You don’t have to sacrifice style to be professional! With the right group of items, you can master the elusive business casual look. From stylishly relaxed trousers to polished open-weave collars, this lookbook will get you on the path to creating professional and sophisticated outfits with a relaxed touch. In just a few easy steps, you’ll be ready to bring a new energy to your office wardrobe. Read on to learn more about what it takes to master business casual.
1. Achieving the Perfect Business Casual Look
Business casual attire has become the look of choice for many offices in the modern working world. Although the style provides more freedom than strict corporate apparel, can still be a challenge. Here are some tips for nailing the look.
- Know the Dress Code: Some companies have specific rules, and breaking the dress code could get you in hot water. Familiarize yourself with the rules and requirements, and you’ll be sure to look the part.
- Listen to the Details: Even if the dress code is relaxed, note the context. How formal is the event? Will you be making presentations or just attending them? Smartly dressed means taking cues from the situation.
- Choose Quality: A good-looking outfit isn’t necessarily the most expensive, but buying quality pieces will help you maintain a polished look and project an image of success.
- Accessorize Wisely: The trick is to enhance the look, not overpower it. Choose jewelry, scarves, ties, and watches that won’t draw too much attention.
- Fit Makes the Look: The right size matters in clothing, in both fit and styles—it’s a way of communicating that you take your work seriously and are a professional. While it might be tempting to ignore the tailor’s advice and go for a bargain, the long-term costs in terms of your professional image may be greater.
Achieving a great business casual look is not rocket science, but it’s still an art. A few well-chosen pieces, plus an understanding of workplace attire for any occasion, will help you get dressed for success.
Layering basics gives you flexibility and allows you to mix and match items for a classic, polished look. Invest in neutral tones and be sure to accessorize in a way that won’t detract from the rest of your ensemble.
No matter what items you choose for your business casual wardrobe, ensure that you always dress the right way for the job. You don’t want your look to detract from your professionalism in the workplace, and you want to make sure you’re walking with confidence.
2. Unlocking Professionalism with A Relaxed Touch
You may think enhancing professionalism means putting in more pressure and explicitly asserting status. But it may come as a surprise that having a sense of levity and relaxation is actually the hallmark of professionalism. Keeping an informal, light touch can not only make you more inviting and memorable but also cultivate trust and establish a culture of active collaboration and communication. Here are a few ways to unlock professionalism with a relaxed touch.
- Talk openly and honestly to colleagues and customers. Rather than interpreting expressions as confrontational, engage in dialogues with the aim of understanding and clarifying. A collaborative atmosphere can go a long way in terms of smoothing out relationships.
- Let go of that stiff, aloof attitude. Acknowledging a joke or comment—even if it’s directed at you—can be interpreted as an expression of openness and goodwill.
- Avoid taking yourself too seriously. There’s nothing wrong with dying down the intensity at times, watching a funny video, or engaging in light-hearted banter. These activities can serve as stress-relievers, which can improve concentration and overall performance.
Think Camaraderie. Not Competition
Commiserating with your peers isn’t a sign of weakness. Rather, it can enhance morale and create an atmosphere of inclusivity. Make sure your interpersonal interactions are genuine, not forced or contrived. People are more likely to take you seriously when you demonstrate an informed, relatable side.
Go the Extra Mile
Your conduct at work can set a powerful example about how to treat other people. Being cordial and giving compliments can solidify your reputation as a professional and reliable team member. Demonstrate that you can offer more than what’s required of you, and it’ll show that you’re invested in your job. Taking the initiative and going the extra mile can open up a world of possibilities while establishing credibility.
3. A Guide to Polished Outfit Combinations
When it comes to perfecting the art of polished outfits, all it takes is understanding the fundamentals and a few smart tricks. To keep things simple, start by drawing up a style anchor, like an item of clothing you already have that you know you look and feel good in. A staple item, like a favourite pair of denims, a bomber jacket or a well tailored cape, can begin to build out a look for any occasion.
Once you have your look’s heart, build out a selection of items around it that are versatile and make the most of the existing colour palette. A button down blouse, tapered trousers and some low-heeled loafers can take the outfit up a notch for a professional situation. When offduty, a t-shirt, pullover and some kick-flare trousers, cinched in with a skinny belt, can give you a perfectly effortless but pulled together look.
- Emphasise the fit of the pieces you choose: tailoring will always maximise the elegance and give you the put together look.
- Don’t be afraid to play with texture: silks, linens and chunky knits are universal classics that pair beautifully together and exude style.
- Break up a look using light accessories, such as a scarf, either draped around the neck or applied as a belt together with a pair of sunnies and a braided bag will do the trick.
- Switch up colour combinations, like navy, mustard and brown, olive and brick red or navy, white, and burgundy.
No matter what the weather brings, layering up or down is the key. Even for the warmest days adding a linen blazer can give you the polished off look you’re after. In cooler temperatures, balance heavier pieces with lightweight ones: a chunky knit cardigan and a maxi skirt will look chic and on-trend.
If you don’t have the time to think about how to put together an outfit, establish a wardrobe full of go-to statement pieces that are seasonless and timeless – the white shirt, blue jeans combination will never let you down!
4. Styling with Casual Extras for a Put-Together Look
Sometimes it takes more than just a cute outfit to look truly “put-together”. The right casual extras can be a great way to step up your style game and give your look that extra something. Here are four easy-to-add items that will help your outfit stand out:
- Beanies. beanies are an essential fall and winter accessory. A classic black beanie with a neutral-tone scarf can add a stylish touch to a jeans-and-T-shirt combo.
- Fanny packs. An 80s-inspired fanny pack can really make a statement and add a playful touch to your outfit. Pick a patterned or brightly-colored one for maximum effect.
- Statement jewelry. Statement jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets are an easy way to add some sparkle to an understated outfit. Choose a few pieces that go with different looks.
- Bold sunglasses. A trendy pair of sunglasses can make even the simplest of outfits look expensive and put-together. Try out a fun shape or a pair with a unique color.
These extra items can be great way to add some personality to your look. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things – you might find a signature style that perfectly represents your sense of fashion.
Accessories should never be an afterthought. Whether you are dressing up or down, casual accessories can really help to take your outfit to the next level. Have fun with it and make your outfit uniquely yours by adding a few chic extras!
5. Unleashing Your Inner Professionista with the Business Casual Lookbook
In the world of business, there’s nothing more important than ensuring that you look professional at all times. In the corporate world, a person’s appearance speaks volumes, and making sure that your look matches the demands of the office can be difficult. But with the right combination of apparel, you can put your best foot forward while still looking your best.
The business casual look is perfect for any workplace, and can be combined in countless ways to create a timeless, classic professional aesthetic. To help you put together the perfect getup, we’ve put together a business casual lookbook with five different business casual outfit combinations.
1. Neutral Cool. Put together an easy, put-together look with a pair of black trousers, a white shirt, a navy blazer, and brown oxfords. Accent with a simple leather briefcase and a suede belt.
2. Colour Pop. Stand apart from the crowd with a pair of electric blue trousers, a crisp white shirt, a tailored grey jacket, and some eye-catching patterned loafers. To accessorize, opt for a bold, bright red belt and a classic black leather bag.
3. Classic Retro. Relive the glory days with a timelessly cool combination of a tweed blazer, a cream shirt, some slim navy chinos, and brown brogues. Carry your essentials in an aged leather satchel to complete the vintage look.
4. Professional Prints. Make a statement with a sophisticated take on patterned separates. Try a printed olive shirt, dark brown slacks, a navy blue blazer, and brown suede loafers. Accessorize with a black and tan messenger bag and an old-school snake-skin print belt.
5. Modern Prep. Make an elegant impression with a fresh take on the classic preppy style. Put together a white and navy striped shirt, some slim chinos, a luxe wool blazer, and an eye-catching pair of tasselled loafers. Carry your documents in a sleek brown leather bag.
With all these on-trend looks, you’ll be sure to make a lasting impression in the office. So grab your favourite combination and get ready to unleash your inner professionsita today!
Remember – feeling confident in the office can help you own the room and show off your unique style. With the right pieces and styling tips, you can create the perfect business casual look that meets all of your professional needs while still maintaining a relaxed look. Remember to stay true to you and your individual sense of style, and you will be looking sharp and on top of your game in no time.
