An Outfit for Business Casual or Just Business

Sep 16, 2019

“Business Casual” means different things in different offices.  In my Hill office, it meant no jeans, ever.  When I worked at the court, it meant jeans but only with a jacket.  And on campaigns, it means searching a hotel room dresser for a clean candidate t-shirt.  So today’s outfit vacillates from business casual to dressy depending on your office.

This outfit from Alpa Rama is the epitome of relaxed sophistication.  It pairs classic pieces to create an outfit that would be perfect for casual Friday or a travel day in many offices, and a pulled together option for workplaces with more casual dress codes.  And most women already have the foundational pieces (a black sweater, white button-up, and black trousers in their wardrobe).

Coat. Great coats and jackets are the cherry on the sundae that is fall fashion.  This J.Crew Double-Breasted Top Coat comes in four neutral colors to complement any attire.  This darker camel hue is my favorite.

Looking for something under-$150?  This Cole Haan coat has a popped collar, and a more casual style.  I also like this Topshop coat that seemed to be on every blogger’s wishlist last year (be advised it runs a bit big).

Plus-size? This Land’s End coat is nice, though I might swap the buttons for something darker.  Tall ladies should check out this Dorothy Perkins coat, and petites should visit Topshop.

Sweater. A simple black crewneck or v-neck (depending on which is more flattering to you) is a winter wardrobe staple.  I chose this Merino Crewneck Sweater from Banana Republic because it’s machine washable and under-$40.  But if you’re looking for cashmere, Bloomingdale’s in-house line makes a nice sweater.

Prefer v-necks?  This AQUA sweater is a nice option.  Need cotton?  This Nic + Zoe sweater is wool-free.  Plus-size? Charter Club makes a good-quality cashmere sweater at a mid-range price.

Blouse. This outfit called for a classic button-up, but I was feeling something a bit more feminine.  So I chose this Claudie Pierlot blouse with a ruffled collar and cuff.  I also like this under-$80 option from Ann Taylor.

Prefer the classic button up?  Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Shirt is my favorite.

Pants. Are skinny pants in or out?  It’s so hard to tell these days.  Just when it looks like the glossy fashion mags are about to play them off the stage, they reappear.  The lesson?  Wear what you like, and what’s flattering on you.

These Ponte Slim Work Pants are a favorite of many of my friends.  They’re durable, comfortable, and budget friendly.  These NYDJ straight leg pants are also a wonderful choice.

Prefer a wider leg opening?  I bought these Nine West flare legs on a business trip, and they’re a great addition to my wardrobe.

Accessories.  My friend Hitha raves about these sunglasses.  They’re under-$25 and look just like a high-end brand.

The Express belt is a less-expensive version of the Gucci Double-G belt that so many women wear.  But if you’re not into buckles, I would suggest this Talbot’s belt with the discreet black leather buckle.

The bag is a Mansur Gavriel bucket bag, which were all the rage two years ago.  If you want this year’s “It Bag,” this Staud bucket is a nice choice.  Need something under-$100?  This Charles & Keith bag has a lot of chic for the price.

Lastly, the shoes in the inspiration photo are a snakeskin, satin moccasin.  Not exactly my first choice for work.  So I swapped them out for these Marc Fisher Anny Flats.  Looking for something in black?  I love the dramatic buckle on these Franco Sarto flats.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}

Career Style, Style, Work

share this post

Leave a Reply to meghan Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. meghan says:

    +1 for those sunglasses. I bought them based on Hitha’s Instagram recommendation and they’re awesome. Super lightweight, and I feel glam when I wear them, even when it’s to hide my lack of makeup/tired face on a weekend coffee run.

  2. kk says:

    THIS is a great post! I feel like this kind of outfit (and subsequent substitute items at different price points) is what I’m always looking for in fashion blogs and influencers. Thanks for a good Monday inspo!

  3. Sarah says:

    I am not past jeans at a court yet. WHAT??! lol

    • Belle says:

      Just in the back office. Never in the actual court room, but we didn’t have hearings or see people on Fridays typically.

      • Sarah says:

        Not a thing when I clerked. Pretty jealous! For a person who hates wearing a blazer, becoming a lawyer was a pretty terrible idea ????

        • Belle says:

          One of my male friends still cannot believe he chose to be a lawyer since he hates to wear shoes that aren’t sandals. His goal is to have his own firm so he never has to cover his toes again.

  4. Marie says:

    Just wanted to stop by and say THANK YOU for adding the “tall” options more frequently recently! There are few things more frustrating than seeing an adorable outfit, clicking over to it to check the length, and realizing it would be inappropriate in any daily setting (true for dresses, skirts, many shirts, and of course pants are always tough…).

    I also try to patronize companies that have a range of sizes that includes tall–it’s the one edge that J Crew has over J Crew Factory (*cough*looking at you, City Coat*cough*).

  5. Caitlin says:

    Do you have any recommendations for a belt that is truly just for holding your pants up? As slim as possible with as flat a buckle as possible. A big buckle makes an odd bulge if I don’t tuck in my top. 🙁

Join The List

Stay up to date on the latest from Capitol Hill Style!

sUBSCRIBE

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

5

READ MORE 

Recent Posts

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

VIEW ALL POSTS

Ask the Edit, Style, Top Posts | March 28, 2024

Ask Me Anything: March 2024

It’s almost the end of March, so let’s get to some of the reader questions that came in through Instagram last night. Time for Ask Me Anything.

5

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 28, 2024

The Find: A Cute Spring Dress

Need a cute dress for a spring event? Something simple and easy to wear, something you can dress up or down? This is the dress for you.

2

READ MORE 

Beauty, Posts | March 27, 2024

Beauty Review: Bondi Boost

As I age, I notice many changes in my body. Most are fine. Some are frustrating. Like many women, I lost a lot of hair in my postpartum phase. Being anemic for more than a year after, it didn’t grow back in to its former glory. So I’ve tried any number of shampoos, pills and […]

2

READ MORE 

Fantastic Finds, Posts, Style | March 27, 2024

The Find: Shirts That Don’t Gape

I remember when Rochelle Behrens launched The Shirt — a button-down blouse with anti-gape technology (a patented internal button that keeps the look smooth). The idea seemed brilliant, but at the time, my bust didn’t require an extra button. One baby later, I understand the need for some extra security.

6

READ MORE 

RECENT POSTS

©2023 CAPITOL HILL STYLE | SITE BY LEIGH THE STUDIO