the corporate america series: a casual guide to business attire

When I was getting ready to transition from being a full time college student to a full time desk job employee/engineering co-op, the thing that I was most nervous about was the dress code. I had never worn business attire on a regular basis and was unsure of exactly I should be wearing. I thought about it for a long time and worked on growing my collection of work clothes. All I knew going into it was that the office had a business casual dress code, but what the heck does that mean to a nineteen year old? Let me start by clearing that up:

Business Casual

• Men: khakis or dress pants, shirts or golf-type shirts with collars, sweaters, vests, occasionally an informal jacket and tie, and attractive leather shoes and accessories.

• Women: nice pants or skirts, blouses, tops, sweaters, vests, occasionally an informal jacket, and attractive leather shoes and accessories.

Casual Business

• Men: casual pants and jeans, shirts with collars or not, sweaters, vests, sweatshirts, casual shoes including sandals and athletic wear.

• Women: casual pants, skirts, and jeans, blouses, tops, sweaters, vests, sweatshirts, casual shoes including sandals and athletic shoes

Look at that transition from business casual to casual business. We've also aged, dyed our hair, and ditched the matching shoes.

When Gabriella and I first started our jobs, the company dress code was business casual. Halfway through our second semester here upper management decided it would help with morale to change it to casual business. I can’t speak for everyone else who works here, but I know the more relaxed dress code has made it much more enjoyable for me to go into work.

It was pretty difficult starting out wearing business casual because I wasn’t sure how I could make it my own style. I was really lucky that the job didn’t start until January 2nd, so one of the ways that I got work-appropriate clothes was asking for them for Christmas. My family members who work in corporate jobs picked out things that they knew would be good for work but that they also saw me wearing. This option took some of the stress off of me and if it’s a viable option, I would definitely recommend it! One of the best pieces I got from this haul were slim ankle pants in black, khaki, gray plaid, and a maroon floral pattern. I love this length because they worked with boots in the winter and sandals and sneakers in the spring and summer. It’s super important to have versatile separates that can be paired with lots of different pieces. This will make it seem like you own a lot of outfits without actually having to purchase tons of pieces.

This will make it seem like you own a lot of outfits without actually having to purchase tons of pieces.

Some of the other pieces I couldn’t live without are:

-Sweaters

-A black bodysuit

-Sneakers - especially important if you work in an environment where you can’t have open toed shoes. I love my Vans.

-Patterned tops that will go with a couple pairs of pants - the more options you have, the easier it is to throw something together in the mornings!

One thing that I quickly learned is that hardly anyone will pay anywhere near as much attention to your outfit as you do. So take the opportunity to find your own style! Don’t feel pressured to conform to the Classic Corporate America look - make sure your outfits still show some of your personality. Outside of work, I dress a little bit edgy and I have gradually worked that edge into my style at work. I wear a lot more black than I did when I first started and I wear Vans sneakers almost everyday.

Some days you’re going to be running late/wake up late/not want to spend lots of time putting together an outfit. That’s okay! I keep a few dresses on hand for those days. First, it’s so easy to just put on one piece of clothing and be ready to go. Second, depending on the dress you choose, you could look way dressier than you’re going for and you’ll feel like a badass in no time! One of my favorite dresses to do this is this button-up dress.

The most time consuming part of this outfit is all the buttons!

For a more relaxed look on those rushed mornings, I love throwing a fun shirt under this denim jumper.

Always take into account what your job could entail when shopping for clothes and every morning when you’re getting ready. If you work a desk job, don’t underestimate the toll that sitting all day can have on your body! I know it probably sounds silly, but the chair you sit in and your posture can affect so much of how you feel throughout the day. You probably can’t control that, but you CAN control the comfort level of your outfit! One of my favorite tricks is wide legged pants. Depending on the material they can honestly feel like pajama pants and look just as nice as a dress or super dressy (and uncomfortable) pants. There have been some weeks that I have worn this type of pants every day and I always get so many compliments on them!

Dressing for business does NOT have to be a drag. Make it your own and keep having fun and growing in your own style.

What is your secret to killing the business casual game on a daily basis?

See y'all soon,

Molly