Business casual outfits for women can be hard to get right, but it doesn’t have to be. Look for lightweight fabrics and designs that balance comfort with professional polish.
Light linen pants and a blouse make an effortless summer office ensemble. A flattering fit and stretchy fabric cinch your waist and move with you throughout the day.
White Jeans and a Printed Top
Whether you have a pair of classic white jeans or cropped pants, you can dress them up for work with a printed top. From bold leopard to ditsy floral, plenty of prints work with white denim bottoms. This outfit looks great for a casual day in the office, and you can add heels and a woven straw bag for a summery evening look.
For a relaxed look in the summer, try a light linen blouse with white jeans. Lightweight linen is breathable and keeps you feeling cozy. This blouse features exciting details, like a keyhole neckline and an asymmetrical ruffle, that show off personality without going too casual. Complete this look with flats or heels and a leather jacket when the weather gets cooler.
Unlike a plaid blazer, a denim or chambray shirt pairs well with white jeans. Both pieces are on-trend, and this outfit is suitable for most workplaces. The color palette of blue and white also works with various accessories, from brown purses to sandals.
Evening work wear can feel challenging in the heat, but a pleated midi skirt gives you a polished and professional look perfect for dinners and parties. This skirt is flattering on most frames because it cinches the waist and fits loosely around the hips and lower body. Add a pair of heeled pumps or sandals to this look, and finish off with gold jewelry.
Wider Pants and a T-Shirt
While trousers are traditional for business casual women in summer outfits, skirts, and dresses can also work in warm weather. Look for pieces in light, breathable fabrics, like cotton or linen. Opt for hemlines that are just above the knee. Avoid anything too short, which can generate unwanted heat.
For pants, try wide-leg styles that are flattering for most body types. Pair them with a blouse and dressier shoes for an elevated business casual look. Look for shoes that complement the colors in your pants. Then add accessories, such as a structured handbag or sleek sunglasses. These details can elevate your look and help keep you cool.
Blouses are an essential element of business casual attire for women. While it’s best to stick with classic cotton styles, other materials can work. Opt for blouses with long sleeves, cap sleeves, or sleeveless styles. You can also choose from various necklines, including keyhole blouses and v-necks.
Avoid shirts that are too short or have inappropriate graphics, logos, images, or slogans. It would be best to steer clear of halter tops, tank tops, and t-shirts unless you pair them with a jacket or cardigan.
Wrap Dress
The key to business casual outfits for summer is to balance comfort and style. Choose breathable fabrics and lighter colors to beat the heat. Incorporate a few pieces from this list into your wardrobe for a work capsule to keep you looking polished even in warmer weather.
A wrap dress is the ultimate summer workwear staple. Whether it’s a fit-and-flare silhouette or a midi version with a skirt that floats away from the body, this dress perfectly balances feminine and professional. Look for a design with a tie front or a detachable belt that lets you adjust the fit and style. This style of dress can also create a flattering hourglass shape by accentuating the waist and skimming over the hips and thighs.
For a touch of color, look for a wrap dress with a printed fabric. A floral print will work well with the season, and it’s a fun way to show off your style while still dressing professionally. Alternatively, you could opt for an all-over stripe print that’s classic and timeless.
Pair your wrap dress with heels or flats to suit your workplace’s shoe policy. Shoes inappropriate for work include flip-flops, slippers, and running shoes. When selecting footwear for a wrap dress, choose styles with comfort features such as padded footbeds or breathable uppers to keep your feet cool and comfortable.
Belted Dress
Incorporate a belted dress into your workwear wardrobe this summer. It’s an effortless style to add a pop of color or a flattering silhouette to your look, and it pairs well with flats or heels. You can wear it for a casual dinner date with friends or take it to a presentation at the office.
This business casual outfit will keep you cool and comfortable when you’re on the go. You can dress it up with a denim jacket and shoes or keep it more professional with a blouse and cardigan. The versatile silhouette is great for travel and a comfortable option for a day of meetings in a hot environment.
You can use a long sweater or cardigan in a lighter fabric for a business casual outfit in the warmer months, such as a lightweight silk top. It can be waist-length or longer, and it can have buttons. The sleeve length can be either long or short, and you can choose a plain or draped front collar.
You can find many different pants and skirts in business casual attire, but they should be in dark colors, such as burgundy or forest green. They should be knee or midi-length and be straight or slightly flared. A patterned bottom can be okay if it’s not too distracting, and you should avoid any too-tight, low-cut, or transparent bases. It would be best to steer clear of tank tops, halter tops, off-shoulder or one-shoulder dresses, and sleeveless tops unless a blouse or jacket covers them.
Plaid Top and Bottom
If you want to look professional but aren’t sure what to wear with your business casual outfits, you can always wear a classic plaid top and pants. This look is perfect for summer because it feels light and relaxed, making it a comfortable choice for the office or casual Fridays. It also has the potential to take you straight from work to a casual dinner date or even happy hour with friends.
If your workplace is a little more formal, you can still use this style by swapping your regular jeans and blouse for a great pair of crisp white trousers and a tailored blazer like The Thomson Blazer from Evereve. This blazer’s tailored cut and beautiful grey, green, and white plaid pattern make it more stylish than your average business casual shirt and jeans.
Another alternative is an excellent pair of wide-leg cropped pants and a fitted business casual blouse or tee. Look for a neutral color like black or khaki, but you can also opt for colored trousers in a dark, subdued hue like maroon or emerald green. You can get away with a pattern like pinstripes or a small plaid, but avoid anything too loud.
Finally, add a waist-length cardigan or boyfriend sweater to this outfit for an extra layer of warmth. Depending on your style and desired look, you can pick one with no buttons or a draped front collar.
Flared Trousers
The wide leg of a flared pant is a flattering silhouette for a business casual look. The pants elongate your legs and contrast with the straight lines of a fitted top. If your trousers are dark, choose a light color shirt for an elegant outfit. Try a blouse with a neckline that ties in the front for a classic style, or go for a peplum top to create a feminine and trendy look.
Wear flared jeans with a strappy cami or light sleeveless tank top in the spring and summer. If your blouse has sleeves, wear them rolled up to show off the shoulders and arms. Flare pants pair well with a midi skirt for a polished work-to-happy hour outfit.
Try pants in a thicker fabric like corduroy or velvet for fall and winter. You can find neutral-colored flared pants and a deep burgundy or forest green hue. Look for pants with a medium waistband and no belt loops, which tend to be more flattering.
A blazer is an easy way to dress up flared pants. Pair your blazer with a blouse in a similar hem length to add balance to the outfit. If your blazer has a neckline, choose one that ties or drapes across the front to accentuate your figure. Then, tuck the blouse into your pants for a polished look.
