Firstly, a full business suit with a jacket - is optional. Women’s work wear is easier in this regard
than men’s: a woman’s business suit can more easily be dressed up or down. You can still look
business-like in a full suit without looking too formal by teaming the suit with a dressed down
top and relaxed accessories. Alternatively, you can wear the skirt or trousers of the suit with a
smarter top but no jacket and still be very much ‘business casual’.
Secondly, there is the fact that ‘business casual’ opens up far more possibilities than formal
office attire. With ‘business casual’, skirts or trousers are fine; sweaters and blouses with no
jackets are fine – even smart T-shirts can make the grade; no hosiery with skirts is fine, etc.
There are less rules about what must be worn, which gives you more scope to be creative in
your dressing, but the golden rule here is to always look smart and professional, and pull together
the look with accessories.
Finally, while ‘business casual’ allows more freedom than strictly formal suited business attire,
there are still definitely no-go areas. In 99% of companies, trainers and denim are only for dressdown
days, when truly casual clothes are allowed, not ‘business casual’. Similarly, any rips, tears
or distressed garments are frowned upon, as are clothes that are too revealing.
Follow those basic three guidelines (optional full suit; mix and match your outfits while staying
smart; remember what is off-limits) and you are far more likely to be safely ‘business casual’.
Another way to help you navigate the ‘business casual’ world is by bookmarking VGOFashion.com;
this fashion online shop has a huge range of mix and match separates, both apparel and
accessories, that fall within the smart but stylish remit.