15 Effortless Ways to Look Business Chic
Photo curtesy of The Style Stalker
The business chic look is incredibly stylish and can be worn inside and outside of the work environment. Let’s take a look at some stylish work clothes.
What is business chic?
When looking for clothes suitable for the work environment, many often struggle to express their personality and personal style because they are focused on meeting the office dress code.
However, there are many ways to look business chic that can work for your style. It’s all about finding a perfect balance between a modern on trend look and a smart appearance
Business casual attire
Business casual attire shouldn’t look sloppy or untidy, but you can go for slightly less formal clothes.
1.) Summer dress
Photo: @whowhatwear
Finding the perfect business attire for summer can be a bit of a challenge. However, a summer dress can still be a great option for a business casual fit.
When choosing a summer dress for work, make sure it has enough coverage over the chest to keep things professional. If the dress is a bit too revealing, you can always layer it with a short sleeve top to add a touch of modesty.
If a long dress isn’t your style, try pairing a pencil skirt or flowy skirt with a stylish bodysuit. This will give you a similar illusion to a summer dress while still keeping things office-appropriate.
2.) Wide leg pants
Photo: @j’adorefashion
When it comes to business chic, trousers are a elegant and timeless option. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed and comfortable fit, then wide leg pants are the way to go.
Not only are wide leg pants great for a business casual look, but they also add a touch of sophistication. Pairing them with a matching color top creates a coherent and polished look that is perfect for any business setting.
3.) Experiment with color
Photo: @pinterest
Looking business chic doesn’t just mean sticking to a monochrome wardrobe. Business casual is the perfect chance to experiment with some color.
If bold color pant suits aren’t your thing, don’t worry! You can still add a pop of color to your outfit through your accessories.
Another great way to experiment with patterns and colors is by wearing bright-colored shoes. Pairing an all-black outfit with a pop of color from your shoes can look super sophisticated and appropriate for more formal business attire.
Business formal
If you want to look business chic but need a more business formal look, then here are a few style tips and outfit ideas:
4.) Suits
Photo: @ikanovic1852
Suits are perfect for the work environment; all you have to do is pair them with a top, and you’re good to go. Moreover, they are incredibly versatile and can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, making them a great investment piece.
Choosing a bold or classic colored suit is an excellent way to make a fashion statement. However, pair the suit with a simple shirt and neutral accessories to avoid making the outfit look too busy. This creates a chic and sophisticated business chic look that is perfect for any business occasion.
5.) Pencil skirts
Photo: @mariavizuete
Pencil skirts are a timeless and classic wardrobe staple that have been around for years. The sophisticated and polished look they give is perfect for the work environment.
When it comes to business formal office attire, knee-length skirts are the way to go. Opt for a pencil skirt and pair it with a cropped blazer to add a modern twist to the outfit. During cooler seasons, tuck in a shirt and pair with a trench coat for a sleek and polished look that is perfect for the office.
While black pencil skirts are a classic choice, why not switch things up and choose a white pencil skirt paired with a neutral shirt for a more modern take. Be sure to invest in a high quality white pencil skirt as white is notoriously see-through which will look extremely unprofessional.
6.) Blazers
Photo: @pinterest
Blazers are must haves for creating that professional and business chic outfit. Adding a blazer to your outfit can instantly take it from business casual to business formal.
Blazers are an extremely versatile staple piece and investing in a good quality black blazer is a good choice. Alternatively, you can experiment with different colors or match your blazer to the rest of your outfit for a chic monochromatic look
Back to Basics
Finding the perfect work wardrobe sometimes doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel. Going back to basics with colors and styles can still look business chic basics while making a fashion statement in the work environments.
7.) Opt for neutral colors
Photo: @dailymail
Wearing neutral colors makes mixing and matching items in your closet super easy. Even pastel colors work great for work attire and are an excellent way to look business chic while incorporating classic colors into your outfit.
Having a neutral work wardrobe, particularly with tops, means you can choose more colourful pants. Wide-legged, tailored or boot-cut pants are great for an office fit.
8.) Classic and timeless silhouettes
Photo: @taylajaybeauty
Incorporating classic pieces is essential for achieving a business chic outfit. Their timeless silhouettes never go out of style, meaning you won’t look outdated.
Office wear demands a sophisticated and refined look, making classic and timeless silhouettes essential. Tailored pants, shirt, blazer, and heels is a prime example of a timeless look that screams professionalism and elegance.
9.) Invest in quality
Photo: @Mariavizuete
To build a business chic wardrobe, it’s important to invest in high quality basics. Not only will these basics be the foundation of your wardrobe, but the high quality fabric adds a luxurious touch and therefore creates a more polished overall look.
Furthermore, selecting basics of higher quality ensures their longevity, which ultimately leads to cost savings as well as contributes to creating a sustainable capsule wardrobe.
Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness
Well, we all have heard the saying, “cleanliness is next to godliness.” Business attire is all about looking clean and polished.
10.) Less is more
Photo: @pinterest
Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to business attire. The business chic style is all about looking clean and elegant. A great example of this is a simple black dress. Pair with a black or white blazer and accessories and you are good to go.
Another great business chic outfit ideas is pairing plain dark tailored pants with a plain white blouse as nothing is more clean and elegant than white and black.
11.) Fit over size
Photo: @clossfashion0518
Choosing clothes that fit your body right will give that overall clean look while keeping the outfit classy.
Focussing on the size rather than fit might result in clothes not sitting right on your body and can create an overall unpolished appearance.
If you are struggling to find clothes that fit you perfectly, then consider getting items custom tailored.
12.) Take care of your business attire
Photo: @prettylittlething
To get that business chic look, you want to make sure you are looking after your business attire to ensure there are no unnecessary wrinkles. Loose threads, stains and wrinkles can seem highly unprofessional.
A trick to ensure that you have an office-ready outfit, is to keep your business attire separate from your casual clothes. This is particularly important if you have any business formal clothes because it’s extra important to look smart and professional
Dress Modestly
Instead of relying on revealing clothing or heavy makeup to get noticed, strive to stand out through your exceptional work. Revealing too much skin in a professional setting is not advisable, and not just because it violates the office dress code.
13.) Long maxi dress
Photo: @lilyisabellaclark
Another business chic outfit idea is a maxi dress. They are easy to wear and are a great way to stay modest while looking elegant.
To balance out the silhouette of the dress, add a cropped blazer for a sophisticated touch. If blazers aren’t your thing, a long trench coat can also do the trick, as it compliments the cut of the dress and creates a streamlined look.
If your maxi dress has straps or a low-cut neckline, simply layer a long sleeve top or shirt underneath for extra coverage and modesty to make it work appropriate.
14.) High waisted trousers
Photo: @luvtolook
If you are looking for the ultimate business chic wardrobe, then you need to invest in a pair of high-waisted trousers.
These versatile pants are super easy to style and can be paired with a variety of different tops to create the ultimate business attire.
For a classic look, pair black tailored trousers with a white shirt or striped blouse. If you’re looking for something a little more summery, then try wearing a pair of high-waisted pastel trousers with a crisp white shirt.
This outfit is perfect for those warm weather days when you want to look chic and stylish.
15.) Versatile tops
Photo: @bysima24
There are loads of modest top styles that can suit everyone’s personal style preferences, from tight-fitting tops to short sleeve beauties to timeless turtleneck sweaters.
Layering is key when it comes to styling modest clothing pieces, and long-sleeve tops are perfect for achieving this.
A long-sleeve black top is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down. Pair it with some black leather pants for a chic and sleek business casual look, and you’re good to go! Or, for a more formal setting, swap out the leather pants for some tailored trousers
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of the business chic look can be a game-changer for your professional wardrobe.
Remember the key elements of business chic, such as tailored pieces, neutral colors, and clean and modest look to create a polished and put-together look.
By choosing sophisticated, stylish, and professional pieces, you can make a powerful statement about your competence and confidence.