How to Master the Business Casual Chic Dress Code

Are you struggling to find the best personal balance between professional and fashionable clothes? This simple guide to mastering a business casual yet chic dress code will help you find a good place to start. Dressing yourself for work can definitely be a challenge, especially when the dress code is a vague sort of business casual standard. Of course, you want to look professional, but also have your personal style and maintain comfort. With just a few straightforward guidelines, you can completely transform your fashion. This guide will definitely help you get started navigating the world of business casual chic! With tips on what to wear and how to put together a polished and fashionable look, you'll be all the way business casual cool in no time.

DRESS CODE PROTOCOL

The first step to mastering the business casual chic dress code is to really understand what it means. Business casual is a dress code that is less rigid or formal than traditional business attire, but still requires a pulled together, professional appearance. It typically includes a nice pair of dress pants or khakis, a pressed button-down shirt or blouse, and dress shoes. However, it can allows for more flexibility and personal style, such as adding a chic blazer or accessorizing with some eccentric or subdued jewelry. It’s, of course, always important to check with your specific employer or HR department for any particular guidelines on what is acceptable in your own workplace.

QUALITY BASICS

At the end of the day, when it comes to mastering the business casual chic dress code, you'll have to start investing in quality basics. This is the key to business casual success. These few upgrades are the foundational pieces that you can mix and match with other items, some less high quality or more eccentric, in your wardrobe to create a new variety of outfits. When you're shopping, look for high-quality dress pants or even khakis in seasonal and neutral colors like black, navy, beige, or gray. Invest in a few high quality button-down shirts or blouses in classic colors that you can match with anything, like white, blue, or black. And don’t forget about which shoes you'll be wearing – it needs to be a pair of comfortable, stylish dress shoes that can elevate any outfit you decide to step out in. By investing in some high quality basics, you’ll have a staple wardrobe that you can accessories and dress up any way you'd like! This simple investment is easily adjusted with a few small accessories, and a dark earring or lip can take you from the office to after-work events with ease.

PERSONAL FLARE

While it’s always important to stick to the basics when it comes to executing and rocking the business casual chic dress code, you definitely can still add some personality to your outfit with a few simple accessories. An eccentric statement necklace or earrings can add a small, straightforward, and simple pop of color or sparkle to a standard, neutral outfit. A bright scarf or patterned tie can add some interesting elements to a plain button-down shirt. And don’t forget about what your bag is adding to the outfit! It's easy to add a stylish tote or briefcase and complete your look while also being functional! You'll need a way to carry your work essentials. At the end of the day, you need to remember to keep it professional, but not too flashy or eccentric – you want to make a polished statement, but definitely do not want distract from your overall, put together, chic and polished look.

THE RIGHT SHOES

When it comes to truly mastering the business casual yet chic and stylish dress code, making sure that you're choosing the right shoes is absolutely key. While shopping, opt for closed-toed shoes, such as loafers, pumps, or ankle boots! These shoes will be easy to walk in, comfortable enough for all day wear, and in neutral colors like black, brown, or navy. In most cases, avoid anything too flashy or far on the casual side, like sneakers or sandals. Cleanliness is important overall, but especially make sure your shoes are clean and polished! Scuffed or dirty shoes can quickly detract from an otherwise totally polished look. And be really careful that you don’t forget about comfort – because you’ll likely be on your feet for much of the day! This is why it's important to choose shoes that are both stylish and comfortable.

HYGIENE AND GROOMING

While choosing the right outfit for you is incredibly important, grooming and hygiene are equally as crucial when it comes to truly mastering the business casual, or any scenario of dress code. Before you head into work, make sure your hair is clean and styled in a professional manner! Keep your facial hair neatly trimmed. Avoid wearing incredibly heavy colognes or perfumes, as in a small space they can be overwhelming! Especially in a professional setting. And especially don’t forget to keep your nails clean and trimmed! If you're working with unkempt nails, it can really detract from an otherwise super polished appearance.