guide to work wear: business casual + professional

Hello hello!

For the very first post on The Classic Madison in 2021, I am bringing you a much requested post- a guide to work wear! I have accumulated a good amount of business casual and professional clothing over the years for Model UN competitions, interviews, internships, and various jobs. I think it’s important to collect these items over the years as you see them, rather than start a new professional job and have to buy an entire wardrobe. So if you are in high school or college right now, please consider stocking up on pieces as you find them (especially if they are on sale!). 

I am not a professional when it comes to business clothing because I don’t even have a full-time job yet, but I have experience professional dress in varaious settings and experiences. Like I said, every office has a different interpretation of business professional, casual, and everything in between. I interned at one company that was a perfect blend of casual and professional, asking that we rarely wear pants and stick to dresses, skirts, and work shoes like heels or professional flats. But I’ve had others that said we can wear just about anything except for jeans. But then you might work for a place that requests a blazer and skirt or trousers with every outfit. My best advice is to dress nicer than usual on your first day (or at your interview), i.e. wear a dress, wear a blazer with your outfit, choose a skirt over pants, and then ask more about the dress code as you get the position and start working for the company.

I can’t get through this post without mentioning the fact that many of you are working from home. I am hoping that when I find my post-grad job I can go into the office, but working in the office remains uncertain. Even if you have to work from home, maybe my work wear guide can help with what to wear for Zoom meetings or give you inspo when we are finally back to work. I personally cannot wait to work in an office (I might change my mind in a few years haha!) but I love the structure of working in a place separate from home. If you are struggling working from home still, I suggest wearing outfits that are similar to what you would wear in the office and find a space to do your work (this could apply to school work too!). Until then, stock up on work wear and outfit ideas with this post! 

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The first step of creating a business outfit is deciding if you are going for a one piece look (with a dress) or two piece (top + bottoms). I recommend finding a few solid colored and neutral staple blouses that can be worn with various pairs of pants and skirts, and ones that can also go under a blazer. Find blouses in shades such as white, cream, black, gray, and brown, and then add in pops of color with prints and solid colors. Your base should be simple tops and then add in more fun tops as you learn about your company’s dress code and expand your business wardrobe. Most of these satisfy business casual and professional, but for business professional you would need to pair it with a blazer, dress pants, or a suit. Sometimes business casual leans into business professional and vice versa, but it depends on the company and environment you are working for. I love blouses from Tuckernuck and Loft! 

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Blazers are super important for building a business wardrobe. Start with a solid color of black, navy, or gray, and then add in patterns and statement colors as you need more. I also recommend purchasing some sweater blazers ( such as the gray one on the bottom row) and blazer-type jackets such as a blazer cape, professional coat, or sleek fashion jacket. The classic blazer will satisfy both the business casual and professional attire, but leave the super patterned and fashionable blazers and sweater blazers/jackets for business casual. Blazers are pricey, but if you pick one that is well-made and of a quality fabric, it will last you years! Great places to get your staple blazer: J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Express