I’ve worked in offices with professional attire, business attire, and business casual dress codes. By far the most atrocious attire is business casual.
For some reason, crossing the line from “business” to “business casual,” generally means going from business appropriate to “i just woke up and picked up whatever was on the floor.” I don’t care what the actual dress code is for a business casual environment, if it says “casual,” people tend to forget the “business” part and dress however they like until management sees too many t-shirts or witnesses one too many muffin tops.
Of course these assumptions don’t apply to everyone. But regardless, Business Casual Must Turn Business Fashionable. Keep reading to find some Spring 2009 work wardrobe items:
Victoria's Secret Ruffle Front Silk Chiffon Blouse
TOPS
Ruffles, Patterns & Day-to-Night
Ruffles, layers, patterns, all sorts of colors (and neutrals) are in style this Spring. All of the tops I have shown here can be worn from day-to-night as well. If you pair any one of these with a cute pair of linen shorts and high wedge heels, you have an outfit for Friday night!
Victoria’s Secret Ruffle Front Blouse– This neutral, feminine top can be paired with any color pant!
$68 Victoria’s Secret
Express Short Sleeved Shirt - Dot Print
Express Keyhole Ruffle Top
Express Keyhole Ruffle Top
Can’t go sleeveless in the office? Wear this under your suit jacket! $49.50 Express
Victoria's Secret Christie Flare Pant in Stretch Cotton
Pants
Wear what fits you well
Different styles of pants are “in” this spring. Wide-leg, skinny leg, ankle cut, etc. So if you find a pair that fits you well (length, hip and waist) buy it in a few colors! Victoria’s Secret has some of my favorite pants:
Christie Flare Pant in Stretch Cotton
Available in a dozen colors!
Skirts & Dresses
Black & White, Prints & Versatility
Dresses are so versatile that they are an absolute necessity in a work wardrobe. Adding a simple cardigan to a night-on the town dress can modify a dress so it is work appropriate. The following are some highly versatile dresses I found for just that kind of occasion.
Milly Sheath Dress
Anne Taylor Loft Split Neck Ruffle Dress
Milly Sheath Dress (above white)
Sheath dresses are classically fit and season-less. This dress is actually backless and gorgeous- so wear a cardigan to work and take it off for that date at an outdoor cafe!
Hype Strapless Floral Dress
Ann Taylor Loft Splitneck Ruffle Dress (above black)
Black and white are hot “colors” this season- so don’t be afraid to wear black (or ruffles). $69 Ann Taylor Loft
Hype Strapless Border Dress (left)
Everyone loves floral prints this season and they aren’t hard to find! This dress comes in the color shown and a turquoise color.
Belted Skirt
New York & Company Belted Skirt
This cotton skirt is so simple it can be paired with anything plain or patterned.
Shoes
Nudes, Prints, and Flats
Nudes extend the leg. Prints dress up a plain/solid outfit, and flats make shorter dresses and skirts more appropriate for work.
Nine West Fender Peep Toe Pump $49.99 @Ninewest.com
Anne Klein- $45 @ 6pm.com
Cynthia Vincent Pump
Cole Haan Air Ballet Flat
BCBGirls Silver Flats
Because I Said So 