Today I started my new job and the dress code is causal to start but will eventually be business casual. I’ve worn scrubs for the past two years so I started to look for some inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram to help me put outfits together. However, I couldn’t find anything helpful! A lot of the outfits I found online included ripped jeans, which is too casual. Or the total opposite, a whole business suit, way too dressy. Also, who wears 6-inch heels to the office? So I decided to really look through my closet and put together outfits that I would feel comfortable wearing to the office, not too casual and not too dressy. Below you will find my 5 essentials to building a business casual wardrobe.
1. Pick Your Colors
I decided to take note of the colors I have the most of in my closet and figure out how I can incorporate them into several outfits. For me, those colors are black, white, blue, tan, and pink. I want to stick to those colors when I am purchasing new items. If I add a new color into my closet it’s important to me that I can make at least 3 outfits what that new piece.
2. Pants
I have always loved dress pants and there are so many great options available. In my office, I can get away with white and black denim with no rips. In some offices, there are casual Friday’s so I will share some options for appropriate jeans as well! I have at least 5 pairs of dress pants from Ann Taylor. I love the fit and quality of their dress pants and I wear a size 00 petite.
Dress Pants:
Denim:
3. Layering Pieces
I love to add layering pieces to my outfits since I’m always cold in the office and the weather outside here is HOT! I love to layer with cardigans, blazers, and denim jackets. Below you will find some of my favorite pieces.
Blazers:
Cardigans:
4. Neutral Tops
Sticking with neutral tops will help you maximize the number of outfits you can put together! I think it’s great to have a wide selection of tops compared to pants. There are so many options for tops but I love to have a good collection of basic tees to start with and then add in blouses with fun accents and patterns.
5. Jewelry
The best way to dress up any outfit is to add jewelry. I prefer stud and medium-sized hoop earrings, layering necklaces, and bracelets that I can wear daily.
I hope this blog post helps you create a new outfit using pieces you already have in your closet!
