Dress business casual like a boss

Michelle Barrett, Stylist and Founder of Capsule Closet Stylist, explains how.

You may have noticed a subtle change in the workplace since the pandemic. I am not talking about the economic downturn or the rise in hybrid jobs, but how we all dress for work. Traditionally men wore suits and, when women started to join the workplace, they tended to dress in similar attire. It made a clear distinction between office and home life. 

Since we came out of the pandemic, things have changed. 

Many of us spent nearly a year or more working from home. At the most, we had to wear something smart on our top half for Zoom calls; at worst, some sat in their PJs. Since the world opened up again, dressing for work has never been the same. For example, 2021 saw the rise of the Athflow trend, a comfortable and sophisticated style suitable for home or office. 

Previously, we knew that if we went to a meeting or worked in an office we had to be smart, but hoodies and jeans have crept in since then. BBC Radio asked me to comment on my thoughts on Rushi Sunak wearing a hoodie at a conference, which would otherwise have been unheard of. I still felt he looked smart. Granted, he was not wearing a suit, but the hoodie in question was in a silver-grey knit, so subtle and not in any way tacky. So this is key, it is ok to ditch the suit on some occasions, but you still need to look as if you have made an effort. 

How do you know what is business casual and what is too casual? It is usually a blend of traditional business attire mixed with a more relaxed but professional style that is still appropriate for the office. Some examples are below:

• Smart dress trousers, cargo trousers, chinos, dark (not distressed) jeans, knee-length or maxi skirts and dresses.

• Shirts, Breton stripes, blouses, polo shirts, simple knitwear.

• Blazers, cardigans, knitted hoodies

• Brogues, loafers, oxfords, smart, clean trainers, boots, flats, heels or wedges. 

• Neck scarves, belts, simple jewellery.

So what is too casual? As a general rule, I would suggest you avoid the following in a working environment:

• Jeans with holes in

• Flip flops

• Shorts above the knee

• Sloppy, baggy clothes

• Distressed clothing

• Inappropriate logos or images

• Crop tops

• Anything dirty or wrinkled

• Attire too tight or short

• Swimwear (unless you are a lifeguard or swim teacher!)

However, having worked in TV and film for over 20 years, I will admit I have seen some of the above in my working environment. Anything in the arts is a little more relaxed, but if you are heading into a corporate climate, veer towards the smarter end of the spectrum. 

In addition to this, it can help to look at colour too. Neutral colours can make an excellent basis for any wardrobe but work particularly well in a capsule wardrobe for work. Neutral colours include white, cream, grey, charcoal, navy, black, beige and stone. Neutral colours look great on everyone except for black and white, which can drain some people. It is not to say that other colours are inappropriate, but neutral colours are a great place to start if you struggle with putting outfits together for work. Ideally, you will have a capsule wardrobe just for your job. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothes that mix and match easily. 

It will likely take a while before the new way of dressing for work settles down. The impact of the pandemic has left its mark in ways we could have never imagined. If unsure, play it safe and go for the more sophisticated option. If you are to meet a new employer, client or boss for the first time, making an effort is still advisable. Another good tip is to look at the business website and scan how people are dressed there and emulate it. 

In addition to thinking about how smart or casual attire should be for work, an outfit should also feel good on you mentally and physically. We spend so much time at work, so feeling good about what we wear is essential. Wherever you work and whatever you do, make sure a little of your personality shines through. Ignore what advertising in fashion tells you you should wear and find your own style. 

Remember what Coco Chanel said: “Fashion changes, but style endures.”

For help with your business wardrobe or finding your style, I offer SBT readers 15% off any of my services at www.capsuleclosetstylist.com. Alternatively, you can book a FREE consultation with me https://calendly.com/capsuleclosetstylist/free-consultation

** Offer excludes Capsule Closet Success Membership

Use code SBT15 to get 15% off

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