Business Casual - casual dress code for the office, Dress code for women

A skillful balancing act between business elegance and upscale leisure fashion: Read here how you can interpret business casual in a stylish manner and on which occasions the dress code is required.

What does business casual mean for women?

The business casual dress code requires a sure instinct: it moves on the border between elegant and casual. The challenge is to appear attractive and serious without being "overdressed". Depending on the employer and industry, the dress code leaves room for interpretation and individuality. With a classic blouse, combined with or without a blazer, plus pleated trousers or a narrow, knee-length skirt, you are on the safe side in many offices. The fashionable freedom of design is somewhat greater with business casual than with the classic, formal dress code Business Attire.

 DOS

• muted colors
• Pleated trousers or - somewhat looser - culottes
• colored blouses with subtle prints
• loose-fitting blazers
• straight skirts or dresses
• white sneakers, loafers, pumps
• in the hot season: blouses without blazers, 7/8 trousers

Don'ts

• light-colored jeans
• Sneakers
• T-shirts or sweatshirts
• Sandals, peep-toes or mules
• large shoulder bags, pouch bags or rucksacks
• Costume or complete pantsuit
• Cocktail dresses

Business casual: the right choice for travel and restaurants

Even if the occasion always helps determine what is allowed and what is not, the style is usually in demand at company lunches or on business trips. In both cases, on the one hand, the outfit should be comfortable enough so that it does not become too cramped after several hours on the plane or in the restaurant; on the other hand, it should look stylish and well-groomed on colleagues, superiors, and business partners. 

 
By the way: Business Casual is also meant when the invitation calls for “Day Formal”.

Business casual evergreens for every season

Well-dressed guaranteed: A simple blouse combined with a loose blazer and shortened pleated trousers or a narrow, knee-length skirt will almost always fit. When it's very hot, it can be a more airy blouse that fits loosely and is made of light materials such as poplin. Blouses with 3/4 sleeves are also not taboo in summer and ensure a chic appearance despite warm temperatures.

Pumps or loafers are a good choice for the evening business lunch, as uncomplicated travel footwear, we recommend (flat) Budapest shoes or lace-up shoes. Even well-groomed white leather sneakers are no longer taboo. If you're looking for something a bit more weatherproof, classic Chelsea boots are a great way to complete your outfit. In the cold season, instead of a blazer, you can choose a coat or pea jacket in an egg-shape cut - trend-conscious patterns such as glen check or other geometric weave structures are particularly attractive. Only very casual overcoats such as leather jackets or blousons should not be chosen for business-casual wardrobes. 

 

When choosing your blouse, you should always make sure that the neckline is not too deep and that the fabric is not see-through. For light-colored blouses, it is best to wear a skin-colored bra so that no underwear flashes through. If necessary, pull a top under very transparent tops. In addition, the blouse should not be too tight, as the buttons on the chest could otherwise pop open. 

  

Men's fashion for feminine elegance

A breath of fresh air for the business casual dress code

If you want to appear in business casual without looking too “tight”, the boyfriend trend is a way to skillfully walk a straight line. The designation is of course just a fashion term: oversized or long-cut blazers, as well as suit trousers in wide form, by no means come from the men's department, but are called because of their particularly original and feminine oversize effects.

Here, however, should be combined in a complementary way. An XL blazer goes well with graceful business trousers and narrow-cut skirts, while trousers in androgynous cut should rather be worn with a dainty blouse and a short jacket.

Outfit inspirations for the business casual dress code

Looks for color days

The shorter the days, the longer the jacket! You are well prepared for the cold winter months with a wool coat or trench coat. In a loose egg shape or with a more classic cut, a coat can upgrade the look from sporty to classy.

Tip: If you wear a skirt or dress, make sure that the hem of the coat is at least as long as that of the garment underneath.

Outfits for warmer days

In summer and on warmer days, it can sometimes get very warm in the office. In your business-casual outfit, make sure that the trousers you choose do not cover your ankles and that they are loose. Wide trousers made of light materials such as linen and cotton are perfect for hot days. Avoid blazers these days and wear more blouses.

 

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