Business Casual Women: The casual style of working women, as well as women’s clothing itself, has changed dramatically over the years. Not long ago, changing into pajamas outside the bedroom was the most humiliating thing you could do.
Going to the airport, the grocery store, and even playing outside as a child was an event in itself. Today ? Casual Fridays at the office, pajama days at school, and outdoor weddings where guests wear jeans are all common.
The concept of business casual was first seen in Silicon Valley in the early 1980s and spread to offices across the United States during the 1990s. As we move towards an even more casual office environment with the emergence of Covid, clothing is following suit and creating another shift in the notion.
The idea of business casual is a living, breathing entity that adapts to what is happening in society at that moment. What was once considered business casual is likely not what we will consider in the near future. Sweatpants and the same T-shirt you slept in seem to be gaining traction on the horizon.
Women’s Workwear During The Early 1900s
To understand the concept of casual style for women, it is important to understand what preceded it. Unlike men’s clothing choices, women’s clothing has fluctuated greatly over the decades.
There have been a few moments throughout history that played a major role in the slow evolution of the concept of women’s workwear. It is worth digging deeper before looking at modern concepts of casual workwear for women.
During the first ten years of the 20th century, women began to be allowed to earn and save their own money. However, when it came to choosing their clothes, they had a little less freedom, although it ultimately depended on the type of work they did. For example, someone working as a maid would probably have to wear a mandatory uniform.
In the same sense, uniforms also applied to nurses and waitresses. On the other hand, someone who worked in a factory, even if they were required to wear an apron, could basically wear whatever they wanted underneath. This gave them the opportunity to show their individuality through accessories, colors, and patterns.
Changes During The Late 1900s
Women always had to dress a certain way to express their credibility and be taken seriously. The choice of clothing in the workplace was a weapon that women could use to help them advance in their careers. Imagine a woman working in baking or investing.
To fit in with the guys, they had to get rid of all signs of feminism and finesse that could potentially work against them, thus creating the concept of business formal attire as a style of dress. But even in these circles, clothing could be put to good use. Shoulder pads on blazer jackets in the 1980s, for example, made women look more imposing and stronger.
But with the rise of Silicon Valley and the arrival of Millennials in the workforce, things started to change. Admittedly, the first to reject the concept of a stricter dress code were the men in IT companies, but soon after, the idea of casual dress for women emerged. While the financial sector maintained the concept of more formal dress, women in office jobs in less strict industries found themselves with greater freedom in dress over the years.
With the emergence of more flexible jobs, such as freelance digital nomads or those working in startups, dress codes have become increasingly lax. Going back to how Millennials changed their environment, this generation was much more open to focusing less on the external and more on the internal. It was about people’s ability to get their job done, regardless of how they chose to dress.
Business Casual Women’s Workwear Today
The workplace has never seen so much freedom of choice before this time. It is understood that if someone feels uncomfortable in their clothing, their job suffers. Ultimately, it could also affect the company’s bottom line. There is also a lot more social judgment when forcing women to adhere to a specific dress code.
That said, it is still true that there are specific sectors where certain dress codes must be maintained. On the one hand, there are jobs that require uniforms to protect the worker (a good example would be people who work in factories and have to wear steel-toed boots), and on the other hand, there are jobs that require a specific look to maintain the necessary level of credibility (as an investment banker).
However, even the second type has started to evolve little by little. Suppose a millennial walks into her therapist’s office wearing casual jeans and sneakers. In that case, she is likely to think she is capable if there is a wall of diplomas behind her to show her experience.
Essential Pieces For Your Business Casual Women’s Wardrobe
Now you know a little more about the history of women’s workwear. Now let’s take a closer look at what putting together your business casual wardrobe looks like. First it’s worth checking whether your workplace has a detailed dress code.
But if not, below you’ll find a list of basic pieces that you can mix and match to create fresh and stylish outfits that still show off your personality.
- Jeans: You read that right. Depending on the specifics of the office, most workplaces will allow specific types of denim. No rips or frayed hems. Stick to a uniform dark shade and a classic silhouette. You can pair it with a more formal blouse and shoes and you’ll be able to walk out the door confidently and without a fuss.
- Blouses: This is the section where you’ll be able to have a little more freedom. Colors, patterns, and prints should be completely acceptable here. But try to keep the materials looser and opt for natural fabrics. This will help manage temperature fluctuations in the office.
Conclusion
Pants are the safest option for the bottom half of your outfit, aside from skirts. Go for neutral tones and straight cuts. Patterns are acceptable as long as the colors are more muted. Skirts: Try to have sequins, feathers, and sequins at home. The skirt doesn’t have to be the focal point to achieve the ideal business casual look.
Make sure to choose comfortable materials like linen or cotton in the summer or wool in the winter. These are all good options to help you beat the heat or the cold. Accessories: Belts, necklaces, earrings, and scarves are great ways to express your individuality.