Casual Work Outfits
Updated on May 20, 2024
Need inspiration for casual work outfit ideas? We believe it all comes down to the foundational and fashionable wardrobe staples that can be mixed and matched and worn on repeat throughout your working week. Think; denim jeans, tailored pants, a sharp blazer, long sleeve tops, tank tops, crisp shirting, and soft knitwear. And don’t forget the finishing touch – one of the easiest ways to dress up or dress down a look is via the footwear. Clean, considered shoes, such as heeled leather boots, or polished loafers can even make some of the more casual outfits, smart and refined.
Building the perfect office appropriate casual wardrobe? Start here.
1.0 Casual winter work outfits
You might work for a more formal dress workplace and casual Fridays in winter take a little extra consideration, or perhaps this is your first job and the cooling temperatures make choosing your outfits a little more complex. There are plenty of ways to layer up with confidence.
1.1 Denim jeans and knitwear
There is nothing more classic than jeans and warming knits for winter.
The different knitwear and jean styles, silhouettes and options are endless. However, the vast array of options can make it more difficult to choose what to wear. Denim cuts like the classic straight leg fit or mom jeans are effortless, versatile, easy-to-style fits that look great in white, cream, mid-blue to black washes. For one of the most stylish combinations, opt for cream-white straight leg jeans and a neutral knit, for example bone, cream or camel. Ensure you finish off the outfit the right way – leather brogues or suede heel pumps are great workplace options. Opt for exquisite fabrications like mohair and merino when it comes to choosing a knit that is warm and will last in your wardrobe for years to come. If your office is a little more relaxed, slip on some clean white sneakers for a modern look.
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1.2 The all-black look
Prefer to an all black outfit? Opt for a matching denim set for a look that’s directional and chic. These pieces are easy to filter through the rest of your wardrobe separately, but look super-cool and street style inspired when paired together. Finish with a pair of polished boots and an asymmetric handbag to finish the look.
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1.3 The midi dress and boots
Prefer to steer clear of figure-hugging cuts? A flowing, well-lined midi dress is an option you can have a lot of styling fun with. Choose any pattern you please – neutral micro florals are easy to wear with various accessories and coats. Slip on a pair of leather knee high boots and add a belt at the waist. The best part? If the temperatures are really getting low, hide a pair of stockings and a thermal top underneath your dress to keep toasty.
2. Tips on dressing for casual Fridays
Many corporate or business professional workplaces have long held the tradition of casual Fridays, a day to dress a little more laid back than usual on the last day of the week. We are not talking tracksuit pants or athleisure wear, casual Fridays are more the opportunity to use fashion to show off your own sense of style, while staying within the guidelines.
For a lot of workplaces, Fridays entail social, after work dinner and drinks, with or without your colleagues. So here is where you can anticipate what lies ahead after you’ve clocked off.
An elevated knit is the perfect fusion of fashion and function. We recommend opting for exquisite fabrications like mohair and merino for outfit longevity and warmth. Pair with a slip skirt with a luminous finish and add your gold or silver jewellery of choice, a large coat and you will be wearing this outfit from 9am, to 9pm.
3. Women’s business casual tops
Wearable from work to weekends, oversized shirts and patterned blouses are the perfect addition to a stylish and well rounded business casual wardrobe.
Why oversized shirts? Instead of fitted, rigid fabrics and stiff collars, the oversize shirt in a breathable, comfortable cotton, linen or viscose fabric exudes effortless style. One of the best parts is that this wardrobe staple can be worn a myriad of ways: Tuck in one front half into your denim or tailored pants to accentuate your waistline, roll up the sleeves and let the shirt billow out over high rise denim by tucking the whole shirt in or, simply wear the shirt fully unbuttoned and open over a knitted tank. Going on long overdue holidays? Take the shirt with you and tie the front ends over your swimwear with denim shorts.
The feminine printed blouse will also be a wardrobe item that deserves recognition. Similarly to the oversize shirt, the printed blouse has versatility to see you through the week, well into the weekend.
Not sure on print? Opt for subtle colours and abstract patterns for an ultra-wearable piece. The classic jeans and a nice top ensemble will be your saviour here, tuck your blouse into smart, mid wash denim for a midweek look. Want to look a little more polished for the working week? A darker patterned blouse will perfectly complement tailored pants – straight, slim or wide leg.
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4. Women’s business casual pants
One of the most important investments for your business casual wardrobe, other than the blazer, is a pair of tailored pants.
Prefer looser, languid fits? Opt for a high waisted, wide leg or palazzo silhouette that have that effortless yet directional look. Monochrome hues are perfect if you’re more into the classic corporate look, like black, cream and dark grey. And if you love to add a bit of fashion-forward flair to your office outfitting, pair with a top that’s different from the usual button up shirt or blouse. Tops with interesting details like cut outs or bare shoulders are a guaranteed way to add a cool twist to your choice of pants.
5. Opt for a smart casual blazer
Even if your workplace does not have a professional office or working space, no wardrobe is complete without the blazer. Smarten up a relaxed outfit by wearing over your shoulders like a cape. Think, a white t-shirt, straight leg jeans and chunky loafers. The button-up design with structured shoulders has seen so many iterations, that there would be no personal style that doesn’t approve of the hardworking piece. Forever a polished option, it is the fabrication that can put the casual flair into the jacket – for cooler weather forecasts, suede and leather will be warm, insulating options, whilst breathable linen is perfect for the summer months.
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6. Office smart casual outfits
The best way to elevate your smart casual office style is through texture. For a twist on the usual crisp button up shirts, opt for luminous, high-shine materials like satin or silk. Tuck into straight leg dark denim and finish off with cool accessories, like heeled leather boots and a woven belt with gold hardware. While typical workwear and office wear like suiting and sharp tailoring is what we tend to think of when it comes to dressing for the office, this look is both polished and professional when dressing for more relaxed work days.