YouLookFab Forum » Topic: A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:17:55 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Elly on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223673 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:31:10 +0000 Elly 1223673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My work place is challenging because I need to look professional (and being youngish doesn't help) but need to have clothes that stand up well to constant kneeling, washing, reaching and stretching and needing a great range of motion, occasionally being abraded by rough surfaces, and deal with climatic swings all while looking more polished than the wealthy retirees that take great pride in their appearance who come volunteer with me. Add in limited refined shoe options, limited jewelry, limited scarves, even limited belt buckles and a low budget. Since I wear black my buisness casual capsule that doesn't have to stand up to rigors was much easier to put together once I found pieces to fit. Anonymous on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223646 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 13:06:14 +0000 Anonymous 1223646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We're pretty casual at my office and I probably could get away with jeans nearly every day if I wanted, as long as the outfit was reasonably polished-looking. The thing is that I don't want to because I'm so much more of a skirt/dress person. I do like to wear jeans to work once in a while, though, so I can wear all the tops and shoes that don't really go with much else. I've kind of fallen into a thing where I sometimes wear jeans on Fridays, but not any other day. I'm actually not quite sure why. Some attempt at consistency, maybe? Or because fewer people are in the office, so people are less likely to notice me in an outfit that looks fine in the mirror, but feels borderline too-casual once I leave the house? I almost wish I could donate my everyday jeans-wearing option to a Fabber who'd appreciate it more and pull it off better! T on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223636 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 12:52:27 +0000 T 1223636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for understanding Angie! Jeans are allowed only on Fridays at my workplace, but Mon-Thurs the dresscode does veer towards business casual, unless I am conducting a training. It is so tough to figure out what to wear - when you don't want to be overdressed yet my personal style goals include preppy & sharp lines... In recent times I have got a lot of ideas & thoughts from this post as well the post where we featured Classy Cubicle blog as inspiration.  kkards on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223631 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 12:43:58 +0000 kkards 1223631@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Part of what drove me to YLF and kept me coming back, was the jeans issue. I'd go shopping,love something but be unsure how to style it, and the SA answer was also, it will look great with jeans. While, yes it would, but I can't wear jeans Monday- Friday. So not much help. But I also find great advice,helpful hints, and real life examples here. lyn67 on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223564 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 10:10:59 +0000 lyn67 1223564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My place is between smart casual and  business casual as well, but I simply don't do the blue jeans thing because I currently  don't own a pair decent and dressy enough to meet my own  estetics. BUT I do black jeans in winter and the white ones from spring-to fall, and also wear a few (no distressing) jean skirts all the time (ink, grey, red, and white) on which can't rave enough for versatility,  plus I have now a dressier chambray shirt, too-and so-I am able to satisfy my denim teeth at work:-). MsMary on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223517 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 05:27:07 +0000 MsMary 1223517@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No jeans at my workplace, ever.  We are supposedly business formal but that went by the wayside long ago.  The men do mostly wear coats and ties (though not always suits) but the women wear anything and everything -- except jeans!  I call the way I dress "business semi-formal" but I find I am getting more and more casual -- I even wear ankle pants to work these days!  But the one line I will not cross is "no denim at work."  And that includes chambray shirts, which I will admit is sometimes pretty painful!  LOL Golden on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223512 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 05:20:16 +0000 Golden 1223512@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I wish I had the luxury of wearing blue jeans every day. We can on Fridays but sometimes I would rather wear denim during the week, I would still dress up sometimes but oh to have the option... Ariadne on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223502 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 04:54:24 +0000 Ariadne 1223502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ So very true.  I work in a smart casual workplace (and the 'smart' modifier is pushing it).  Jeans with Converse and a basic pullover is totally acceptable.  I've seen people wear leggings and a chambray top, and our ED sometimes wears athletic shoes.  This is pretty typical for my field and my geographical region and I only think about it when I read threads like this.   I am definitely one of the dressiest people there, even in simple black pants and a silk-blend pullover sweater, or harem pants, RATE oxfords and a drapey tee.  Fine by me. I wear jeans all the time on my non-work days as a MOTG so I rarely wear denim to work.  I love the chance to wear my more delicate clothing. Janet on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223429 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 02:05:56 +0000 Janet 1223429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I feel lucky that I can wear whatever I want these days, as a self-employed artist. Anything goes! But I sure wish YLF had been around back in my office-wear days. Deborah on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223400 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 01:37:30 +0000 Deborah 1223400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting point Angie.  I have never had a dress code pointed out to me in my current job. Truly anything goes. I find it a little irritating at times because I love seeing people looking smart and professional in the work place:)  I could wear jeans daily for work, and many of our staff do (and in very casusal ensembles) but I just cannot bring myself to do that.  I have the occasional day where I either specifically feel like wearing jeans, or I know I have a day at my desk with no meetings etc and I take advantage of not being so 'dressed up".  After years of corporate work I have developed a  strong personal dress code for work irrespective of the organisation's guidelines and do tend to be the most dressy person in the office:)   Thinking about this post and the blog post, I am a little tempted to have a play and perhaps actually put together some jeans based outfits for work. Suz on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223388 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 01:21:35 +0000 Suz 1223388@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such a great discussion. Like Diana, I do not have a dress code. But at times that comes with its own challenges.  At home, of course, I wear whatever I want (and you have all seen how much denim that includes -- a lot!) But this week I am travelling for rare in-person business meetings. What to wear??? Here are the parameters: Bigger city than my home city. Fancy hotel. Fashion district location! Want to make a good impression on my (all younger) colleagues.  Meanwhile -- we're a start up company. Fitness oriented. Everyone works at home so is unused to "dressing up" and nobody is "corporate."  How to strike the right note?  It was a real dilemma. In the end, I did opt for denim, and was super glad I had the option -- especially since every single person in the room did in fact, wear jeans. There were different washes, different colours, different styles...but all denim.  I also wore my Reiss jacket and a silk blouse, and I think it was the right call. I looked fully professional while seated. "One of the gang" the minute I stood up. I do think being able to choose jeans made my life a lot easier. I really have no idea what I might have done if jeans were not really an option.  Sveta on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223386 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 01:21:10 +0000 Sveta 1223386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Most of the days I can wear whatever I want to work including jeans but I don't wear them everyday. I think I am closest to Aida where I wear jeans up to 2 times a week at the most and wear trousers, skirts and dresses for other days. I hated my school uniform, Angie! I think it was boring and ugly (brown dress and black apron for everyday and white apron for holidays and special events) but most of all I hated to wear the same outfit as everybody else every day! i remember in the last 2 years of school my mom made me a navy dress and I was much happier with it because it was different  :-) Diana on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223377 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 01:04:08 +0000 Diana 1223377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I might whine about the lack is style in lab on occasion but I am thankful every day that I have no dress code! I don't wear jeans every day like many lab rats but I would be lost without them! Carla on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223375 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:53:29 +0000 Carla 1223375@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting about the uniform. I wore a Black Watch plaid tunic with coloured turtle necks or mock T's, but formal events required the white turtleneck. Boys wore the Black Watch plaid jacket and grey trousers. Now I had two tone (light blue/navy) spectator lace ups that were quite swish! I don't do casual very often, but this year there have been some really bad weather days, when just getting to work was an adventure. Just the same, I wore my darkest wash jeans, best boots, and a sharp top. Jeans are for after work, and weekends. MRL on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223348 Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:06:53 +0000 MRL 1223348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My office is business casual, supposedly jeans on Friday only. However several people wear jeans all of the time. I could get awat\y with it, but choose not to, I enjoy dressing business casual and looking polished and professional. Even when I wear jeans, I like to dress them up for work. And I admit that I can justify buying more clothes this way! Jjsloane on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223340 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 23:52:21 +0000 Jjsloane 1223340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I always dress a bit dressier than everyone else. In the office it makes me feel more in charge to be dressed professionally so I make sure Mon-Thurs I wear a blazer always, suits for meeting days. Casual Friday allows me to use denim but I still don' t feel comfortable in the workplace in faded or distressed denim and without some structure like a jacket and heeled shoes/booties. I am always stunned at people who have similar jobs that look like they just rolled out of bed (ponytails, minimal makeup, flowy cheap knit tops and pants and comfort shoes - even flip flops!) Sorry. I guess I'm old school where you earn respect by acting and dressing in a respectful (professional?) manner.  Aida on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule/page/2#post-1223337 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 23:44:42 +0000 Aida 1223337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm always interested in seeing proper business casual capsules and looks! My own work dress code is nonexistent but I opt to dress on the spectrum from smart-casual to creative-business-casual. I usually wear "jeans" between 0-2 times a week, otherwise I'm in trousers, skirts, and the occasional dress. But I don't wear a lot of blue denim as it is, so that often means black or white denim with my blue flares coming in only on (the rather rare) dry spring/summer days. I'm still (oh-so-slowly) making the transition over to Team Trouser, but I have definitely noticed my work outfits decrease on the jeans front since adding more trousers and am quite happy for it. unfrumped on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223278 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 22:45:56 +0000 unfrumped 1223278@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, thanks! Yes, I should not moan, I have the power of the net, but with new brands and sizing uncertainties I often seize up before actually ordering because of the hassle of returning. But again, am trying to apply my stricter criteria also and look for specific features--does that sweater look like it will fall to here, like this, so it would work with x items. Don't you love it when a video clip is included? I feel I can tell a lot more about it that way--movement and drape. Angie on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223264 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 22:33:42 +0000 Angie 1223264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There you go, Caro. Exactly. And harem pants are magical.  Unfrumped, you have virtually all US retailers available to you online - no? I think you're doing great, FWIW.  Caro in Oz on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223257 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 22:16:40 +0000 Caro in Oz 1223257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Interesting Angie. You've explained why I tend not to wear my dressier pants. They are mostly too dressy for my daily life, since I retired. Jeans allow me to wear my jackets & dressier tops but still look more casual. That's why I LOVE my harem pants too - they are a great change from jeans l unfrumped on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223254 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 22:13:08 +0000 unfrumped 1223254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh--and the other thing I like about your capsules, Angie--they are   very strict capsules where every item goes with every other. On one hand, it was frustrating--because of proportions and footwear, and not having as many retail options,  it seems hard for me to make such tight capsules.  So, okay I have 3 tops and 3 bottoms and these 2 work with one, and this one works with 3, but 3 x3? Can be very hard. (And hmm, a certain relative deficiency of styling vision and talent might be playing a role, ha!) But OTOH, it gives me a benchmark of what could be possible, and I could start to see what features an item would have to have  to mix more ways, or the limitations of certain items, and did I want to deal with that.   I do want my items to be more versatile. Yes, I'm okay with my loose overlapping capsule type approach, and some stand-alone outfits, but over time I realized  I feel more satisfied when something is versatile and can be matched up easily without agonizing over this or that proportion, so  I'm really trying to be more critical and require more of new items. Neel on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223223 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 20:56:32 +0000 Neel 1223223@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No more jeans for this girl! I am a super casual laid back dresser and it suits my lifestyle. Yep, jeans are undeniably the best thing ever invented .... But I love how crisp a trouser or a smart skirt looks. And I am only adding those to my closet and sticking to my fashion resolve for 2014. Hopefully by the end of this year I will have a good dose of smart casual and super casual in my wardrobe. For now I don't have a job that dictates rules to me .... Only two messy kids :). Now that's freedom! I will enjoy it while it lasts. catgirl on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223219 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 20:49:32 +0000 catgirl 1223219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Er, yes. So very true. Thistle on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223218 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 20:48:33 +0000 Thistle 1223218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ There is no policy here on colored denim, per se.  I have "gotten away" with white jeans during the week, but they were Ralph Lauren's that really looked like trousers. And with white bottoms, the material has to be thicker. Angie on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223211 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 20:40:28 +0000 Angie 1223211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Shannon, and there's that slippery slope again. That's too bad. Oh well. At least you can wear coloured jeans, white jeans and black jeans to work. And high five. I find biz casual dress codes highly appropriate in most settings - just like you.  Emily, I'm glad you've made biz casual work so frequently in the week.  Emily on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223208 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 20:36:24 +0000 Emily 1223208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've become pretty comfortable with business casual at my office, to be honest.  The way people interpret the dress code is wildly variable, but generally collared shirts are preferred for men with jeans and tees allowed on Fridays.  Occasionally we have full weeks (or months) of casual dress, though, and then I am challenged, especially in summer!  I've built a wardrobe that supports 3 or 4 casual days, per week not 7. Transcona Shannon on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223205 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 20:30:10 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1223205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Jeans definitely make a business casual capsule easier - maybe too easy in fact! My new employer recently decided to give Casual Friday a go but it had to be dark wash, trouser style jeans - no fading, distressing, rips, etc. They basically had to be jeans that could pass as actual trousers. But after just a couple of weeks, it will not be continuing due to the "slippery slope" you speak of. We are however allowed to wear colored denim (like my burgundy skinnies) and white denim - but again, absolutely no distressing. I'm happy with that and personally speaking, I find it more appropriate. Angie on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223190 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 19:56:15 +0000 Angie 1223190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That's fascinating, JAileen. (I do think school uniforms are best when they are more regimented - not half baked like "any khakis and black top" - if you know what I mean).  JAileen on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223185 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 19:49:20 +0000 JAileen 1223185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie, some of our public schools are bringing back uniforms, but I think they're horrible looking! At one school it is any kind if pants as long as they're khaki colored, and a black nylon collared shirt with turquoise panels under the arms. I worked for a company that had Casual Friday, but didn't allow blue jeans. It made no sense to me. We were in the intermountain west. Not only did everyone outside our company wear jeans, but a lot of people wore western boots, too. Then the CEO was observed wearing blue jeans. Casual Friday dress rules tumbled. The general level of dress went down the rest of the week, too. Men stopped wearing suits and ties, and women wore slacks or jeans all the time, practically no dresses or skirts. I don't have a job now, so every day is casual for me. Angie on "A Word On The Biz Casual Mix-and-Match Capsule" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/a-word-on-the-mix-and-match-capsule#post-1223182 Mon, 14 Apr 2014 19:46:58 +0000 Angie 1223182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hah. Thistle. YES. A green eyed monster. Very frustrating. Can you wear white jeans, black jeans and trouser jeans to work? (Yup. And there you go. distressed denim, tees and flip-flops - that's what would happen if blue jeans were legalized in biz casual companies. *sigh*). There you go, Carter. You embellished your work capsule by rearranging your closet.