Let’s be real: There’s nothing worse than staring at a closet full of clothes and feeling like you have nothing to wear. While the world has changed immensely over the past few years, the one thing that remains constant is how overwhelming picking the best business casual outfit for work can be, especially considering the fact that some of us have been working from home for quite some time. But whether you are an essential worker or are just heading back into the office this fall, you can rest assured that your closet woes will soon subside. Ahead, we’ve rounded up 29 business casual outfits for women that will ensure you look and feel your best on the job. Plus, we’ve shopped out each look just in case your work wardrobe needs a little refresh.
WHO: Michelle Rose
WEAR: knit dress, knee-high boots, shoulder bag
What’s a better piece to wear this fall than a knit dress? It’s chic, and it’s the most straightforward outfit idea to pull together for returning to the office.
This cutout midi dress was made for the office.
WHO: Gosia Boy
WEAR: sleeveless blazer, maxi slip skirt, oxford mules
Creating the perfect business casual outfit is all about knowing which pieces to play with. For example, if you have a maxi slip skirt you love, styling it with a blazer and oxfords is the perfect way to make it appropriate for the workplace.
You can wear this for seasons to come.
WHO: Lauren-Nicole
WEAR: monochrome sweaterdress and coat, statement boots
Sure, a sweaterdress and matching coat aren’t groundbreaking, but they create a foolproof work outfit for all. For a little something extra, try leveling up the outfit with a bold pair of boots, and you’ll be smitten with this ensemble—we promise.
Now these are statement boots.
WEAR: blazer, tank, wide-leg pants, sandals
If your office dress code is relatively casual, then pair your favorite blazer and pants with a bold tank and sandals. It’s the perfect balance between relaxed and professional.
Found: a not-so-basic tank.
WHO: Idalia Salsamendi
WEAR: turtleneck, tweed coat with matching skirt, knee-high boots
When in doubt, opting for a matching set is always a safe bet. Just be sure to dress up your tweed with a turtleneck and boots.
Shop the matching Buttoned Textured Skirt ($70).
WHO: Georgia
WEAR: monochrome suit, sneakers
The simplest way to dress down a suit is by pairing it with your favorite sneakers. Wear your most colorful suit to really level up this look.
The best thing about these sneakers is that you can wear them to work or on the weekends.
WEAR: printed shirt with matching pants, cardigan, sandals
Are you trying to rationalize buying a fun-printed set? It’s all about layering—just put a cardigan or button-down underneath and add heels. Suddenly, you’ve got a nontraditional take on a suit.
Shop the matching Printed Cotton Shirt ($30).
WHO: Renata D’Agrella
WEAR: oversize button-down, coat, knee-high boots
Before you stress over styling or shopping for a brand-new look for the office, we’re here to remind you that sometimes the simplest outfit ideas are the best. Case in point: pairing your oversize button-down with a jacket and boots.
A crisp white button-down is a must for any work wardrobe.
WHO: Andrea Mun
WEAR: oversize button-down, vest, knee-high boots
Another way you can style that oversize button-down in the back of your closet? Pairing it with a vest. Trust us when we say this is the easiest way to make your staple piece feel trendier.
A leather vest for fall—don’t mind if we do.
WHO: Hodan Yousuf
WEAR: button-down, sweater-vest, tie, cropped blazer, jeans, Dr. Martens
The key to perfecting casual business looks is getting creative with your styling. Don’t be afraid to take inspiration from menswear, and try pairing your button-down with a sweater-vest, a cropped jacket, jeans, combat boots, and even a tie.
Be sure to style layers underneath to pull off this blazer.
WHO: Rachel Nosco
WEAR: pleated top and matching bottoms
You may not be able to wear sweatpants to the office, but wearing a matching pleated set is just as comfortable. Plus, you won’t get the side-eye from HR with this look.
The perfect pleated skirt now exists—thank us later.
WHO: Aniyah Morina
WEAR: sheer duster, bodysuit, trousers, ankle boots.
If you’re over basic blazers, try statement outerwear (like a sheer duster, leather jacket, or sequined coat). To make the look more business friendly, just be sure to swap your tube top for a turtleneck and finish off the look with trousers and ankle boots.
You can style this organza duster with a turtleneck dress for the office, too.
WHO: Renia Jaz
WEAR: collared blouse, cardigan, jeans, heels
You do not have to ditch your trusted denim as you head back into the office as long as they’re styled correctly. This outfit takes the casual staple to the next level by styling it with a bold collared blouse, a cardigan, and heels.
You can wear this cardigan on and off the clock.
WHO: Alicia
WEAR: coat, T-shirt, dress, heels
Layering is a simple way to transition your favorite summertime dress into fall. Add a white T-shirt underneath, a statement coat above, and heels for an office-ready outfit.
You can layer this T-shirt under anything.
WHO: Emma Leger
WEAR: bucket hat, button-down, jeans, loafers
When in doubt, a simple yet preppy look is the way to go. Pair your favorite jeans with a button-down, and add loafers and a hat for a back-to-work look.
The key to wearing jeans to work is finding the right fit. Avoid ripped jeans and low-rise denim at all costs.
WHO: Devin Arielle
WEAR: sweater, Bermuda trousers, knee-high boots
This sweater is a bit more risqué, so swapping it out for a thicker cable-knit version and pairing it with Bermuda shorts and knee-high boots would work for the office.
Style these shorts with a matching blazer, a sweater, or so much more.
WHO: Jessica Torres
WEAR: leather button-down, dress, boots
Who said leather blazers or trousers had to be the only way to style this staple for the office? If you pair a leather button-down with a midi or maxi dress and boots, you’ve got a look that’s worthy of a promotion.
Style this over a dress or with slacks for a stylish work ensemble.
WHO: Chanel McKinsie
WEAR: button-down, sweater, shorts, oxfords
Sometimes, fall weather can be finicky—there are those days where all you want to do is wear your new seasonal staples, but it’s too hot. In those moments, pairing that sweater and button-down with a pair of shorts and oxford loafers is a great move.
Try styling these loafers with a suit, jeans, or a dress.
WHO: Emna Sellimi
WEAR: monochrome suit, bold top, pumps
If you love the bold color trends that have dominated F/W 21 runways, then you’re in luck. Any saturated shade will work for the office—just pair it with a suit, and you’ve got the perfect pop of color.
This green hue will look so good under a blazer.
WHO: Fia Hamelijnck
WEAR: blazer, slip dress, sandals
For those hotter fall days, you can still get some wear out of your favorite maxi dress by pairing it with a blazer (ideally in the same hue) and sandals. It’s work and weather friendly, so it’s a win-win.
This hot pink is giving Elle Woods vibes.
WHO: Frida Becker
WEAR: oversize blazer, vest, knee-high boots
Love a good blazer dress? Us too. But if you’re not sure about how to wear this piece to work, we recommend playing the layering game. Since an oversize blazer can be on the shorter side, don’t be afraid to layer a turtleneck underneath. Style it with a vest and over-the-knee/knee-high boots. The less skin you can show, the better.
These boots were made for the office.
WHO: Lydia
WEAR: sweater, leather pants, heels
I can attest to the fact that leather pants can make the simplest outfits way better. When you’re in a clothing rut, pairing these pants with your favorite heels and sweater is the simplest way to look your best for the office without the fuss.
You can pair these with a leather blazer, a polo top, or just your favorite sweater—the styling possibilities are endless.
WHO: Allison Ho
WEAR: blouse, jeans, heels.
Call it cliché, but a good blouse does its job when it comes to dressing up a pair of jeans. Just be sure to finish off this simple work outfit with a pair of heels and accessories.
You can wear this to work or on a night out.
WHO: Oluwaseun
WEAR: jumpsuit, combat boots
Perpetually running behind in the mornings? Avoid showing up late to work by opting for a boilersuit and boots. It’s not only easy to slip into, but its utilitarian nature also makes sure you can look professional without spending as much time and effort.
To make this look more professional, style it with a turtleneck and heels.
WHO: Sintija Selicka
WEAR: plaid coat, turtleneck, denim skirt, boots
Call it preppy or even Tommy Hilfiger–esque, but there’s nothing better than pairing a plaid coat with a turtleneck sweater and denim skirt. It’s the right amount of polish for the boardroom.
I own this skirt and have worn it to the office multiple times.
WHO: Loïcka Grâce
WEAR: trench coat, white T-shirt, leather trousers
The way to make leather pants appropriate for work is styling them simply. Pairing them with a T-shirt and trench coat in the same hue ensures you can finally wear those beloved pants without being too extra at the office.
Buying a trench coat for your work wardrobe is never a bad investment.
WHO: Noor
WEAR: button-down, bustier, trousers, mules
Dying to wear that new bustier top that may be a little too risqué for a cubicle? Layer your go-to button-down underneath along with trousers and heels for a fun look.
This will look so good on top of a white button-down.
WHO: Ellie
WEAR: blazer, turtleneck, pajama pants, heels
If you’ve made it this far and are still dreading putting on real clothes, then let us remind you of something: Pajama pants can work for the office if styled right. Pair them with a turtleneck, a blazer, and heels, and your boss won’t even know you’re wearing sleepwear.
You’d never guess these aren’t silk trousers.
WHO: Dawn Tan
WEAR: midi dress, mules
There are so many great business casual outfit ideas, but remember that less is always more if you still find yourself overwhelmed. Pairing a fabulous dress with a good pair of mules is the easiest way to pull off a look that’s sure to impress your colleagues.
These mules will go well with the Who What Wear Collection Daphne Gathered Scoop-Neck Dress ($200).
Next: I Asked Editors for Their Back-to-Office Outfits When That's a Thing Again
-
9 Top, Jeans, and Shoe Outfit Combos That Fashion People Will Be Wearing This SpringI plan to re-create these ASAP.
-
My Friend Gave Me a $550 Budget to Update Her Spring Wardrobe—Here's What I OrderedI narrowed it down to eight key pieces.
-
The Effortless Skirt-and-Boot Combo I'm Copying From People in Paris and MilanIt's perfect for spring 'fits.
-
10 Spring Outfit Ideas That Will Make Anyone Look Like a Fashion PersonBring on the compliments.
-
The Anti-Skinny-Jeans Summer Outfit Everyone Is Already WearingEasy, stylish, and editor approved.
-
Re: Your Ballet Flats—Here Are the Chicest Ways to Wear Them This SummerBecause we know you're wondering.
-
6 Chic Pieces That I Swear Take My Spring Outfits From Subpar to SophisticatedBring on the compliments.
-
I Have Proof—These Are the Shoes New Yorkers Always Wear With Trench CoatsIt's NYC's spring uniform.
