The contemporary professional woman is a pro at acing targets, client meetings, team discussions and all that her job entails. She could be running from the gym to work to evening parties to a family get-together and still carry it all off with grace.

And if you are also someone who has roller-coaster days, you need clothes that offer maximum comfort and ease of movement while also looking your best. In that case, the only clothing hack you require is the business casual wear.

With maximum comfort, practicality, and mobility, this ‘dress code’ has become well sought-after amongst working women. It is professional yet elegant, versatile yet appropriate, chic yet crisp and commanding. As the old saying goes, you can play the part if you can look it.

With business casuals for women, you also save precious time in the morning while deciding what to wear. It comes with a lot of solid colours and basics which are very simple to style but always result in the perfect outfit. For example, if you check out the multitude of designs, styles, and colours on Old Navy, you will know why casual workwear for women is all the rage nowadays.

The garments are super comfortable, can be taken from day to night and occasion to occasion with absolute ease, and let you get creative with the styling. You can mix and match, sport a statement piece, or simply slip into a sharp monotone outfit and be good to go for the day.

And if you are thinking that you will need to buy one piece of everything from a business casual wear collection, you couldn’t be farther from the truth. Every seasoned sartorialist knows that workwear casuals for women can consist of only a handful of fail-proof garments. This way, you will have a capsule wardrobe that never throws you into the dreaded what-do-I-wear-to-work conundrum every day. To train your eyes and senses to build such a wardrobe, read on and find out the essential pieces you need for business casual wear.

In the following section, we will take you through the fundamentals of business casuals for women that you ought to remember, essential pieces for business casual wear, and tips on styling them to wear an infinite number of times without being noticed.

Things to Avoid When Shopping for Business Casuals:

• Steer Clear of Rips, Wrinkles and Monograms

If you are an avid shopper, you will know that ripped denim, wrinkled tops, and monogrammed everything is now trending on racks of fashion outlets. While they might be fun for an informal evening with friends, meeting family for lunch, or going to the movies, do not bring them to the office. Add to that, sheer fabrics and plunging necklines that are more appropriate for an evening party than for a meeting with your boss. You can opt for the sharply tailored and well-constructed jumpsuits, dresses, blouses and shirts on Old Navy to mix things up and not get bored with your business casual wear.

Don’t Compromise on Comfort

As we had mentioned at the beginning of this article, the whole point of business casuals for women is its comfort and utility. So, you should never compromise on either for a skirt that is too tight, a shirt that is way too body-hugging or sheer, or pants that start too low. Remember what your agenda for the day is and dress accordingly. You wouldn’t want your clothes holding you back or slowing you down, would you? Check out Old Navy’s eye-grabbing collection of shirts, trousers, and tops that can be styled in many different ways for a new look every day, minus any discomfort.

Opt-out of High Heels When Needed

Sure, high heels look chic, smart, and can instantly transform and elevate any given outfit. But, are they the most comfortable option? Certainly not. Especially for long days when you have a lot scheduled, opt for flat ballerinas, pumps, or low-heeled sandals, depending on your outfit.

Don’t Forget About the Temperature Outside

In countries like Canada where winter reigns supreme for most of the year, staying warm should be on the top of your list when it comes to picking business casual wear. Opt for a smart trench coat or a heavy-duty blazer, and team it up with a scarf along with warm-lined boots. After all, one of the biggest pros of business casuals for women is that you can take liberty with how you style your attire without sticking strictly to a formal look.

Essentials to Buy When Shopping for Business Casuals for Women

• A Fail-Proof Blazer/Jacket

One of the easiest and fastest ways of looking super dapper for work is by throwing on a well-tailored jacket or a blazer. You can wear a casual v-neck t-shirt, jeans or leggings and layer it up with the right jacket or blazer to make the outfit pop. If it gets too cold, swap it for a warm coat to keep you snug. Old Navy has jackets in pastel colours that go with everything along with leather ones that are a lifetime investment. You can also find blazers in solid colours, checks, and interesting prints for when you feel like experimenting.

• A Black Dress

No, we are not referring to the LBD here. We mean a professional-looking, simple yet characteristic black dress (knee-length or lower) that can be styled in a million different ways. Black is a colour that looks good on everybody. It is not without reason that even when it comes to casual workwear for women, it is true that when in doubt, go black. If you fall in love with wearing dresses to work during summer, check out Old Navy’s collection which has dresses that are fun yet professional, made for every body type.

• Flats

When you are running from one meeting to another throughout the city, getting lunches with clients, an extra comfortable pair of flats will save your day. While we understand that women have a bias towards high heels, you won’t like it as much at the end of the day when your feet get blisters and you can hardly walk comfortably. However, if you are bent on wearing heels, sneak a pair of flats in your bag for emergency purposes.

• A Tote Bag

One of the most functional aspects of business casuals for women is that you can ditch the small handbag for a big tote bag. On any given day, you are expected to carry your laptop, food, files, and tens of other miscellaneous items. Be hands-free and opt for a tote bag that can accommodate all that without feeling like a painful burden on your shoulders.

• A Crisp White Button-Down Shirt

A simple, no-nonsense white shirt is a must-have in every professional’s wardrobe, be it male or female. Style it with a pair of warm leggings, statement jewellery, a heavy coat, and boots and you are set to go. You can even style it outside work for flirty, edgy, and chic outfits.

• Well-tailored Trousers

These are non-negotiable if you are building a capsule wardrobe of casual workwear for women. Hence, we strongly suggest investing in a pair of precisely tailored trousers in solid colours to start with. After all, there is nothing more unflattering than an ill-fitted pair of pants or too-casual denim to wear to work. Old Navy has a selection of multi-functional trousers in different shapes like straight, boot-cut, wide leg, skinny, etc that can be taken from the office boardroom to the dinner party table seamlessly.

Conclusion

When walking in for an interview or to a new workplace, the first impression you make matters a lot. And your appearance dictates that to a great degree. Moreover, the right business casual wear will make you feel confident, comfortable, and in charge. But, all said and done, don’t be scared to take risks and experiment sartorially with your outfits, even while maintaining the workplace dress code.