Business casual for women: what to wear
Tailored trousers or a skirt + a blouse or fine knit + (blazer) + loafers or pumps.
Most offices, interviews at less conservative companies, conferences, work dinners.
- When
- Working hours
- Trousers for women
- Yes
- Jeans
- Depends
- Sneakers
- Depends
Three outfit ideas
Monday
Beige wide-leg trousers, a white shirt, a navy blazer and loafers.
Meeting day
A grey work dress, a long cardigan and mid-heel pumps.
Friday
Dark straight jeans, a silk blouse, a blazer and ballet flats.
What to wear
- Tailored or wide-leg trousers, chinos
- A midi skirt, a work dress
- A blouse, a shirt, a fine knit
- A blazer or long cardigan
- Dark, clean jeans – only if the office allows
Shoes
Loafers, ballet flats, mid-heel pumps, sleek ankle boots.
Accessories
A work tote, a watch, subtle jewellery.
What to avoid
- Gym wear, flip-flops, anything too short or revealing
- Ripped jeans
Colours
Neutral basics with one accent colour.
In summer
In summer: linen trousers, short-sleeved cotton shirts (women), sockless loafers in relaxed offices.
In winter
In winter: merino knits, flannel trousers, ankle boots, a wool coat.
Details that make the difference
- Buy a blazer to fit the shoulders – a tailor can fix everything else for less.
- A neutral base (navy, grey, beige) plus one colour or print is the easiest way to look considered.
- Shoes you can walk fast in – loafers and mid heels look more professional than painful stilettos.
- A pressed shirt and clean shoes say more than an expensive label.
About business casual
Today's office standard: no suit or tie, but polished – chinos, shirts, blazers, blouses, loafers. Business casual took off in 1990s US tech companies and the 'Casual Friday' tradition (rooted in Hawaii's 'Aloha Friday'). After the pandemic it became the everyday standard in most offices.
Business professional for women
A suit or blazer + tailored trousers/skirt + blouse + closed shoes.
Smart casual for women
Dark jeans or trousers + a good blouse or knit + a blazer + elegant shoes.
Other codes for women
Frequently asked
01Business casual: can women wear trousers?
Yes – elegant trousers or a trouser suit are perfectly fine.
02Business casual: are jeans OK?
It depends on the place: dark jeans with a blazer are sometimes accepted, but trousers are the safer choice.
03Business casual: are sneakers OK?
Only minimalist leather sneakers without logos, and only in relaxed settings; running shoes, no.
04Are jeans business casual?
Dark, straight, unripped jeans are accepted in many offices, especially on Fridays, worn with a blazer or shirt. Not in conservative firms.
05Are sneakers business casual?
Minimalist leather sneakers (no logos) increasingly yes; running shoes no.