Outfit creation - business casual

I need to put together a small set of business casual outfits for a conference - the setting is a bit dressier than my usual very casual conferences so I am going for jackets and no denim but do not have to be very formal (plenty of people will be wearing dark suits but it is not a requirement so I would rather go for a more laid-back style). I am looking for three full days' worth of outfits.

This turned out to be a bit tricky but I think I found possible combos that work. I think 1-3 are the best options. Any suggestions? Can I get away with using cognac booties with all of these?

#1,4,5 are various options with the navy silk blouse from JCrew (Tictoc blouse). I originally planned on wearing it with the navy Theory blazer (shown in 3 and 5) but for some reason it bugs me that the navy shades of the blouse and the blazer are slightly different.

I am very glad I was able to snap up Angie's pick Theory blouse (#2) right before it sold out - it seems to work well for business casual. I could also pair it with the navy Theory blazer instead of the black knit blazer as shown in 2.

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

11 years ago

lyn67

Veteran

You could add nr 4, too, I just love it-but understand you don't want to carry 2 pair of boots. I think the cognac ones will ground well all of those shown here. If I would have to do it, I would choose nr 1 in favour of nr 5. But this is really just a personal prefference! Love not only the red Theory blouse but the dotted one is also great! You nailed it all!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

I like the contrasting boots in 1 and 5 colorwise, but the pants look a little short with them. All the outfits look good and appropriate for the occasion, IMO.

rachylou

These are good. I hearted this thread.

I do feel, tho, that #3 needs a finishing touch. A little pizazz.

Sharon

I like 1, 4 and 5 the best. I think I would like 2 with the navy blazer - the knit blazer reads a little casual to me, especially with an untucked shirt. The colours in 3 do not work for me, although that may be my monitor. Disregard if it looks good IRL because the styles and shape of the individual pieces work well together. Hope you have a fun time.

Zibbets

These are all very nice. My favorites are #3 and 4. That blouse is so versatile and lovely! I wouldn't worry for one moment about the blues not matching exactly.

I think you could bring 1, 2 and 5 up several notches with a darker shoe. I can't tell if the pants are navy or black, but black would probably work with either and would bookend your pretty hair.

Makrame

Thanks everyone, very useful advice!

Laura, I noticed the pant length problem too - this was a new one on me with these pants. I ended up letting out about an inch and re-hemming so hopefully this is less obvious now but I think you right it would be less visible with non-contrasting footwear.

lyn, yes, I am trying to see if I can avoid bringing extra boots with me, even though I like the skirt outfit better.

Sharon, I am with you on the knit jacket - I think I can use the navy Theory jacket with the red blouse and cut down on the number of jackets I have to pack.

Rachy, thanks! Hmm, how to add a finishing touch to #3... Good question!

Zibbets, I think you and Laura make a good point about the darter shoes; I was thinking of bringing black suede Petty booties - they are super comfortable for lots of walking that I have to do, I am just a bit worried about suede footwear in the fall in the Northeast.

Category