These Business Casual Outfit Ideas Will Make Casual Fridays Easy

Friday is the second-best day of the week. 

Obviously, Saturday is the best day, but Friday means the weekend is just ahead and it’s the end of the work week for many. In most offices, Friday also means you can dress down for work. It’s business casual day and you can ditch the power suit and heels — yay!

But what exactly is business casual? 

Business casual attire is broadly defined as “A code of dress that blends traditional business wear with a more relaxed style that’s still professional and appropriate for an office environment.” That sounds easy enough — although it can be tricky to know if your idea of biz casual is compatible with your work’s definition of business casual.

Don’t fret, you have a wide array of looks to choose from!

There is an extensive collection of business casual outfit ideas for women, from jeans (note: not ripped, noticeably distressed or with holes) and pants to blouses and sweaters. 

If you’re still unsure about what’s considered suitable in a certain setting, it’s wise to opt for more traditionally accepted business casual attire, at first. Once you get a feel for what’s acceptable in your office setting, you can alter your looks to what’s appropriate. 

Just don’t roll into work in sweats — even if they’re really nice sweats. 

Business casual outfit ideas for women might include:

• Slacks, khaki pants, chinos, dark jeans without holes, or knee-length skirts

• Blouses, sweaters, button-downs, henleys, or polo shirts

• Knee-length or maxi dresses

• Cardigans, blazers, or jackets

• Closed-toed shoes such as loafers, oxfords, flats, or boots

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s shop at our favorite retailers for business casual outfits!

Ann Taylor

When it comes to business casual, Ann Taylor is a great brand for a multitude of professional and casual looks. 

“Founded in 1954, Ann Taylor became the go-to destination for professional women and set several styles on the map, including trousers and pants for women in the 1960s and 1970s and the ubiquitous 1980s power suit,” says Business Insider. 

“As it evolved over the years, the company expanded to include spinoff brands like Ann Taylor Loft — later renamed just LOFT — to diversify its customer base and appeal to younger professional women seeking to upgrade their wardrobes.”

Banana Republic

You can’t go wrong with Banana Republic and its versatile pieces that can do double duty for work or play. 

Though it began as “Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company,” it’s evolved into “A global apparel and accessories brand focused on delivering modern, versatile pieces designed for a life with no boundaries.”

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is a Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer, and retailer.

Its clothing is “Up-to-date and fashionable, but not trendy. Its fabric innovation and in-house design provide exceptional and unique functional performance. Uniqlo provides ‘made for all’ clothing that can be worn whenever and wherever,” says Prophet. 

Club Monaco

Club Monaco is elevated business casual with updated silhouetted pieces and fresh styling. The brand was founded in 1985 “around the idea of ‘better basics’ — creating classic, effortless pieces that contribute to the lives of our customers and allow them to live with ease.”

Theory

Theory is synonymous with sleek — its contemporary minimal designs offer the perfect aesthetic for business casual. 

The New York-based fashion brand was founded in 1997 by Andrew Rosen and is known for its enduring, classic style. 

What are your favorite go-to business casual retailers? Share with us in the comments!

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