1 - Fine-knit dress // 2- Pleated dress // 3 - Ruffleneck top // 4 - Elastic waist pants // 5 - Nude pointed pumps // 6 - Captoe flats // 7 - V-neck blouse // 8 - Sweater blazer // 9 - Croc-embossed flats

After more than a year of working from home, many of us are returning to the office, which means that we’re out of the cozy clothes we’ve been sporting, and forced to get back into our business casual ones.

Business casual is a more relaxed “style” that does not require wearing suits, neutral colors, and, in men’s case - ties. Companies, most often, have dress code policies, enforced and maintained by the HR department. Usually, those are presented to employees upon hiring, or, as often as the company deems necessary.

Generally, when it comes to dress-code policy, it is frowned upon in an office setting to have exposed shoulders (aka, wear strapless or sleeveless tops), too short dresses (your dress/skirt should stop just above your knee), and/or too-tight or exposed clothing (aka, showing a generous cleavage).

In a business casual setting, wearing prints is accepted, and even [non-ripped] jeans, though, always check your company’s dress code policy, to make sure you are dressing appropriately, and avoid any policy violations.

When it comes to building a business casual wardrobe, start with the basics (I mostly stick to neutral colors to easily mix and match), like black slacks, or pants (including jeans), a black and/or navy dress, at least one neutral-colored — like beige, navy or black cardigan and blazer, a white or [light] blue button-up shirt, a pair of neutral flats, and a pair of black and/or nude heels. Also, cami blouses are always a great option to wear under a cardigan or blazer, and with jeans, pants, or a skirt, not to mention suits, if the occasion calls for it.

As my basics are mostly in the colors mentioned above, when it comes to tops (and even dresses), this is where I add some fun by going with prints (my rule is to stick to one print per outfit). Or, if my look is neutral, I like to wear colored shoes to keep it interesting (for example, an all-black outfit paired with these green or these red flats).

Since I adore dresses - they make such easy outfits - I continue wearing them year-round by adding tights during the cooler weather (I love these and these ones), and a cardigan or blazer to keep warm.

Below, I’ve linked what I consider business casual basics (some have more colors available); these pieces are easy to mix and match to help you get ready for work in no time. As far as accessories, don’t forget to add some earrings (more fun ones here).

Tip: try to prepare your next day’s outfit the evening before, to make your morning stress-free, and ensure you have time for breakfast and/or drinking that cup of coffee in peace. Also, create a no-fail outfit “formula” - a specific dress + heels that coordinate, pants + a specific top + cardigan/blazer, etc., for those days when you are running late and have no time to waste on picking clothes.

Be sure to follow me on ShopLTK as I create outfits with the items linked below.

Until next time.

xoxo,

Em