Business Casual: What To Wear As You Head Back to the Office

We’re entering 2023 with borrowed rules from both our relaxed days indoors and the structured outfits from years prior. As more businesses are transitioning to hybrid work models, some are summoning their employees back to the office full-time, or for even  ~1-2 days a week. Whether going back to the office for you is considered a cross between virtual meetings and business casual style (workleisure), or a full (9-5) at the office, it’s important to revisit your work wardrobe to adapt to an ever-shifting office culture.

Corporate office environments that have traditionally been ruled by strict dress codes are introducing business casual workwear and hybrid workwear options! We’re seeing long-term trends like pants with elastic waistbands, oversized silhouettes, and relaxed silk blouses in powerful colors that translate for virtual meetings and days in the office.

If you are ready to make a change and bring a bit more comfort and style into your business attire, consider my Return to Office Package for purchase (only available for a limited time) or shop the following casual work outfits and recommendations for men and women. Further, view my personal styling services to work with me one-on-one (or as a couple) so that you can fall back in love with your closet and come out of the pandemic as someone you really want to be in your career and in life.

The Working Wardrobe for Women and Men

The New Blazer: Collarless Jackets and Chore Jackets

We are loving these new jacket options over the traditional blazer! The new blazers for men and women are generally a lightweight and less structured option. They’re used as a layer to create texture in the outfit and yet, still finishes the look. The shoulder on a jacket is always good for an in-person or zoom meeting and offers authority. One collarless women’s jacket that we’re coveting right now is this luxe tweed collarless jacket.

Oversized Silhouettes and Unstructured Tops 

The oversized silhouette works for many! You can easily pair an oversized piece with a fitted contrast top or bottom. These relaxed shapes provide movement, while silently expressing ease. When shopping for an oversized top, be thoughtful about necklines so that you choose one that flatters your frame.

Stretchy Pants With Elastic Waistbands & Wide-Legged Pants

Instead of wearing overly restrictive tailored trousers, many are opting to wear loose-fitting pants with elastic waistbands back to work. The men’s carrot pant is a great example of this relaxed pant silhouette that shows a step in the right direction and a move away from sweatpants. When it comes to the perfect combo of an elastic waistband and wide-legged pants for women, we are loving these trousers at the moment.

Comfortable Work Dresses

A dress is an easy workwear staple, as it’s one piece head to toe! Right now, the softer flowier dresses speak to more business casual over a tailored sheath dress. To keep this look more relaxed, try pairing it with a tall boot or leather sneakers. Be thoughtful of necklines and sheerness – which can always be resolved with a topper or skin-colored slip.

Still Struggling With What to Workwear Outfits?

As a Personal Stylist, my job is to help you with transition—to consider new ways to breathe life into your wardrobe whether that be with business attire or not. Whatever the case may be, together, we can redefine your wardrobe and determine what works best for YOU as you navigate your return to the office. For more information and to see how my process works, contact me!