Small Business Ideas

Business Casual Ideas for Women

Pictures of Business Attire for a Business Casual Workplace Business Casual for Men. Sam Diephuis/Blend Images/Getty Images

This is a good business casual option for a man. This option still upholds a professional image but is successful at being a more relaxed outfit without looking like everyday street wear. A dress shirt and tie still look nice, for example, but a full suit isn't necessary for a business casual environment.

Pictures of How to Dress in a Business Casual Workplace A Relaxed Business Casual Look. Erik Isakson/Blend Images/Getty Images

This group of employees showcases business casual attire that is appropriate for an office with a business casual dress code. Their button-down shirts are universally a great choice for a business casual environment. Even in a business casual workplace, their shirts are not wrinkled or dirty.

Instead, their shirts are well maintained and look nice while still upholding a relaxed vibe. As you can see from this picture, ties aren't necessary for a business casual workplace, and full suits are generally too formal for a business casual office. This is a good example of appropriate business casual dressing for men and women.

Business Attire for a Business Casual Workplace Business Casual for Women. BJI / Blue Jean Images/Getty Images

This is a great example of a business casual outfit for a woman. A well-fitting, attractive blouse paired with slacks and finished with conservative but stylish heels still conveys the idea of business casual, without compromising professionalism.

Her blouse is modest and sets a professional tone for the office. It does not have a plunging neckline, does not reveal her midriff, and does not contain words, slogans, or pictures that could offend her coworkers. This is a great example of a business casual outfit for women.

Her woman's pants look nice without being too form-fitting, and they aren't too casual like denim, spandex, or sweatpants might be.

She finishes her outfit with a great choice of conservative shoes. In a business casual office, athletic shoes and sneakers, loafers, clogs, leather boat shoes, and dress heels are acceptable. In warm weather, stockings aren't necessary for women.

However, flip flops, sandals, slippers, or open-toed shoes are not appropriate for women in the business casual workplace. They are more appropriate, though not necessarily very professional, in a workplace with a casual dress code.

Also, if you are a fan of footwear that is flashy and eye-catching, they should be worn on the street—not in the office. Even though the guidelines of a business casual environment can be somewhat lax at times, looking professional and conservative at all times is important.

Pictures of How to Dress in a Business Casual Workplace Business Casual Attire for Women. Jetta Productions/Walter Hodges/Getty Images

These outfits are an excellent example of the variety of clothing options that a business casual workplace provides. Tops such as button-downs, sweaters, turtlenecks, and blouses, for example, are suitable for the office. Following the standards of a business casual dress code, this option is not distracting, offensive, or too casual—instead, it's perfectly practical for work.

Pictures of Business Attire for a Business Casual Workplace Business Casual Attire for a Team. Noel Hendrickson/Photodisc/Getty Images

This image shows an extended array of business casual options. Even though they are wearing casual tops, all of the employees shown in the picture look nice and professional, ready to accomplish the task at hand.

As seen in the image, a business casual dress code offers some freedom for personal taste, as long as professionalism is maintained. For example, both men and women are wearing a variety of sweater tops, dress shirts, and button downs, which are great options for a business casual environment.

This image also shows the tasteful use of accessories. The woman in the purple sweater top is wearing a necklace and earrings that complement her outfit. They are not distracting, and add a subtle touch to her business casual outfit, rather than drawing attention.

In a business casual setting, it is still important to be aware of your jewelry. Both men and women should also make sure that their perfume and cologne is worn with restraint in a business casual environment.

Pictures of Business Attire for a Business Casual Workplace More Business Casual Options for Women. ViewStock/ViewStock/Getty Images

This business casual option for women is simple, but, looks great for a casual environment. This woman's sweater is a great choice because it has a relaxed fit ​but still looks polished. Her scarf dresses the sweater up a notch.​

Even in a business casual setting, clothes should always be clean, seams should always be finished, and of course, clothes that are dirty, torn, or frayed shouldn't be worn to the office. Overall, she looks polished and ready to work.

Pictures of How to Dress in a Business Casual Workplace Woman Wearing Business Casual Attire. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Getty Images

This woman looks great in her business casual outfit. Her shirt is pressed and fits well, without revealing her chest or stomach. With her sweater, she maintains a casual look that's just right, and still professional. This business casual option is polished and comfortable, perfect for a business casual workplace.

Pictures of Business Attire for a Business Casual Workplace Business Casual Options for Men and Women. Johnny Greig/E+/Getty Images

This is another example of relaxed attire in the office. Although these employees still have a modest and office-appropriate look, they are fulfilling business casual standards and wearing comfortable clothing.