Ask a Stylist: 6 Items to Up Your Business Casual Game From wardrobe staples to wardrobe statements, these pieces will keep your work look fresh and professional.
Business casual is one of the vaguest, yet most definitive, terms in office culture.
Your physical appearance is one of the main things your boss, colleagues and clients use to build their first impression of you. Plus, it's undeniable that a well put-together outfit can give you that much-needed spring in your step before heading into a job interview or an important meeting.
But it can be hard to know where to start. If you've found yourself combing through your closet on a weekday morning wondering how you can rock your personal style without violating your workplace dress code, you're certainly not alone.
Services like Trunk Club make refreshing your nine-to-five wardrobe easier than ever. After being paired with a personal stylist, you can request specific pieces from them or browse through their featured Trunks online. Whichever route you take, your stylist will select 10 to 15 items to suit your size, style and taste, and ship them all straight to your door.
Whether you're a fresh face or seasoned veteran in your field, it's never a bad time to upgrade your look. Here are six crucial starter pieces you should invest in to perk up your business-casual wardrobe.
1. A great pair of pants.
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It's time to say goodbye to those ill-fitting khakis. Finding the perfect pair of pants is an awesome confidence-booster and helps put your best foot forward in the office. Plus, well-fitted trousers, especially those with a skinny leg, modernize more traditional work-friendly pieces like blazers and collared shirts.
2. Work-appropriate denim.
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If your office celebrates casual Fridays, make sure your denim looks as good as what you're wearing for the rest of the week. Dark denim is a fresh choice for a laid-back office, for example, while experimenting with a chambray button-up or dress can take your denim expression to the next level. Before taking the plunge, check out some top tips on how to incorporate denim into your office looks.
3. A blazer.
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There's a reason why they're considered the hallmark of business-casual attire. Whether you're in a creative or corporate office, blazers are the perfect transitional piece to carry you from the boardroom to post-work happy hour — just wear a standalone tank top or button-down shirt underneath. For cooler temperatures, keep an edgy moto jacket at your desk to swap into at the end of the day.
4. A statement piece.
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In a sea of safe neutrals, stand out in the office by having a handful of pieces outside the norm. Try an eye-catching pattern, bold color or unique design with an otherwise pared down, fitted look. Ready to go bolder? Venture into the world of pattern-mixing with two easy tips: picking patterns with harmonious colours and pairing small-scale prints with large ones.
5. Go-to shoes.
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For busy mornings and stressful weeks, it's always a relief to have a pair of shoes you don't have to put too much thought into (especially if you're already revamping the rest of your outfit). Opt for a pair of sleek flats, beige pumps or solid dress shoes to meld seamlessly with your other pieces. Bonus tip: keep a pair under your desk for special occasions — i.e., when your boss calls a surprise meeting on the day you wore Nikes to work.
6. Outerwear.
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Never underestimate the power of a killer outerwear piece to pull an outfit together. Depending on your climate, your jacket or coat may be making appearances in your work ensembles more often than not — so it's important to make sure it's in-step with the rest of your outfits. Trenches and structured wool coats, for example, easily transition in and out of business casual. Thinking of taking your seasonal look to the next level? Consider opting for chic rain boots to stay extra dry (and cute).
Revamping your work look can be overwhelming, but keeping your own tastes top-of-mind makes styling your wardrobe easier than ever. Whether you seek to craft your own closet from scratch or enlist the help of an online or in-person stylist, putting your own spin on the business casual look will ensure that you look polished from desk to dinner.