According to designer Molly Roe, spring business casual does following the same job clothing trends we’ve been seeing all year long, incorporating elements of elegance, modern flair, and, above all, comfort. And while comfort is still important in a business casual attire for the winter, a style therapist claims that putting an emphasis on refinement does make the outfit more appealing. The solution, Stein says, is to find the enjoyment in said elegance.
We have you covered if you’re standing in front of your closet in the winter without knowing what to use for a business casual dress script. Away, Roe, Stein, and various artists break down their best appearance for spring business casual attire.
Pieces, Layers, Layers
When venturing into the office this spring, Roe recommends referencing what Stitch Fix coined the” 3 Part Rule”, which involves a base level, a mid- level, and an exterior shell. For instance,” a long-line wool coat that will protect you from cold winds or snow, paired with a blazer or leather jacket that isn’t too heavy for the office, and a breathable basic T-shirt or bodysuit for your base layer.”
Bloke- Core Cool
The oversized polos and plaid midi skirts side of Bloke-core “are here to stay for the winter season,” according to a fashion stylist. For those who don’t know,” Bloke-core” is the soccer-inspired aesthetic that is prevalent on Pinterest and social media. If you follow Young’s advice,” Elements of traditionally masculine dress paired with traditionally feminine pieces,” the look is simple to achieve.
Sweater Dresses Abound
The other option for winter business casual attire is well-known but a classic. A cashmere style is preferred by a fashion stylist when wearing a maxi coat over top with tall black boots and a maxi coat. “Sweater dresses are simple and functional pieces because they require no outfit coordination”, Singla says. However, for a more conservative style, Singla recommends layering” a lightweight black blazer on top of the dress to create a more finished look that is polished, feminine, and also comfortable”.
Go for Moto Outerwear
Wool coats and dusters are cozy, but Roe says she’s been recommending that her clients give moto jackets a shot this winter. If you want to level up your winter business casual outerwear with some edge. They “add the perfect flair to wear to business casual settings, and they can be paired with a variety of outfits for non-business settings, too.”
Metallics Are the New Neutral
Metals have been around for a while, but they’re a great neutral and can really make your office look pop, especially in a more business casual setting, according to Stein. But if you’re drawing a blank on how to make metallics work for your office wardrobe, you needn’t be intimidated. She advises using a neutral color chunky knit and a pair of brushed metallic pants with a stylish point-toe heel. A soft fabric blouse with a blazer can give it a whole new vibe, or alternatively, if you need to dress the metallic pants up.
Opt for Oversized Fits
As far as Young is concerned, an oversized dress shirt is the definition of business casual. The larger fit and long sleeves modernize the classic silhouette, and the relaxed feeling increases when the majority of the shirt is left unbuttoned.
Reach for Cable Knits
Singla wants to wear the cable-knit sweater trend for business casual wear in the winter. A white cable-knit jumper and dark grey or off-white relaxed wool pants and ankle boots are “one way to style this look,” she says. This is a clean minimalistic style with an element of winter- ready, office- chic sophistication”.