Business Casual...But Make It Fashion

The idea of business casual has a long history of confusing hopeful internship candidates, pro-frat pledges, and MUN kids alike. The line between casual and business casual is clear, but the line between business casual and business becomes convoluted and messy. Is a blazer and slacks business, or business casual? Should business casual be interpreted as business in the front, party in the back? Can I chuck on my AF1s with my otherwise business appropriate outfit to tone it down? But all the confusion between what truly defines “business casual” is this underlying problem: business casual is fundamentally boring. I can understand wanting a professional dress code for a formal setting, but the insistence on equating professionalism with a muted palette and generic cuts is truly baffling. The solution to this conundrum, I argue, is opting for workwear looks that push the boundaries of our conventional understanding of  “business casual.” 

Bury the Pinstriped Blazer. Please. 

The limited color palette and range of patterns that dominate workwear fashion truly disappoints me. We take incredibly versatile and interesting garments like the blazer (more articles to follow shortly) and limit their potential by confining ourselves to the range of black, navy, and dark grey. While all of these colors certainly have their place in workwear fits and aren’t to blame for the dullness of business casual, expanding your color palette adds some flavor to a workwear outfit. Expanding your definition of acceptable business casual colors doesn’t require you to opt for neon yellow though! 

Take the Dickie’s workshirt below in Hunter Green.

 This muted green is subtle enough for even the most color shy, but it still adds depth and dimension and will certainly stand out amongst a sea of navy blue. Patterns are another element that often get lost in the realm of business casual as people tend to confine themselves to stripes, stripes, and more stripes. Stripes have their place in fashion but changing your patterns can only amplify your look.

La Veste is a fantastic company based out of Barcelona and Paris that is giving an upgrade to blazers everywhere (use instagram pictures for this). By daring to combine prints in what I’d like to call a “power clash,” La Veste is giving zest back into workwear with an almost 80’s inspired indulgence. If La Veste’s almost shocking combinations such as cheetah print sleeves with a checkered blue breast intimidate you, they carry a range of more subtle combinations that nevertheless redefine what an appropriate business pattern is.

Use Cuts to Cut Through Business Casual norms

Cuts and fits have also become so dreadfully generic. Yes, we can all agree that a nicely fitted suit is always a good look, but where’s the ingenuity? The classic blazer is a great place to start experimenting with fit when putting together a business casual look. One of my prized possessions is an oversized red blazer that I thrifted.

Not only does it check the box for being a color other than the trio we’ve all become accustomed too, but it also adds a new dimension to workwear by experimenting with fit. It’s oversized to the point where it follows below the hips and hangs off the frame in fashion forward way. The oversized nature also accentuates the effect of the shoulder pads (yes, I said shoulder pads, get with it), giving you a certain angularity, and  allows me to step into the shoes of Heather Chandler for a moment. Oversized isn’t the only fit that adds something new to a business look. If you’re more inclined to choose a more tailored garment, try something like this Nasty Gal blazer.

The blazer cinches at the waist and flares out again, creating a flattering effect that deviates from the standard close-fitted blazer. 

Slacks are another classic business casual staple that can be revitalized by changing up the fit. Although my mom tells me they look terrible, flared slacks are one of my favorite ways to interpret business casual. The fit of flared slacks is extremely flattering and genuinely makes you look taller than you are, which is perfect for anyone looking to command the room. A switch to flares spices things up from the generic slim fit trouser without the often casual tone of culottes. My favorite maker of this style of slacks is STAATSBALLET. Although their signature orange plaid Inferno pants were a part of the last collection, their collection released April 21st is sure to include fashion and business appropriate slacks. 

Draw Attention with Detail 

If switching up your colors and fits still seem too daunting, details and accessories are an easy way to upgrade your business casual look without drawing too much attention. My accessory of choice when wearing business casual is a chunky, industrial belt, preferably one with grommets. Using a belt to cinch your shirt at the waist rather than as a mechanism to keep your slacks up is the perfect added detail that is still very subtle. Details don’t even have to require the effort of accessorizing. 

I take any opportunity to talk about my blazer obsession, so I’ll refer back to my red blazer as a prime example of details making a huge difference. The jacket’s faux-gold oversized buttons are almost gaudy but provide the necessary spark to this garment. Shoes are another ideal arena to tackle when you want to add more flare to your workwear outfit. My dream is to one day own a pair of Margiela Tabi pumps to give the everyday work heel more attitude with the split-toe front, but until I can afford to cough up $1,000, these Doc Martens loafers are a more affordable alternative that can fill the Tabi-sized hole in my heart. Even something as simple as the added tassle and platform make these standout amongst a crowd of kitten heels.

Next time you find yourself in need of a business casual look for a career fair, interview, or pro-frat pledging, try to commit yourself to swapping one aspect of your outfit with something that pushes the conventional norms of workwear. For goodness sake, you can swap out your dress shirt for something OTHER than navy blue. 

Words by Olivia Dulai

Photography by Joseph Chang