The Do’s and Don’ts of Modern Business Casual

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The Do's and Don'ts of Modern Business Casual, Divine Style, personal stylist, Kelley Kirchberg

Business Casual for Men and Women

What is Business Casual Attire and what can I wear? Corporate men think that “business casual attire” is confusing as hell. Face it, the suit & tie is slowly dying out and they need other options, to feel confident getting dressed for any business or work situation. Business casual does not mean you stop dressing for success. You still have to make an impression at work, and not look like you are lounging at home or too relaxed. These are our 5 tips to keep your business casual style looking modern and up-to-date for men and women.

#1

STEP OUT IN STRIPES

he Do's and Don'ts of Business Casual, striped shirts, women's business casual outfit, Divine Style
The Do's and Don'ts of Business Casual, men's business casual outfit, striped shirt outfit, Divine Style

Classier than a checked shirt, a striped shirt is a wardrobe staple every guy should have in his wardrobe. Opt for something a bit bolder than a typical blue and white or pink and white striped shirt. A deep blue with crisp white stripes makes a statement or choose a unique color such as teal blue. The bigger the stripe the more modern the shirt style is. Pair with dark denim or 5-pocket pants for a comfortable yet styled look. Gingham and check shirts read "too casual". This striped shirt is easily worn with jeans or style it under a blazer for a polished look. This bold blue striped shirt is a go-to.

Ladies, you can wear a striped blouse with leather leggings, coated jeans, or a denim midi-skirt for a polished business casual outfit. We love the bold stripe detail in this blouse. This blouse gives the perfect casual polished vibe.

#2

POLISHED IN POLOS

The Do's and Don'ts of Business Casual, men's business casual outfit, women's polo shirt outfit, women's personal  stylist, Divine Style
The Do's and Don'ts of Business Casual, men's business casual outfit, men's polo shirt outfit, men's stylist, Divine Style

A great knit polo shirt or tailored polo shirt is the perfect option for an elevated business casual outfit. This is NOT the same polo shirt you wear to golf. This looks upgraded in a knit or Eqyptian cotton fabric. Fabric blends are good to wear as well. Pair this with colored denim, dark blue jeans, or 5-pocket pants. Remember, shorts are a NO. This looks too casual for business. This navy circular geo print shirt is a great option or this maroon stripe paired with blue 5-pocket pants or these jeans.

Ladies, a polo style knit top is a great option to wear with pants or a knit polo midi dress with boots or loafers for a polished business casual outfit. This striped top pairs perfectly with jeans and dress it up with a blazer. This salt color neutral midi dress is a favorite. This polo dress you slip into easily and comes in 3 colors. This French blue striped dress pairs perfectly with winter white flats.

#3

LAYER WITH JACKETS

Jackets instantly give a relaxed casual vibe to your outfit while also looking sophisticated and fashionable. Why? Because you are wearing layers which add depth to an outfit. Jackets can range from bomber jackets to shackets or relaxed blazers to utility jackets and more. But leave the puffer jackets and fleece jackets or vests at home. Those both give off the too relaxed, I don't care vibe. This gray bomber jacket gives a polished look for business casual to nights on the town. This Italian Wool jacket is the perfect layering piece for a smart, sophisticated business casual outfit. The double zipper style of this blue jacket is a great option for an elevated relaxed look.

Ladies, the range of jackets is wide but choose ones that have a bit of structure or tailoring so you look put together and polished. This denim shirt jacket looks great with a dressy tee or blouse. This ivory jacket is a no-brainer to wear with dark jeans. This leather jacket in bone color is a neutral essential you can wear in so many ways. A cropped jacket in two colors looks relaxed and polished with a sweater. This gray jacket is a favorite for cool fall and winter days.

#4

UPGRADE IN TROUSERS

Chinos to 5-pocket pants to designer jeans with no rips or tears. These are the 3 pants we recommend every guy has in his closet that are perfect for business casual. Dark blue jeans to medium wash jeans work well for business casual. Colored denim in navy, gray, and tan are also good options. Just leave the joggers, yoga pants and sweatpants for home when you aren't working. These give off an I don't care enough to dress for work vibe. These are a go-to pair of 5-pocket pants. These pants come in 6 colors with the ideal tailored fit. These jeans make every guy's bottom look great and in a variety of colors are a go-to pair of jeans for men.

Ladies, ankle length jeans and pants are a classic go-to. Cropped flare pants and tailored cargo pants are two other options for non-jeans. Both the unique color and style of these pants are perfect for business casual. This creme brulee color pant is very universal to wear and flattering on all body types. This pair of pants in olive is comfortable yet stylish. These ankle flare jeans in high-rise are elegant yet comfortable to wear.

#5

STYLED IN SWEATERS

The Do's and Don'ts of Modern Business Casual, women's business casual outfit, sweaters for business casual
The Do's and Don'ts of Business Casual, men's business casual outfit, men's sweater outfit, men's stylist, Divine Style
A cardigan or a quarter zip sweater are strong choices instead of wearing a jacket. Ladies, long cardigans belted or hip length cardigan blazers look polished yet feel comfortable, or a hip length cardigan that buttons or has embellishment look great with jeans. The unbuttoned cardigan over a t-shirt or blouse looks dated. For guys, a three-quarter zip sweater or a cardigan over a shirt are great choices. It goes without saying that sweaters should be in good condition with no pilling and not look tired or stretched out.

HEAD-TO -TOE STYLE

7 Insider Tips from a Personal Stylist,  dressing with head-to-toe style, divine style

Starting a new position or career path, working from home or managing a work from home team? Keep it modern with these smart, casual or casual chic tips to elevate your business casual style. Looking to elevate your look and career? Download our complimentary corporate style tips. Learn more about our styling services and how we can elevate your personal style with how to look modern and on-trend here. We would love to style you! Click here to view our men's styling services.

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