS) | ECCO SNEAKERS | MADEWELL CARRY BAG

5. Try a cardigan blazer!

• If you’re not sure about a plain blazer, try a cardigan blazer! It’s super comfy and looks classier but feels like a sweater. I paired with another pair of nice, raised jeans (not distracting), a printed t-shirt, and a pair of loafers. A great easy business casual outfit, if you are allowed to wear jeans. If you’re not, choose slacks instead.

SIMILAR VEST BLAZER | SIMILAR STRIPED TEE | MADEWELL GRAY JEANS | SIMILAR LOAFER FLATS

8. Dress and jacket

• A dress and jacket or blazer is a great option for business casual. I paired with loafer mules, but you could do a boot or a heel or a wedge or a flat, and any of those would work great!

SIMILAR MW COLLECTION DRESS (with XS), SIMILAR LOAFER MULES| SIMILAR DENIM JACKET | MADEWELL CARRY BAG

I hope this gives you some inspiration for business casual outfits!

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