Women’s business casual – what’s the style about?

Women's business casual – what is it? What makes it special?

What does business casual mean? A balance between formality and casual nonchalance. That's how we would summarise this style. It's a great way to look professional without having to stick to the strict framework of a classic dress code. The business casual style has been in fashion since the 1950s. At that time, Hewlett-Packard employees were allowed to wear a more casual look on Fridays. In the 1990s, business casual outfits became very popular in American offices.

Classic business attire consists of strictly defined elements such as suits, skirts of a certain length and subdued colours, while women's business casual attire allows much more freedom in the choice of cuts, fabrics and accessories.

This style will allow you to create comfortable work outfits that will look elegant, but without being overly formal. What distinguishes this style are:

• high-quality materials,
• simple cuts,
• muted colours.

What kind of clothes are part of the business casual dress code?

If you want to build your business casual wardrobe, focus on a few key pieces that you can combine in many styles. Women's business casual should consist of:

• midi skirts - pencil or pleated skirts are perfect. Preferably in subdued colours or with a delicate pattern;
• cardigans and jumpers with a simple cut – elegant, without flashy patterns, made of high-quality materials such as wool or cashmere;
• jackets – a timeless piece of clothing, we recommend models in black, beige or grey;
• elegant trousers - chinos, cigarette trousers or trousers from a women's suit will beautifully emphasise the silhouette and professionalism of the outfit;
• classic shirts - a must-have in the wardrobe; don't just go for white models, but also black, pastel or delicate striped ones; they will work well in many outfits;
• elegant shoes – moccasins, ballet flats, ankle boots, Oxfords or high heels are a must-have in your wardrobe;
• dresses - simple knee-length dresses will keep you comfortable and allow you to create extremely feminine outfits; pencil dresses are also a good choice; just add fashionable accessories such as a handbag and high heels and your business casual outfit is ready.

What should you avoid in a business casual style?

Women's business casual is all about practicality and comfort. However, this does not mean that you can afford to be sloppy. What items of clothing should you avoid when creating business casual outfits?

• Exposed shoulders and navels.
• Flashy colours and patterns.
• Deep necklines.
• transparent materials,
• short skirts,
• sportswear such as tracksuits, sweatshirts and leggings.

What colours dominate business outfits?

Business outfits tend to be dominated by classic colours, but that doesn't mean they're boring. We've divided them into several groups.

Classic colour palette

Black - elegant, timeless, works in any situation.

Navy blue - softer than black, but equally professional.

Grey tones – from light to graphite shades. A great base for styling.

Neutral colours

Beige and ecru – add lightness, they are versatile enough to go well with other colours.

Browns and caramel – warm, stylish and trendy alternatives to black and navy blue.

Delicate pastels

Sky blue – especially popular for shirts and blouses.

Powder pink – subtle and elegant, gives the outfit a fresh look.

Sage green – trendy, but still subdued and professional.

Accessories in business casual style – which ones to choose?

Go for minimalism. In this case, less is more. Also pay attention to the decorations or size of the accessories. Choose a classic handbag made of natural leather – it can be a messenger bag, a briefcase or a hand-woven bag from Dragon Diffusion.

We have already mentioned footwear a little. It should be comfortable, but not too sporty. So choose ballet flats, loafers or moccasins, which will add elegance to your outfits. Avoid flip-flops, sandals or thongs - in this style, your toes should be covered.

Now it's time for jewellery. The best choice would be delicate necklaces, not too big earrings, thin bracelets and subtle rings. You can also invest in a good quality belt or scarf. All these seemingly invisible details will complete your look and make you stand out at every business meeting.

Business casual blazers– which one should you choose?

A blazer is an indispensable part of elegant outfits. No wonder – it has been a total must-have in every fashionable woman's wardrobe for several seasons. It works well in formal outfits, and for some time now, also in less formal and even sporty ones. Why is it worth investing in this piece of clothing? Because it is timeless and will transform any outfit, even the simplest, into a true fashion masterpiece. Go for a simple cut and muted, neutral colours - black or grey work best. You can pair such jackets with simple jeans, a classic small handbag and loafers or ballerina flats. Minimum effort, maximum effect. If you like a touch of extravagance, you can opt for models with delicate stripes. They will add a bit of freshness to classic outfits.

Business casual trousers – which styles should you choose?

In addition to the top half of your outfit, e.g. a shirt or blazer, you also need to have trousers. Suit trousers are a good choice – a classic that always works, especially in a formal look. Beige, black, dark blue, grey – choose your favourite colour. For business casual outfits, you can also wear cigarette trousers, chinos and fabric trousers.

It is generally accepted that the right length of the trouser leg should reach the top of the shoe. Trousers that are too long or too short are considered a fashion faux-pas. Only culottes are considered a variant of trousers and are acceptable.

What about jeans? Are they suitable for business casual? It depends. On the one hand, jeans are usually reserved for less formal looks, e.g. smart casual, but in many companies, they are considered a formal outfit on casual Fridays. We are all for it. However, remember to choose classic models – without holes or scuffs.

Business dresses – which one is the best?

One business dress in your wardrobe is a must-have. You will be grateful for it, especially when you don't have the time or inclination to think about and put together a formal-casual look. We recommend midi-length dresses that are simple in design, without unnecessary decorations, in a classic colour palette. They will beautifully emphasise your figure and add a touch of class. Choose from a classic colour palette – whites, beiges, browns, dark blues, greys and, of course, timeless black. You can also add a touch of pattern in the form of delicate flowers or polka dots.

Women's business casual in summer and winter

Business casual is suitable for both summer and winter. The most important thing is to adapt your outfit to the conditions outside, while maintaining the principles of business casual style. Outerwear will play an important role here.

In summer, avoid short-sleeved shirts – they are not very elegant and certainly do not add class. Choose airy shirts made of viscose – they will be equally comfortable and your image will not suffer.

In winter, business casual requires a warm coat – preferably wool. It is a very elegant piece of clothing that will go well with a women's suit, a midi skirt or cigarette trousers, and at the same time it is very functional – it will keep you warm when the temperature drops.

What occasions are business casual outfits suitable for?

Women's business casual outfits are suitable for any occasion that combines business with everyday life. They are a good choice:

• for work,
• for all kinds of conferences and industry events,
• for family celebrations,
• for meetings with your partner,
• during networking meetings,
• for job interviews.

Inspiration by S'portofino - business casual outfits

The combination of elegance and professionalism is a real challenge for women. The trick is to maintain your own style. What should a business casual outfit look like? We have prepared a handful of inspirations for you.

A simple sweater and chinos

If you want to create a comfortable outfit but don't want to wear jeans, chinos or palazzo trousers are a good option. To keep the outfit elegant, pair it with a classic cashmere or woolen sweater from the Allude collection. Classic colours - beige, white or black - work best.

Dress and blazer

A dress and a jacket are the basis of business casual and together they form the perfect outfit that will catch everyone's attention. You can combine a beige dress with a beige jacket to create a total look that will never let you down, or go for the timeless combination of black and white. Don't forget the accessories: a small, elegant handbag, delicate jewellery and classic high heels or ballerina flats and you have the recipe for a fashion masterpiece.

Oversized jacket and classic jeans

The simplest, fastest and most effective outfit if you don't have time to experiment but want to look elegant and professional. In classic business outfits, jeans are not the main element of the outfit, but they work very well in business casual style. Choose a jacket made of a good quality material, e.g. wool, and match it with classic straight-leg jeans. The basis of your outfit should be a classic T-shirt, preferably white or black. Add some fashionable accessories – an elegant leather belt, low-heeled pumps and a small handbag. Look for elegant suggestions that perfectly fit the business casual style in the Polo Ralph Lauren collection.

Women's business casual – summary

You know what women's business casual is and how to incorporate it into your wardrobe. The key to success is classic shirts, elegant trousers, well-cut jackets and midi skirts, which create a professional yet comfortable look. In business fashion, choose muted colours such as navy blue, grey, beige or pastels, which emphasise elegance and are easy to combine. On the other hand, avoid flashy shades, see-through materials and deep necklines to maintain a balance between style and dress code rules. Business casual is the art of combining classic with modern trends, so you will always look professional and stylish.