So here’s the thing about business casual: no one really knows what it means. Not your boss, not your coworker who wears the same hoodie every Wednesday, and definitely not 22-year-old me standing in front of my closet thinking, Do I need a blazer? Do I need… heels? (Spoiler: no and also no.)
For a while, I thought dressing “office appropriate” meant erasing all the things I actually liked wearing. Everything felt too stiff, too boring, or like I was trying to cosplay as a Real Professional™.
Now? I’ve found a little rhythm. The kind of casual work outfits that don’t feel like a costume, just an elevated version of what I already wear. Think: comfy trousers that don’t wrinkle if I slouch a little, shoes I can actually walk in, and layers that feel more me than memo.
Here’s how I’ve been styling my week lately, whether I’m in meetings or pretending to work while mentally listing what I need from Trader Joe’s.
A relaxed blazer (not the scary kind)
I avoided blazers for years. They always felt like something your overly intense boss would wear to micromanage you. But once I tried one that wasn’t too boxy or padded or polyester-y — everything changed.
Now I have this soft, camel blazer that feels like a hug but looks like I have my life together. I throw it on over white jeans and a striped tee when I want to trick people into thinking I’m organized. On chill days, I wear it with my A-line tweed skirt and opaque tights (yes, from that brunch outfit post), and it instantly feels put-together, but not in a try-hard way.
It’s the kind of layer that makes your outfit look intentional — even if you were running late and spilled coffee on your first top. (Me, literally yesterday.)
Trousers that don’t make you hate getting dressed
I used to dread pants. Like, actual trousers. They always felt… off. Too tight in one spot, too loose in another. Like I was borrowing someone else’s clothes. Then I found a pair that actually worked; high-waisted, wide-leg, and soft enough to sit cross-legged without regretting it. Game-changer.
I rotate between a grey pair and this perfect warm taupe one. (That color you can never find but somehow matches everything? That.) I’ll wear them with a tucked-in tee and flats, or layer them with a fine knit if I want to feel chic but chill. Add a trench, and suddenly you’re giving quiet luxury without trying too hard — the same way you feel when you follow our old money color palette guide.
Hot tip: Uniqlo and Aritzia make great ones. But if you find a vintage pair that fits? Grab them immediately and never look back.
Button-downs (but make it soft)
Crisp white shirts are fine. If you enjoy ironing and have a personality that naturally gravitates toward spreadsheets. Personally? I go for the softer kind. Oxford cotton. Poplin. Even linen if it’s summer and I’ve given up pretending to care.
I have a pale blue one that’s slightly oversized, and I swear it makes every outfit better. I wear it half-tucked into trousers, over midi skirts, or buttoned all the way up with little gold earrings and a top knot when I’m pretending to be That Girl.
Also: you do not need to dry clean every time. Air it out. Steam it while you’re showering. No one will know.
Knit tops that secretly feel like pajamas
Let’s normalize wearing sweaters to work and calling it fashion.
A fitted turtleneck? Always yes. A ribbed short-sleeve knit with high-waisted pants? Feels like cheating but looks chic. I live in a cream merino wool one that makes me feel like I read the Financial Times, even if I’m just catching up on emails with one eye open.
And if you’re building a capsule of go-to business casual outfits, knits are your MVPs. Easy to layer, comfy to sit in, and no buttons to fuss with after your third coffee.
Midi skirts that move with you
Sometimes you want to wear a skirt to work that isn’t giving “church on Sunday” vibes. The sweet spot is a midi that hits mid-calf, doesn’t cling weirdly, and moves when you walk — but not in a dramatic, blowing-in-the-wind way.
I have a navy bias-cut skirt I wear with everything: oversized knits, tucked-in tees, even blazers when I’m feeling extra. It’s elegant without being precious. Add flats or a low heel and you’re done.
And if you want that old money aesthetic? Try a wool mini with tights instead. It’s timeless but playful — like if your favorite professor also had a killer Pinterest board.
Business casual, but make it actually casual
If your office leans more laid-back — or you’re working hybrid and want to feel comfy but still pulled together — casual work outfits can absolutely still have polish.
Some combos that always work:
- Straight jeans, slouchy blazer, and flats you can actually walk in.
- A knit dress with tall boots and that one tote that makes you look extra capable.
- Cream jeans, a cozy tucked-in sweater, and slingbacks that somehow feel dressy but not too much.
- High-waisted trousers, a white tee you didn’t have to iron, and a trench you throw on so it looks like you planned this.
It’s all about proportion. If your pants are wide, keep the top neat. If your top is oversized, balance with something tailored on bottom. Add one “grown-up” accessory — earrings, watch, leather bag — and you’re golden.
I also love adding a silk scarf to the handle of my bag. It looks like I have a personality, even when I feel like a blank screen.
Shoes that don’t kill your feet by 3 p.m.
Let’s be honest — if you can’t walk a few blocks in them, they’re not practical for work. I like my work shoes to be cute and tolerable. These are my go-tos:
- Loafers — My suede pair makes me feel like an art history professor in the best way.
- Ballet flats — Perfect for desk to dinner. I love a square toe.
- Low block heels — Great for presentations or days you want to feel a little taller.
- Leather sneakers — Clean, minimal ones can work in creative offices. Just pair with sharp pieces up top.
No stilettos. Ever. This is not “Suits.” We are not walking the halls with purpose and a clipboard.
Layering pieces that pull everything together
This is where you fake polish, even if your outfit underneath is basically loungewear:
- Trench coat — Lightweight and breezy. Makes every outfit look Parisian-adjacent.
- Wool coat — If you don’t already own a camel or charcoal one, now’s the time.
- Longline cardigan — Great for less formal offices. Add a belt if you’re feeling fancy.
- Chore jacket — If your office is artsy or no one’s watching, this gives quiet cool.
All of these layers also work beautifully with our cozy fall outfits, just saying.
5 emergency “I overslept” outfits
Sometimes you have seven minutes to get out the door. These are my panic-proof outfits:
- Cream trousers + black tee + black flats
- Midi skirt + knit top + ankle boots
- Straight jeans + button-down + trench
- Knit dress + cardigan + slingbacks
- Dark denim + blazer + striped tee
I swear if you just pick neutral colors, toss your hair in a bun, and wear a structured coat, you’ll look like you chose to be minimal — not like you were cursing the snooze button fifteen minutes ago.
Final thought: even if it’s not that deep
I used to think I had to dress a certain way to be taken seriously at work. Now I know the best business casual outfits are the ones that feel like you — just with a little more polish, a little less hoodie.
You don’t need a closet full of “work clothes.” You just need a few great staples, some layering pieces, and a healthy rotation of outfits you don’t hate on a Monday morning.
And honestly? The real flex is looking like you got ready in five minutes and still pulled it off.
