How to Wear Women's Business Casual Attire

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:WearWomenBusinessCasualAttire
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How to Wear Women's Business Casual Attire

Introduction

The shift from professional to business casual attire in the office is relaxing for men but can be a trap for women. Women have more clothing options available and therefore, more opportunities to confuse "business casual" with "too casual." The best way to build a business casual outfit for women is to start with professional attire and take just a few steps to ensure you don't make the wrong impression.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

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Step One

Wear a suit. Yes, a suit can be business casual for women and is a great beginning because it will help you maintain a hint of professionalism. Instead of the navy wool suit you usually wear, try a brushed cotton suit in powder blue. The jacket can be a more comfortable, boxy cut than your navy suit and hang open without buttons. The pants or skirt may be a little shorter than normal, with no cuffs or pleatsa?|maybe even an elastic waist. The color, cut and fabric of the suit are what will make it business casual as opposed to professional.
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Step Two

Dress up. A dress is an excellent business-casual element for women. Business casual is about looking professional while feeling a bit more comfortable, and a long, flowing dress does the trick. Choose a shirt-waist style dress with long or short sleeves or a long sheath. The casual element will be the color or pattern of the dress. If the dress is long enough, you may skip the nylons.
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Step Three

Don the khaki uniform. Follow the lead of the men in your office by wearing khaki pants, a golf shirt and loafers. Be sure the pants fit properly and the shirt is tucked in. This look will also work with a khaki skirt, as long as the skirt is long enough to be worn in the office.
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Step Four

Go a little shorter. Swap out those cuffed trousers you usually wear for some capri pants. Capris can be part of a business-casual look for women if they're not too tight or too short. Pair them with a casual jacket and a sleeveless button-down for a smart casual look.

Tips & Warnings

  • When in doubt, throw a suit jacket over it. A suit jacket can add an air of professionalism to any outfit.
  • Even on casual day, open-toe shoes are not proper for the office.
  • Business casual does not mean "bare all." Maintain the same standards as with professional attire with respect to how much skin you show in the office.
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