Women's Business Casual Clothing

Few things can send a woman into a panic like the topic of women’s business casual clothing. This is especially true for women who are used to a strict code of dress in the office. Here are some useful tips to help navigate this tricky terrain.

Women’s business casual clothing was not even in the lexicon until the 1990s. Before that time, women were told, both explicitly and implicitly, that the only way to get ahead in the business world was to dress like a man. That translated into power suits and unfortunately, linebacker-like shoulder pads.

And while times have changed, having more dress options in the work force has been something of a mixed blessing. Yes, it’s true that the dress code has become more flexible, but this has also given rise to a younger set that thinks spaghetti straps are work appropriate. They are not. So, what should one wear? Think professional, but approachable, and consider some of the following options:

Work dresses, from sheaths to jersey materials are a great way to tackle the business casual dilemma. Not only do they provide a certain level of decorum that is much needed in the office environment, but they can be dressed up or down depending on the situation.

They also allow you to play with color, something your go-to grey business suit can’t claim. It is possible to wear a sheath with a matching jacket, but if you are on your lunch hour, and running downstairs for a cup of coffee, it’s perfectly acceptable to go without it. Here are the rules to looking great in this type of business wear:

• Skip Low Necklines: If the neckline is low, it is not work appropriate. Not only will you look conspicuously out of place, but your colleagues may gossip about your choice of dress. Remember, people should be talking about all the great work you do, not your style of dress.

• Hemlines Hit the Knee: This is a no brainer, but you’d be amazed at the amount of miniskirts that make it into the office. The hemline should hit at the knee, or just above it - nothing shorter.

A twin set or a cardigan is a wonderful dress option that works perfectly in lieu of a structured jacket. The more professional of the two is the twin set because it usually coordinates and looks fresh and crisp, but a pretty cardigan (you might even consider belting it with a thin strap) can work as well. Here’s what you need to know:

• Appropriate Neckline: Again, the neckline on a sweater set needs to be appropriate. If the man selling you coffee is riveted by your bust line, then it’s not.

• Monitor the Use of Patterns: Jarring patterns need to be evaluated on a case by case basis. An occasional argyle pattern is not out of the question, but appliqués and the like are better served at Thanksgiving dinner.

Notice the term "trousers" not pants. It is better to wear trousers to work than khaki pants, however, it really does depends on your line of employment. This also applies to capris. Luckily, there are capri trouser pants on the market, and these look professional and summer appropriate. Some rules?

• Jacket Required: Keep the look streamlined by pairing it with a matching jacket.

• Shoes: Wear shoes that have an appropriate heel for your height, so that you don’t end up looking like you’re walking on stilts. If you feel even the slightest bit wobbly, switch to a lower heel. With capris, think of wearing a wedge heel, as opposed to a stiletto.

Speaking of shoes, a few folks out there may not know this, so it’s worth mentioning. Many companies today have a dress code policy that also includes shoes. Often cited as a safety precaution, many open-toe shoes and flip flops are not allowed in the office. The best thing to do is to review your company’s dress code policy; the rule for shoes will be in there.

Another great way to decipher what is business causal appropriate is to take your dress cues from a supervisor, not your colleagues. You always want to mirror your supervisor in terms of dress because it may make a difference between you getting promoted, or a colleague.

Women’s business casual clothing has evolved over the years, but some rules have remained intact, the most important of which is to always look professional, approachable and friendly. Another great rule? When in doubt, don’t. If you are of two minds about that sleeveless wrap shirt, take it off and choose another outfit. Work is hard enough without having to worry about your clothes; follow this tip, and you’ll always look great!

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