Business Attire (For Ladies)

Struggling to understand the meaning of “summer business casual,” “business casual,” and “business formal.”  Don't worry, I’ve been doing some online window shopping to put together a little piece about how each of these outfits would potentially look.

Summer Business Casual: Basically, a step UP from your usual attire. Usually, this means no jeans (although I believe that you could get away with nice white pants). Think golf attire-esque, but be conservative. If wearing a dress/skirt, make sure it isn’t too short. If wearing a v-neck or scoop-neck top, make sure it isn’t too low. Feel free to work with pale, basic, or even bold colors mixed with some neutrals… but try to stick away from the neon. Think comfortable, yet proper and structured.

Business Casual: Nice pants with a blazer or cute printed sweater on top works. A silky blouse and pants works as well. A pencil skirt is great too, just make sure it hits under mid-thigh - preferably really close to the knee. Think: Would I wear this to an interview? (Answer should be yes) Would I wear this to meet my boyfriend’s parents? (Answer should be yes) Look like you definitely put some thought into what you are wearing, without trying “too hard”. (P.S. the shoes in the second photo probably would NOT be the best idea) 

Business Formal: Here is where we pull out our best costumes, we want to wow everyone with our professionalism! Rack out the suits - matching pants and blazer, nice shirt, tucked in, etc. Neutrals are the best: blacks, greys, browns, whites, pale peaches, etc. as long as you are in a lower rank. You have to work your way up to the top before you start experimenting with super colors and more ostentatious things. For jewelry? pop on some nice pearls or dangly earrings/a pearl necklace. Save the platform heels for the club and wear some nice black pumps instead. Pantyhose would be for the best if you are showing some leg.

Key Rules/Tips:

- The hem of a dress or skirt should fall past your hands if they were hanging at your sides

- If your dad wouldn’t approve of you in it, you should probably chuck it

- Mix-n-match! Often the clothes in business casual can also fall under business formal if you wear it right, and sometimes even the summer casual could be mixed in as well.

- Invest in a pair of comfortable heels, you want to keep up with the men and they don’t want to hear you complaining all day

- A minimalist purse or bag is good.