If you’re making the transition from college to the real world, sometimes, finding an outfit that fits within the parameters of business casual can be tough, especially if your everyday wear is super casual.
Dressing for the workforce doesn’t require you to re-haul your entire wardrobe. The best place to start when you’re looking for that perfect business casual look is to buy a few simple pieces that are versatile and can be easily dressed up or down for any occasion.The secret to rocking business casual is finding outfits that are both realistic and comfortable.
Shirts
Your style will determine what kinds of tops work best for you and your body type. There are two simple ways to upgrade your shirt game.
Try to tuck in your shirt and cuff your sleeves. It’s a super easy way to polish up any look. Tucking in a shirt is great for either a fitted or a slightly oversized top. Plus, if your shirt’s oversized, tucking it in will give you another outfit option. Tucking in your shirt will give you shape and form without minimizing the rest of your outfit.
Bottoms
You absolutely cannot go wrong with black pants. Dark bottoms are slimming, so they flatter any body type. Since black is a neutral, it matches virtually anything. Opt for a tapered trouser or black denim. I guarantee that it will transform your outfit. A more form-fitting cut of black pant will polish your look and look effortlessly put-together.
If you are able to wear blue denim, go for a darker wash. Especially if you’ve been newly hired, and are not sure if jeans are too casual. Otherwise, a great way to still wear denim is to choose colored jeans!
Accessories
Sometimes, the best outfits are the ones where your accessories do all the work for you. Accessorizing can be as simple as wearing a simple outfit with a fun, bold scarf, statement jewelry, or belts. Scarves are great because they can either pull an outfit together or be a statement piece. Belts are great, especially if you tuck in your top because they effortlessly complete an outfit. Jewelry is another great way to spruce up an outfit. It can be soft and subtle or make a statement. Accessories can easily transform any outfit while making each pairing look new and stylish.
Shoes
If you’re looking for a cute pair of professional shoes, flats are an easy go-to. However, not everyone likes them because they can troublesome for your feet. Heels can be intimidating if you’re not used to them, so a good way to start is with a shoe that has a wedge. Your wedged shoe can even be a bootie or a sandal. A great, professional shoe option is Oxfords. Some styles of Oxford come with a slight wedge, so it’s nothing ridiculous. Oxfords are super sleek and come in a variety of finishes, from patent leather to suede. A loafer is another great alternative, and it doesn’t have to be as old fashioned as it sounds.
If you’re not sure where to start when you’re building your professional wardrobe, try checking the “wear to work” sections of your favorite stores. If the stores you usually visit don’t offer selections you like, you can try Loft, Old Navy, Express, and others. Browse Pinterest for inspiration, and see if you can utilize what you already have! You can add different accessories to dress up a casual outfit or opt for colored denim and a simple top. For an interview it’s always suggested to dress business casual. When you go in for the interview, be mindful of how the employees are dressed. It can be daunting at first, but once you find pieces that make you feel confident and are appropriate for your place of work, it gets much easier.
Featured image via Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash
