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Post your biz casual wardrobe dilemmas here

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

And it would be great if you could be specific - instead of: "my biz casual wardrobe feels blah".

Fire away and I'll get some blog posts going. I really want to help you!

General

34 replies

Latest reply was from rute

Dawn

(website)

I just got a new job as a receptionist where I have to wear business casual but it has be a conservative business casual wardrobe so I don't feel like I can wear my normal wardrobe of rainbow bright colours. How can I inject my normal daily style and personality into my business casual wardrobe?

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

-What to do when skirt lengths on dresses are so short and inappropriate for the office!

-How to incorporate some of the fun trends into a conservative business environment. So many of the items that are in magazines or have been featured on this blog and others are only suitable for casual environments (silk cargo pants, many of the leggings/tunics looks, etc). It's a struggle to find ways to make those more business appropriate, so suggestions would be great!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

This may be a little too specific but I would love tips on appearing as smart at the end of the day as you do at 9:00am. For example I work behind a desk, my clothes crumple, then I have to stand and greet a client looking dishevelled. Are there certain fabrics, or items of clothing which would look neater for longer?

Dashrashi

Veteran

I almost always want to wear flats to work (running around town, back and forth to court), but flats look best with shorter skirts or skinny pants, IMO, neither of which particularly are work-appropriate. I haven't found a low wedge I like, despite looking for months, and kitten heels don't really work for me, style- or comfort-wise, compared to a wedge or a flat. Is there anything I can do to make my flats work better with a business casual wardrobe?

Edit: ooh, I have another one, related to Kristen's. In my non-work-life, I wear things that are trendier and me-er--studs, mixed prints, lots of neutrals and dark colors, metallics, miniskirts and shorts over tights, etc. But my business casual wardrobe is somehow completely different: standard silhouettes (cardi w/ knee-length a-line skirt, e.g.), no studs or embellishments, bright colors. I still like those clothes, but I just don't feel as good in them. A) How did I let this happen? and more importantly, B) Is there a way that I can put my more funky style into my sort of boring work wardrobe? Is there a way to update the more current silhouettes involving shorter hems and more volume on top (e.g. a stronger shoulder) into a relatively staid workplace?

Misia

Veteran

As you already know I own a barber shop, so my questions would be:
- summer stylish 8 hours shoes
- tops in fabrication that hair don't sticks that much to it and I can wear on there own without need for second layer to hide my muffin top
If you solve those issues for me, I will love you forever, LOL

Kate

Veteran

I would appreciate any tips on how to manage business casual while working with kids. Special challenges: not sitting behind a desk but instead being on your feet all day so comfort is more important, kids are messy and accident prone so clothing needs to be durable and somewhat disposable, and increased concerns about staying covered and being appropriately dressed (no cleavage, no looking up my skirt, etc). Also, how I can accessorize and what I can pair with fitted, plain knit tops that makes them business casual appropriate? (examples of tops: http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....pe=Regular, http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....pe=Regular)

Thanks!

Maya

Veteran

This is probably less of a fashion problem and more of a semantics issue. My workplace appears to be biz casual in name only. It seems like a lot of them ignore the dress code, or stick to very ultra casual interpretations. I have seen Cons and cargos. It's hard to know what to do when my supervisor says the dress code is biz casual, yet no one else dresses that way. I just try to look nice. I don't wear skinny jeans or anything, but I have worn a dark denim skirt and trouser jeans before and looked far dressier than most of my coworkers. That said, some things I'm not sure of. I don't know if I could wear my blue sack dress without leggings. It is on the short side, but not offensively so. Maybe 2" above the knee, and I am short as well. So far if I'm unsure of something, I just don't wear it, but it would be good to know.

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

How to look good in business casual sitting down...

I teach the piano so spend a lot of time sitting down, but not behind a desk; and also play the piano so similarly sit down to rehearse with instrumentalists/singers.

I am discovering that belts ride up and if I jump up and down to demonstrate a point, know that my tops need a good pull down.

Also, until YLF I have worn pants or long skirts - these (I think) look more elegant as a side-on view when sitting at a piano stool. I am now converted to knee-length skirts, but am not sure that these look as elegant seen side-on in a seated position. Any help with these issues would be wonderful!

crwilson

Veteran

How to look feminine without undermining authority in a male-dominated field. And, for me, how not to look at all sexy while at the same time not wearing baggy, ill-fitting clothing.

I am curvy, especially on top, and I love skirts, dresses, and heels. But, I don't want to look too feminine and/or sexy.

Kristine

Veteran

Are skinny jeans or leggings and a pencil skirt ok on casual Fridays in conservative settings? Does pairing them with a blazer and a button down make them business casual?

Laura

(website)

Veteran

How can I convert my dresses into business casual outfits? (Until now, I've been wearing them casually with a denim jacket and ballet flats or sandals).

Are there guidelines for what types of dresses would lend themselves to this (imagining that length and fabric might come into play?) and which types wouldn't?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOW. This thread is loaded. We need a book on the topic.

I've actually helped clients with almost all of these dilemmas. They are solvable.

But there is one thing I cannot solve for you - you have to do that on your own and it might be a work in progress. You'll either stand up and challenge the environmental work dress norm, or submit to it. If you work in a conservative environment - you have to either go with the flow, or be courageously different. I cannot make your environment less conservative so that you're more comfortable sporting trendy and hip looks. I hope that makes sense.

Kristen, how tall are you? I haven't had a problem popping my tall clients into knee-length dresses. But the dresses have all been better end.

Kristine, do you work in a conservative setting? I thought you were an architect.

Christine, slacks ensembles with dressy flats are your solution.

The rest I will get to!

Anonymous

Smart casual is my lifestyle, but I need business casual outfits a few times each year for presentations to groups of adults or a nice dinner out (business casual is about as dressy as it gets in this part of the country except for a bridal party, prom or ball.) What would you suggest for a small, seasonless business casual capsule that can also be worn more casually in order to stretch the fashion dollars? I suspect that many MOTG could use this information.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I was reading this thread just for kicks, since I don't have to deal with a workplace, but I love what Angie said here:
"You'll either stand up and challenge the environmental work dress norm, or submit to it."
I have to deal with this issue daily, since I live in a very casual area.

Losermom

I work in a library at a small midwestern university campus. I have been invited to the Provost's (2nd in command) home for a "Social Hour" at 4-6pm on a Friday. I have no idea what to wear. I'm planning to post a couple of options later this week. I'm more of a worker bee rather than a mover and shaker here...

jerseyjan

Angie, I'd like to re-iterate RoseandJoan's idea of looking good at the end of the day as one of my issues. I own a gift and home accessories store, so I can wear what I please, but I like to be somewhere between smart casual and business casual. Being in Naples, FL means that I dress for the summer 3/4's of the year. In the winter I wear very light wool trousers, etc. which don't wrinkle, but any other time, I'm a rumpled mess (or I feel like it) in cottons. Today I have on white DKahn trouser jeans, a Sweet Pea top, with a contrasting belt, higher wedge heels, and statement earrings. I'm not as happy with it now, as I was this morning! Skirts and dresses (I like a fitted look) also wrinkle and show crease lines, so what to do? I like wearing dark jeans, and I feel better in them, but I don't want to wear them all the time, obviously. BTY, I like a skinny leg silhouette, too, and wear that. Also: I need/want to beware of the muffin top--layers really work here-- I must limit layers in the 90+ degree heat. Even though I'm indoors in AC, if I'm active, it's warm for me. I'll be eagerly tuning in for your thoughts! Thank you!

Rose

I echo exactly what crwilson asked about finding the (for me?) fine line between "dressing feminine without undermining authority in a male-dominated field while at the same time not wearing baggy, ill-fitting clothing." I know-- some of this is confidence issues... and as sign of progress in this area I am happy to report that I am sporting kitten heels often though now..

Sharon

Veteran

Hi! I'm new to YLF, but am learning a lot and loving it!
I work in a medical job where I am moving around a lot, and so often feel constrained if I wear clothes that are too tight or structured. I would like some guidelines how how to look "put-together" without wearing a suit. I love the classic, structured look but don't know how to get it whilst wearing "practical" clothes.
Thanks.

Aparna

Wow, this is a great topic and I definitely have the same question as crwilson &rosemerin. One thing to add is that..I am curvy and busty. So while, I choose flowy v neck/ wide scoop neck tops..I have realized that cleavage cover becomes an issue. I have tried layering them with a cami underneath but I end up adjusting my neckline ever so often.

The next question I have is about dealing with climate control in the offices. My office FREEZES on the hottest of summer days. So I always find myself wearing the same black cardi with most of my outfits. I don't work at a level where I can pull off a jacket/blazer without looking ridiculous ( my manager two levels up does not wear one)

fathenry

Veteran

I like this topic!

Hosiery - do you coordinate your hose with your skirt or with your shoes? Black is too heavy for spring, other color hose is a no no, when are nude fishnets acceptable? (( I think this is the reason half my wardrobe is black!))

Ironing - how do you keep your clothes looking wrinkle free on business travel, what fabrics are recommended? What are the best pieces to take on business travel?

Are there any flop proof business casual formulas? Or flop proof business casual pieces?

elpgal

Veteran

I have the same concerns as several others - how to incorporate trends while not looking sexy and having some modicum of mobility.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Angie, I'm 5'7". The rising hemlines at even the basic stores -- AT, BR, and Loft -- are a problem for me. I've had better luck at Macys, Nordies and of course Kohls, but it feels like the longer hems are usually on dowdier brands like Jones New York (which don't *quite* work on me) and the cuter dresses are just too short this season. Even last year I was able to find dresses at all those stores but this one is much tougher.

Frankly, I'm more interested in bringing trends into the office while still staying in the business casual look. Can you keep that silk cargo pant look with a great silk skirt, and are there any out there that would work? How to do the modern khaki? The denim dress post you did today was a perfect example of the kind of blog post I love; some of the styles you picked could easily be worn in an office! Makes me want to look for dresses like that instead of the regular a-line denim dress I've been seeing everywhere...

Frances

Here's something. Like many of the other posters, I feel I have trouble maintaining a look of serious authority with business casual--perhaps because it's an opportunity to reflect my creative individuality and a bit of an edge. But the more I think about why I get lost with business casual, the more I stumble across something else that confuses me, and it's the following: although I never want to look or be treated like a sexual object in my work environment, I feel more confident and powerful when I'm letting a smidgeon of my sexuality shine through. Don't get me wrong--I'm not talking about showing cleavage or wearing mini-skirts or stilettos to the office, and there's nobody at work I'm even remotely interested in attracting or flirting with. I'm just talking about wearing something that acknowledges and celebrates this part of me. I feel like a bad feminist for suggesting it, but my sexuality is such a vital part of who I am, and there's a part of me that feels so resistant to suppressing it. I spend the majority of my waking life at work, and I don't want to confine this part of me to the few small weekend hours that belong to me personally. Does this make sense? And I think this is where I run into trouble with business casual, because when you don't have the protective armor of a conservative suit, there's all kinds of room for that side to shine through, and I don't want to cross the line into inappropriate territory. So I think I usually wind up dismissing this desire as inappropriate for a business environment, and err on the side of boring, uber-conservative and overly cautious when it comes to business casual wear.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

These are great dilemmas! If that makes sense :0)

One opinion I'll put on the table right now though, is the notion of how to make dress slacks look hip. It's hard for them to look hip in a conservative work environment. If you worked in an arty atmosphere, you could go to town with out-of-the-box layering techniques and fun shoes. Like layering a graphic T over a button down and adding fab pumps and a chunky necklace to a normal pair of black dress pants.

Quite honestly, I also think that there is a certain amount of physical discomfort involved with biz casual. Unless you wear a comfy dress (for me that is), you'll naturally feel more restricted in normal office separates than you would in smart casual clothing.

I abhor wrinkles. I iron my clothes in the hotel room. That's the best advice that I can offer there I'm afraid.

Rayon and polyester rich garments hold their crease-free shape best during the day Julie and Sarah. Silk and wool blends are good too - but they must be blends.

NewMe

Angie - Ohhhh... this topic is very timely for me. Hopefully this means there may be some upcoming posts?

*What are some professional/ biz casual formulas
*shoe suggestions for commute; I usually wear high heels in the office so pants would drag if I wear comfy flats for the commute
*Biz casual friday outfits (no jeans) ideas

Maya

Veteran

I think this sentence summed up everything brilliantly:

"You'll either stand up and challenge the environmental work dress norm, or submit to it."

Ok, I am not Angie and perhaps she will prove me wrong on this, but this is what I have been thinking:

If you work in an environment that isn't trendy, creative, or fashion forward, then being trendy, creative, and fashion forward is going to make you stand out. Period. You are either comfortable with that or you're not. There is no way to work in trends in a way that won't draw attention to yourself and your style, especially if it is new to your coworkers. They will notice, for better or for worse. The opposite is true too. If I came to work dressed ultra conservatively, my more creative coworkers would notice and it would make me stand out. Any time you do something that isn't in step with the norm, you will stand out.

As for the issue of being sexy...well, I would argue that anything has the potential to be sexy to someone. Pants and tailored suits are definitely alluring in their own way. You'll either need to wear a potato sack or burqa, or just accept that you are a woman and are comfortable showing your curves. Sorry if that sounds blunt but I do think a lot of women end up searching fruitlessly for some kind of silver bullet when there really isn't one. Don't show 5" of cleavage or thigh, or wear overly tight/clingy clothes. But assume that anything else you wear might be sexy to someone. Even gear and pajamas can get catch some mens' eyes. Why expend so much energy on this? I guess I just do not understand.

Katiepea

(website)

Veteran

I'd really love to see some different ways to style conservative business casual wardrobe staples in a way that creates a more "wow" and less "blah" effect. (In fact, I'd be as boring enough to even suggest using black pants and a white shirt as the basis for this - on the grounds that everyone already has these items lurking in their wardrobe and they form a "neutral" foundation to build on.) It also ties in with the very important next bit (which is important to me!)......

I'd really like to know how to achieve this as CHEAP as possible! I want bang for my dollar and would want these carefully chosen items to create many variations as possible so that it avoids the whole "didn't she wear that last week?" type situation!

This is because I only need to work in "biz casual" style a couple of days a fortnight, the rest of the time I am a SAHM. (From what I have read, there seems to be quite a few of us mums out there who probably class ourselves full-time SAHM, but casual/slightly part-time working mum.) It feels ridiculous to me to have to spend what feels like a hugely disproportionate amount of my clothing money to create a wardrobe which is only worn for about 5 - 10% max of my waking hours.

A post of this nature would be a dream come true!

Mac

Veteran

Working in advertising strategy leads to some hard clothing decisions. Advertising is generally a funkier, more casual field and it's funny to see that most clients actually love the fact we're not dressed like they are; they have more faith in our abilities when we look like "ad people" which in their mind is not strict suits and conservative corporate wear.

At 40, I try to wear things like pant-suits with casual shirts beneath or funky jewellery, to take the look from uptight to polished-but-hip. It can be a tough line to walk, looking both professional and hip. This isn't really a question as much as a comment. ; )

rute

Veteran

Angies, My problem is that my bussiness casual seems always too classic!

I work in a casual construction firm but today I had a bussiness marketing conference and I wanted to do a bussiness casual outfit (cream classic fitted jacket, brown pencil skirt and button down blouse with pattern - brown, cream and green).

When I get there.. well lets say never had seen so many stylish ladies together, they were more trendy.. for example cream classic pants, cream t-shirt and then an amazing military inspired camel jacket.

How can I mix what I have with more trendy pieces but still totally appropriate to work.

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