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Ask Belle: Dresses for Business Casual Friday

Jul 15, 2015

Dear Belle,

I work at a large law firm with a very strict dress code.  Last month, they altered their policy to have “business casual” Fridays during the summer months.  (I suspect that it is so partners can wear golf clothing to work.)  Can you help me find some dresses that are still professional but a bit more casual?  Please, no t-shirt dresses or maxis.

Best, Marcia

Dressing for casual days is much tougher than dressing for work.  What is business casual?  Is it more business?  Is it more casual?  Decoding the definition depends entirely on your office culture.

It seems to me that your employer is looking to loosen the reins a bit, but keep things professional.  I think dresses are a good solution to your conundrum, so let’s find you a few that should work.

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Boden Cowl Neck Dress ($118)

You said no t-shirt dresses, but while this dress is made of jersey, it’s dressier than a basic tee.  Boden has some great jersey dresses.  I also like this dotted Gaby dress.  Still need to go dressier?  Okay, let’s…

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Ann Taylor Midi Tie-Neck Dress ($159)

I adore the bright color of this dress.  I think it would be amazing with a v-neck cardigan, or solo if sleeveless isn’t off-limits.  I also like this black midi-dress with a fun detail on the trim.

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Land’s End 3/4 Sleeve Shirdress ($69)

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Cynthia Steffe Lin Dress ($228)

If you work in a very conservative office, a short-sleeve sheath in a bright color, may be as close as you can get to “casual.”  For something less-expensive, try this Marc New York dress.

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Karen Kane Brushed Flower Dress ($85)