Let's be honest, finding the right business casual outfit can feel like navigating a minefield. I’ve been there – staring into my closet, feeling like everything either looks too stuffy or just plain unflattering. I wanted to share my experience with the hope it helps others who are also on this journey to find stylish and comfortable workwear. It's definitely possible to find a professional look that makes you feel confident and yourself!
When I first started my office job, I felt completely lost. Before this, my wardrobe mainly consisted of jeans and t-shirts. Suddenly, I was expected to dress "business casual," and I had no idea where to start. I tried button-up shirts, blouses, and even some basic tank tops, but everything seemed to make me feel, well, frumpy. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Was it the fit? The fabric? The style itself? I also have a difficult body to fit – I'm tall and plus-sized, but often straddle the line between straight and plus sizes, making shopping even more challenging.
Pants were a particular nightmare. I felt like nothing ever fit right. They were either too tight, too baggy, or just unflattering in some indescribable way. Blazers seemed like a good option, but I wasn't sure if they were even required, and I definitely didn't want to spend a fortune on something I might not even like. I was starting to feel like my body was somehow "weird" because I couldn't find anything that looked good on me.
After a lot of trial and error, and some helpful advice from others, I started to figure things out. Here's what I learned:
The first step was to figure out what exactly made me feel frumpy in certain outfits. I realized that ill-fitting clothes were a major culprit. Baggy button-ups made me look shapeless, and tight pants accentuated all the wrong areas. Once I understood what I wanted to avoid, it became much easier to find things I liked.
If you're having trouble finding pants that fit, don't be afraid to explore other options. I discovered that skirts and super stretchy fabrics can be a lifesaver. A well-fitting skirt can be incredibly flattering, and stretchy pants offer comfort and flexibility without looking sloppy.
A blazer can instantly elevate any outfit. I found that an oversized blazer, paired with the right top and pants, can create a chic and modern look. I especially like wearing mine with patterned pants to keep the look young and fun.
This might seem obvious, but wearing the right bra can make a huge difference in how your clothes fit and how you feel. I had been sized at a popular lingerie store, but I always suspected they were wrong. Once I found a bra that actually fit properly, my clothes looked and felt so much better.
I found that tie-neck blouses always make me feel more stylish and put-together than regular button-down shirts. Similarly, a flowy chiffon top can add a touch of elegance to any outfit. These are great alternatives if you're tired of the same old business casual staples.
I absolutely love the pixie pants at Old Navy. I usually get them in black or a black + pattern. My favorite right now are black with gold dots. I usually wear them with a black chiffon-ish top and an oversized black blazer. The pattern on the pants and the oversized blazer keep it young, but sticking with black keeps it office appropriate.