How to Transition from Casual to Business Casual Clothing
I’m often asked how to build a wardrobe that meets both casual and business casual settings. Because I work in an environment where I wear business casual clothing 4-5 times per week, I thought this would be a great time to talk about how to transition between the two styles and find items that you can substitute in each category.
This blog post will also be helpful for anyone who is participating in my Spring Capsule Wardrobe Challenge and would like more information about substitute pieces to fit your lifestyle. More information over on this blog post about the Spring Challenge.
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1. Pants: Keep the Same Color
The first piece of advice relates to pants. Keep the same color and change out the material the pant is made from. This is best shown visually in the image.
- Dark Wash Jeans –> Navy Trousers/Slacks
- Regular Wash Jeans –> Blue Trousers/Slacks
- White Jeans –> Ivory or Tan Trousers/Slacks
- Gray Jeans –> Gray or Tweed Trousers/Slacks
- Colored Denim Jeans –> Same Color in Trouser/Slacks (i.e. Pink Jeans –> Pink Trouser/Slacks)
- Black Leggings –> Black Trousers/Slacks
More pant blog posts:
- How to Style Navy & Gray Together
- How to Transition Summer Pants to Fall
- Best Jogger Pants
- Early Spring Work Outfit Ideas
- 3 Ways to Wear Spring Florals
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2. Tops: Use them for both settings
For tops, the easiest way to transition between casual and business casual settings is to first purchase them to fit both settings. In my opinion, this means finding tops that are more blouse-styles. They can be sleeveless, short sleeved or long sleeved. The exact cut does not matter because you can add a completer piece such as a cardigan or blazer over the blouse for business casual settings as required.
It’s more about the fabric than the exact color or print when finding tops that transition well. Of course, this goes without saying that the design of the top will matter if it is too tight, low-cut neckline or too short for a business casual setting. In general, fabrics such as polyester are found in blouse-styles, rayon-nylon-spandex blend in dressier tees and cotton in casual tees. I would stay away from 100% cotton tees for this transition although it is possible to dress up these tees with statement necklaces and completer pieces. Read previous blog posts on my favorite tops – Favorite 5 Tops.
For me, I own a LOT of sleeveless blouses (most made of 100% polyester) that function with cardigans and blazers over them. I also love long sleeve blouses that I can wear to work or at home. I tend to tuck all of my blouses into my pants and usually add in a belt as well.
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Shop Completer Pieces I Love – Cardigans/Blazers:
3. Skirts: Purchase ones that function for both or use these substitution tips
For skirts, you can either purchase ones that function well for both settings or substitute as needed. For versatile ones, I recommend flare skirts (also known as a flippy skirt). These flare skirts come in a wide variety of colors and prints and the hemlines tend to be long enough for business casual settings. In general, if the hemline is long enough and print/color is appropriate, the skirt should be able to transition from casual to business casual settings.
For skirt substitution, here are my tips:
- Gray Skirt –> Tweed Skirt
- Pleated or Maxi Skirt –> Pencil Skirt
- Cotton Fabric Skirt –> Wool or Polyester-Viscose Blend and lined
- Denim Skirt –> Blue skirt in appropriate fabric
More skirt blog posts:
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4. Dresses: Cut and Design are Important
The cut and design are the two factors I think about first when accessing a dress for casual to business casual settings. My go-to dresses that easily transition between both environments are sheath dresses, wrap dresses and sweater dresses. These are classic styles that tend to have appropriate hemlines, necklines, and limited cut-outs that would make them inappropriate for work settings.
The completer pieces, shoes and accessories you wear with a dress also help to define its place in casual vs. business casual settings. Layering a denim jacket vs. blazer and sandals vs. heels significantly alter the look and feel of a dress.
More dress blog posts:
- How to Style a Wrap Dress 5 Ways
- 3 Ways to Style a Sheath Dress
- How to Style a Bow Dress
- 3 Holiday Dress Looks
- Wrap Dress – 3 Reasons this is a Work Essential
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5. Shoes: Substitute for Closed-Toed Styles in Business Casual Settings
In general, I would say that business casual settings require or recommend closed-toed shoes. Working in healthcare, this is a requirement because who knows what bodily fluid or medication could come in contact with your skin so it’s a safety measure. Here are a few tips for transitioning:
- Slip on Sneakers –> Loafers or Ballet Flats
- Sandals –> Lace-up Ballet Flats (it’s pretty difficult to find a closed-toe sandal so a more polished version is a lace-up ballet flat)
- Espadrille –> Mule or Loafer or Ballet Flats
- Block Heeled Sandal –> Closed Toe Heel
In general, boots and booties are able to transition between the two settings. Just make sure they are closed-toed and the heel height is not too tall for comfort at work.
For block heeled sandals or other open-toe dress shoes, simply change them out for a closed toe heel. Heel heights vary by shoe and personal preference. My tallest for work is 3.5 inches. For more about wearing heels all-day in comfort, head over to this blog post.
More footwear related blog posts:
- Best Socks for 3 types of shoes blog post here
- How to Wear Ballet Flats to Work & My Favorite Ballet Flat Brand
- How to Wear Heels to Work in Comfort
- How to Wear No-Show Socks with Ankle Booties
- Best Fall Booties
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Join the Spring Capsule Wardrobe Challenge Today! Get a Sneak Peak on this blog post!
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Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.