Outfit ideas
Business casual dress code explained
Business casual is office wear without the suit: smart enough to meet a client, comfortable enough for a full working day.
By Style Finder · Updated 26 October 2026
In short
- Business casual is a step smarter than smart casual.
- Think tailored trousers, shirts, blouses, knits and blazers.
- Jeans are often not business casual: check your workplace.
- Shoes should be smart: loafers, brogues, boots or smart flats.
Business casual or smart casual?
Business casual leans towards the office: tailored trousers and skirts, collared shirts and blouses, a blazer for meetings. Smart casual leans towards the weekend: dark jeans and clean trainers can work there, but often not here. Every workplace draws the line a little differently, so look at what your colleagues wear.
Outfit ideas
AI illustrationShirt and chinos
- Oxford shirt
- Chinos
- Leather belt
- Loafers or brogues
The everyday business casual uniform, smart without a tie.
AI illustrationBlouse and trousers
- Blouse
- Tailored trousers
- Blazer for meetings
- Smart flats
Polished and comfortable for a full day, with a blazer for meetings.
AI illustrationKnit and skirt
- Fine knit
- Midi skirt
- Tights
- Leather boots
Warm and smart for colder office days.
What to avoid
- T-shirts with logos or slogans.
- Trainers, unless your office clearly wears them.
- Anything too casual for a client meeting.
Questions
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