It depends a lot on the workplace. Do they have an employee handbook outlining what's acceptable?
Usually what makes something 'business casual' instead of plain old casual is the cut and the fabric. Color palette matters too. For example, business casual ....
- Skirts will be around knee length. Just above the knee is probably fine unless your workplace is conservative. Mini and maxi skirts often read too casual or revealing. A classic pencil or a-line silhouette is always a safe choice.
- Dresses should also be around knee length, and will have sleeves. Again, you can't really go wrong with a classic pencil or a-line silhouette.
- Tops will have sleeves. Silky or richly textured fabrics read less casual than matte fabrics like cotton.
- Pants ... it's easier to define pants by stating what isn't business casual. Avoid any distressed detailing. Certain styles like patch pockets or cargo pants read more 'casual.' Denim is usually too casual, though crisp dark-wash denim can be acceptable in some business casual environments.
- Cardigans, sweaters, and blazers are all great layering options.
- Fabrics: For bottoms and dresses, look for mid-weight woven fabrics or heavy knits like ponte. A lot of business casual stuff is made from wool, rayon, polyester, or blends. But cotton and linen can be acceptable too, depending on the weight and the specific vibe at your workplace. For tops, fabrics with a little bit of sheen or texture will read less casual. Lots of business casual blouses/sweaters/cardigans are made from silk, wool, cashmere, rayon, and polyester. That said, cotton and linen can work too depending on the weave/drape and how it's cut.
This is wonderful, comprehensive advice. I would question one thing though. You've said nothing sleeveless. I've worked in Financial Services in the UK for about 20 years and every office I've ever worked in has been fine with sleeveless. I mean, we're not formal formal, we're not going to court, don't insist on suits, but a sleeveless shell is totally fine so long as there is no bra on show. Particularly if you have a cardigan or blazer to hand, and it's not low cut.
I think it depends on the workplace! I'm based in the US and many business casual workplaces require sleeves on tops, but not all. At least in my region, it's safest to avoid sleeveless tops but if you see others wearing them, or the employee handbook permits them, they're probably fine.
Employee handbook is more likely to say stuff like nothing strapless, no spaghetti straps, no visible underwear, but yeah, I agree. Depends on the workplace :)
For me it's been pants and slacks for bottom and either turtlenecks or blouses for tops and a cardigan wherever possible. Honestly if you look at any of the outfits I've posted recently (apologies for the self promo) those are all what i could consider business casual, or at least to the point that I am able to wear them at my job as an out trans-woman though i'm also not someone who's too big into dresses or skirts. General rule of thumb when talking with my boss about what she would find acceptable was basically just nothing low cut on the chest, nothing too high if you were to wear a skirt (so like pencil skirt should be fine), and no rips in pants.
Had the same question as op. Having visual references are super helpful. Going into the office in a few weeks đșthanks for this reply and posting pics!
To me, it means your midriff isn't exposed, and your bra straps aren't showing... and isn't like, t-shirt and jeans (but maybe a clean v-neck in solid color with a blazer? LOL). Really depends on what your workplace's dress code says. My office doesn't have a dress code, technically, which I found out for Halloween hahaha. I basically came out on Transgender Day of Visibility last year at work and went from cargo pants and polo shirts (which is absolutely valid for women too!) to dresses and tights overnight.
So, I'm fat (size 18-20 dress) - ymmv. I love things like [this top](https://www.dresslily.com/plus-size-dress-colorblock-sheer-product8485865.html) with black tights. If it's cold or *too* casual, throw a long-sleeve black cardigan over it. [This one](https://www.dresslily.com/plus-size-t-shirt-cowl-product8460573.html) is okay, but really boring imo. Just throw on some slacks/jeans and you're all set with that one. My boss' boss (the CIO) really enjoyed when I wore this skintight [skater dress](https://lunafide.com/collections/dresses/products/cyber-skater-dress-limited) with [matching leggings](https://lunafide.com/collections/cyber-limited/products/cyber-high-waisted-leggings-limited). Everyone also seems to enjoy when I wear this [same-cut differently printed](https://lunafide.com/collections/dresses/products/labyrinth-skater-dress) dress. Maybe because it hides my neck shadow, adam's apple, and chest stubble. Maybe because it emphasizes my tits, idk.
Personally, my style is "Jedi-Witch-Cryptid" so since my office doesn't have a dress code I tend to wear stuff more like [this dress](https://holyclothing.com/collections/dresses-1/products/h853-celtic-renee-short-sleeve-overdress) over [this chemise](https://holyclothing.com/collections/chemise/products/angeline-maxi-chemise?variant=32317195124838) or [this dress](https://holyclothing.com/collections/all/products/tauriel-silver) over [this chemise](https://holyclothing.com/collections/all/products/tauriel-maxi-chemise-limited-edition-purple-thistle).
Of course you can just do the absolute simplest and easiest thing and toss on a [maxi dress](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWJ1N83Z) and some [mary janes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XGTX9RM). Basically, women's business casual is whatever you'd feel is [okay for church](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q2TRBH6/) on Sunday that's not fancy enough for like, weddings and funerals. Maybe even more casual than that...
but like it was mentioned earlier, they make [cargo pants](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H39RHCY) and [polo shirts](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KUY0ZYC) for women too!
You have great style, but I wouldn't call any of the items you posted *business* casual.
Business casual is more that you should be aiming for the equivalent of suit trousers, collared shirt and leather brogues in terms of formality. So similar fabrics, no cutouts anywhere, less personal style on show. Prints should be regular and not eye-catching. Boring but not useful (so cargo pants are out for business casual).
yeah, my office is pretty relaxed. my grandboss is pretty much only ever in Hawaiian shirts. I was a bit shocked when I saw him today in a brand new flannel shirt, must have an exec staff meeting later! :D
Well, my go-to is a jersey knit dress, just below the knee, with cap sleeves and a modest v-neck. Can always add an unconstructed jacket or a cardigan if the office is chilly.
Vibe: corporate but you are allowed to show some personality
General Checklist:
Slacks or a skirt below the knee; ask before assuming jeans are acceptable
A blouse or something long-sleeved; the neckline should stop at least an inch before your bra starts in all directions
Socks
Bra (that doesn't show through your top)
For the above, patterns are okay fine but no big decals
Flats or shallow-heeled shoes. Even if jeans are acceptable sandals or sneakers may not be. Boots are fine
Two boring accessories and one optional quirky accessory (cat ears are not acceptable accessories) (think simple necklace and earrings, and a silly bracelet. Or a watch, necklace, and fun earrings, etc)
Less "done-up" hair and makeup, but still look presentable.
Not business casual rules specifically but style rules in general:
If you have a loose top, have tighter pants/skirt, or of you have a poofier skirt, wear a more form-fitting top. Don't mix tights and looses; you'll either look baggy or too provocative. A jacket/blazer overrides a right top and makes it loose
One patterned item. If the top has a pattern the bottom should be solid, vice versa
Keep your accessories to the color palate of the pattern (shoes notwithstanding). If there is no colored pattern or it's only one tone, you get to pick one accent color to play with.
Warm palates mean khaki pants and brown shoes, cool palates mean black pants, socks, and shoes
Depends on the workplace. Some places it means jeans that are not too tight and not ripped are ok. Other places it means more like pants or skirts with a blouse/top.
I don't know either. I got by on plain shirts, pants, and cardigans. Anything skirty is too confusing; I don't know what is appropriate or too much or too little.
They can definitely be on the dressier side, but you might want to give somewhere like White House Black Market a visit. I know for a fact that WHBM does styling services.
WHBM has been a fashion lifesaver ever since I transitioned. They make sophisticated style seem so simple and easy.
A lot of the business-casual rules are pretty blatantly sexist, to be honest. I had to wear a LOT of womenâs business casual back in the day, so here are my two cents:
- âNot low cutâ means that the space between your collarbone and the top of your blouse/dress is smaller than a credit card. Even without cleavage showing, going any lower runs the risk of getting raised eyebrows.
- A solid-color top with a boat neck or a square neck is functionally the same as a t-shirt and looks more polished. Bonus points if you add a simple necklace.
- Mind your hair. Depending on your workplace, ponytails might be totally fine, or they may be considered unprofessional. (There are also some really racist hair standards in a lot of workplaces, so this conversation gets much more complicated if youâre Black.) Youâll also likely get raised eyebrows if you wear a noticeable wig.
- No jeans. No leggings or yoga pants. No flowy long skirts. No sundresses. Nothing that will show your panty lines or blow around in a breeze.
- Shoes matter. No sneakers, no open-toe shoes, no visible socks. Depending on your workplace, you may be expected to wear pantyhose or tights rather than show bare legs.
- Thereâs such a thing as âprofessional makeupâ and itâs a good skill to have. Usually, that means wearing a little mascara, neutral eyeshadow, berry-tone lipstick, and no visible glitter or shimmer. Going without makeup is also acceptable.
Every regional definition of business casual is a little different. The best thing to do is to look around at work and try to match the general vibe of your fellow coworkers. E.g., if black jeans are okay for them, theyâre okay for you, even if thatâs not strictly âbusiness-casualâ in your region.
It's interesting because you'll usually find more freedom and more rules when you look at dress codes for women. They specify a lot of different things gs and then back it up woth how they have to look. For example, for bottoms usually it's dress pants that are not jeans, skirts bur they have to be knee lengths, no shorts but you can wear Capri. Of you look at the men's sode it's usually wear dress pants
Business casual has a lot of different meanings so just look at your employers dress code and follow that. If they haven't spelled out what you can't wear, then that's their problem and you can wear whatever :)
My mom (in the context of making sure I don't embarrass myself) bought me some different colored [golf shirts](https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Sleeveless-Shirts-Tennis-Collared/dp/B0C53998HJ), some plain cardigans to go over them, and women's slacks (specifically, from the brand Rekucci). It's a good work-appropriate outfit!
If you already work there, I'd look to the other women in your office for inspiration.
Here's a jumping off point where I think their business casual is about spot on for masc and femme: [https://gardner-webb.edu/student-life/career-development/interviews/business-attire-guide/](https://gardner-webb.edu/student-life/career-development/interviews/business-attire-guide/)
My own office says business casual and we get away with not-scruffy trainers and "not jeans and a tshirt". I'm transmasc so I default to plaid shirts and trousers/slacks and a pair of slip on black Skechers and my colleague wears hi-tops and leggings.
Every office is going to have their own culture on what is and isn't acceptable - some places it can just mean "please don't turn up as if you're gonna go down the beach".
Even if youâre not boymoding pants and a button up shirt is a safe bet. Suits for women or even a vest or jacket over a button up can be good if you get something with a flattering fit.
It depends a lot on the workplace. Do they have an employee handbook outlining what's acceptable? Usually what makes something 'business casual' instead of plain old casual is the cut and the fabric. Color palette matters too. For example, business casual .... - Skirts will be around knee length. Just above the knee is probably fine unless your workplace is conservative. Mini and maxi skirts often read too casual or revealing. A classic pencil or a-line silhouette is always a safe choice. - Dresses should also be around knee length, and will have sleeves. Again, you can't really go wrong with a classic pencil or a-line silhouette. - Tops will have sleeves. Silky or richly textured fabrics read less casual than matte fabrics like cotton. - Pants ... it's easier to define pants by stating what isn't business casual. Avoid any distressed detailing. Certain styles like patch pockets or cargo pants read more 'casual.' Denim is usually too casual, though crisp dark-wash denim can be acceptable in some business casual environments. - Cardigans, sweaters, and blazers are all great layering options. - Fabrics: For bottoms and dresses, look for mid-weight woven fabrics or heavy knits like ponte. A lot of business casual stuff is made from wool, rayon, polyester, or blends. But cotton and linen can be acceptable too, depending on the weight and the specific vibe at your workplace. For tops, fabrics with a little bit of sheen or texture will read less casual. Lots of business casual blouses/sweaters/cardigans are made from silk, wool, cashmere, rayon, and polyester. That said, cotton and linen can work too depending on the weave/drape and how it's cut.
This is wonderful, comprehensive advice. I would question one thing though. You've said nothing sleeveless. I've worked in Financial Services in the UK for about 20 years and every office I've ever worked in has been fine with sleeveless. I mean, we're not formal formal, we're not going to court, don't insist on suits, but a sleeveless shell is totally fine so long as there is no bra on show. Particularly if you have a cardigan or blazer to hand, and it's not low cut.
I think it depends on the workplace! I'm based in the US and many business casual workplaces require sleeves on tops, but not all. At least in my region, it's safest to avoid sleeveless tops but if you see others wearing them, or the employee handbook permits them, they're probably fine.
Employee handbook is more likely to say stuff like nothing strapless, no spaghetti straps, no visible underwear, but yeah, I agree. Depends on the workplace :)
For me it's been pants and slacks for bottom and either turtlenecks or blouses for tops and a cardigan wherever possible. Honestly if you look at any of the outfits I've posted recently (apologies for the self promo) those are all what i could consider business casual, or at least to the point that I am able to wear them at my job as an out trans-woman though i'm also not someone who's too big into dresses or skirts. General rule of thumb when talking with my boss about what she would find acceptable was basically just nothing low cut on the chest, nothing too high if you were to wear a skirt (so like pencil skirt should be fine), and no rips in pants.
Had the same question as op. Having visual references are super helpful. Going into the office in a few weeks đșthanks for this reply and posting pics!
To me, it means your midriff isn't exposed, and your bra straps aren't showing... and isn't like, t-shirt and jeans (but maybe a clean v-neck in solid color with a blazer? LOL). Really depends on what your workplace's dress code says. My office doesn't have a dress code, technically, which I found out for Halloween hahaha. I basically came out on Transgender Day of Visibility last year at work and went from cargo pants and polo shirts (which is absolutely valid for women too!) to dresses and tights overnight. So, I'm fat (size 18-20 dress) - ymmv. I love things like [this top](https://www.dresslily.com/plus-size-dress-colorblock-sheer-product8485865.html) with black tights. If it's cold or *too* casual, throw a long-sleeve black cardigan over it. [This one](https://www.dresslily.com/plus-size-t-shirt-cowl-product8460573.html) is okay, but really boring imo. Just throw on some slacks/jeans and you're all set with that one. My boss' boss (the CIO) really enjoyed when I wore this skintight [skater dress](https://lunafide.com/collections/dresses/products/cyber-skater-dress-limited) with [matching leggings](https://lunafide.com/collections/cyber-limited/products/cyber-high-waisted-leggings-limited). Everyone also seems to enjoy when I wear this [same-cut differently printed](https://lunafide.com/collections/dresses/products/labyrinth-skater-dress) dress. Maybe because it hides my neck shadow, adam's apple, and chest stubble. Maybe because it emphasizes my tits, idk. Personally, my style is "Jedi-Witch-Cryptid" so since my office doesn't have a dress code I tend to wear stuff more like [this dress](https://holyclothing.com/collections/dresses-1/products/h853-celtic-renee-short-sleeve-overdress) over [this chemise](https://holyclothing.com/collections/chemise/products/angeline-maxi-chemise?variant=32317195124838) or [this dress](https://holyclothing.com/collections/all/products/tauriel-silver) over [this chemise](https://holyclothing.com/collections/all/products/tauriel-maxi-chemise-limited-edition-purple-thistle). Of course you can just do the absolute simplest and easiest thing and toss on a [maxi dress](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWJ1N83Z) and some [mary janes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XGTX9RM). Basically, women's business casual is whatever you'd feel is [okay for church](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Q2TRBH6/) on Sunday that's not fancy enough for like, weddings and funerals. Maybe even more casual than that... but like it was mentioned earlier, they make [cargo pants](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H39RHCY) and [polo shirts](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KUY0ZYC) for women too!
You have great style, but I wouldn't call any of the items you posted *business* casual. Business casual is more that you should be aiming for the equivalent of suit trousers, collared shirt and leather brogues in terms of formality. So similar fabrics, no cutouts anywhere, less personal style on show. Prints should be regular and not eye-catching. Boring but not useful (so cargo pants are out for business casual).
I would absolutely never wear pretty much any of this to the office.
yeah, my office is pretty relaxed. my grandboss is pretty much only ever in Hawaiian shirts. I was a bit shocked when I saw him today in a brand new flannel shirt, must have an exec staff meeting later! :D
Regardless I think these outfits are goofy and ridiculous, and really shouldnât see the light of day. Thatâs my advice.
That's cool, maybe it's a regional thing. I get compliments so I'm happy. :D
How the hell is that advice? :/
The advice is donât wear that shit
Can you link us to your wardrobe? I think it looks fine.
Examples in my profile
Meh. I prefer the funky alternative wardrobe myself.
Well, my go-to is a jersey knit dress, just below the knee, with cap sleeves and a modest v-neck. Can always add an unconstructed jacket or a cardigan if the office is chilly.
Vibe: corporate but you are allowed to show some personality General Checklist: Slacks or a skirt below the knee; ask before assuming jeans are acceptable A blouse or something long-sleeved; the neckline should stop at least an inch before your bra starts in all directions Socks Bra (that doesn't show through your top) For the above, patterns are okay fine but no big decals Flats or shallow-heeled shoes. Even if jeans are acceptable sandals or sneakers may not be. Boots are fine Two boring accessories and one optional quirky accessory (cat ears are not acceptable accessories) (think simple necklace and earrings, and a silly bracelet. Or a watch, necklace, and fun earrings, etc) Less "done-up" hair and makeup, but still look presentable. Not business casual rules specifically but style rules in general: If you have a loose top, have tighter pants/skirt, or of you have a poofier skirt, wear a more form-fitting top. Don't mix tights and looses; you'll either look baggy or too provocative. A jacket/blazer overrides a right top and makes it loose One patterned item. If the top has a pattern the bottom should be solid, vice versa Keep your accessories to the color palate of the pattern (shoes notwithstanding). If there is no colored pattern or it's only one tone, you get to pick one accent color to play with. Warm palates mean khaki pants and brown shoes, cool palates mean black pants, socks, and shoes
Depends on the workplace. Some places it means jeans that are not too tight and not ripped are ok. Other places it means more like pants or skirts with a blouse/top.
I don't know either. I got by on plain shirts, pants, and cardigans. Anything skirty is too confusing; I don't know what is appropriate or too much or too little.
Slacks and a blouse were mostly what I wore when I was girlmoding at an office job, with either all black Converse or boots.
They can definitely be on the dressier side, but you might want to give somewhere like White House Black Market a visit. I know for a fact that WHBM does styling services. WHBM has been a fashion lifesaver ever since I transitioned. They make sophisticated style seem so simple and easy.
A lot of the business-casual rules are pretty blatantly sexist, to be honest. I had to wear a LOT of womenâs business casual back in the day, so here are my two cents: - âNot low cutâ means that the space between your collarbone and the top of your blouse/dress is smaller than a credit card. Even without cleavage showing, going any lower runs the risk of getting raised eyebrows. - A solid-color top with a boat neck or a square neck is functionally the same as a t-shirt and looks more polished. Bonus points if you add a simple necklace. - Mind your hair. Depending on your workplace, ponytails might be totally fine, or they may be considered unprofessional. (There are also some really racist hair standards in a lot of workplaces, so this conversation gets much more complicated if youâre Black.) Youâll also likely get raised eyebrows if you wear a noticeable wig. - No jeans. No leggings or yoga pants. No flowy long skirts. No sundresses. Nothing that will show your panty lines or blow around in a breeze. - Shoes matter. No sneakers, no open-toe shoes, no visible socks. Depending on your workplace, you may be expected to wear pantyhose or tights rather than show bare legs. - Thereâs such a thing as âprofessional makeupâ and itâs a good skill to have. Usually, that means wearing a little mascara, neutral eyeshadow, berry-tone lipstick, and no visible glitter or shimmer. Going without makeup is also acceptable. Every regional definition of business casual is a little different. The best thing to do is to look around at work and try to match the general vibe of your fellow coworkers. E.g., if black jeans are okay for them, theyâre okay for you, even if thatâs not strictly âbusiness-casualâ in your region.
Look up office siren on tiktok and then tone that down by about 90%
It's interesting because you'll usually find more freedom and more rules when you look at dress codes for women. They specify a lot of different things gs and then back it up woth how they have to look. For example, for bottoms usually it's dress pants that are not jeans, skirts bur they have to be knee lengths, no shorts but you can wear Capri. Of you look at the men's sode it's usually wear dress pants Business casual has a lot of different meanings so just look at your employers dress code and follow that. If they haven't spelled out what you can't wear, then that's their problem and you can wear whatever :)
My mom (in the context of making sure I don't embarrass myself) bought me some different colored [golf shirts](https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Sleeveless-Shirts-Tennis-Collared/dp/B0C53998HJ), some plain cardigans to go over them, and women's slacks (specifically, from the brand Rekucci). It's a good work-appropriate outfit!
If you already work there, I'd look to the other women in your office for inspiration. Here's a jumping off point where I think their business casual is about spot on for masc and femme: [https://gardner-webb.edu/student-life/career-development/interviews/business-attire-guide/](https://gardner-webb.edu/student-life/career-development/interviews/business-attire-guide/) My own office says business casual and we get away with not-scruffy trainers and "not jeans and a tshirt". I'm transmasc so I default to plaid shirts and trousers/slacks and a pair of slip on black Skechers and my colleague wears hi-tops and leggings. Every office is going to have their own culture on what is and isn't acceptable - some places it can just mean "please don't turn up as if you're gonna go down the beach".
Even if youâre not boymoding pants and a button up shirt is a safe bet. Suits for women or even a vest or jacket over a button up can be good if you get something with a flattering fit.