It wasn’t too long ago that the idea of “business casual” was just being accepted in the professional workplace. Many corporations established ‘business casual’ policies to keep their employees in line when not wearing a formal suit to work.
The last few years, following the COVID-19 pandemic, has changed both employee and employers mindset in this regard. With more and more men and women splitting their time between home offices and corporate offices, dressing for work has become a bit more complicated.
We no longer have to worry about traditional business-wear like suits and blazers; now, it’s all about finding pieces that are comfortable and stylish enough for both the office and working from home.
Let’s take a look at how women’s business casual wear has evolved over the past few years.
Comfort is Key
The biggest change in women’s workwear is undoubtedly comfort. Gone are the days of stiff dress shirts with tight collars, high heels that pinch your toes, and skirts that ride up as soon as you start walking.
Instead, we now embrace soft fabrics—think cotton blends, lightweight wools, and breathable linens—that move with us instead of against us.
We also prioritize comfort when it comes to footwear; while classic pumps may be stylish, they rarely last all day without causing some discomfort. More often than ever before, professional women are opting for flats or low-heeled shoes, so this shift in thinking for shoes also dictates what the most appropriate ‘dresses’ or workwear will be.
Mixing & Matching
In addition to being comfortable, today women’s workwear also emphasizes versatility. We no longer need an entire wardrobe built around one good suit or look for work; rather, we embrace mix-and-match style combinations that can take us from morning meetings in person or via video to afternoons working at home without missing a beat.
This means embracing timeless classics like trousers and blazers but pairing them with unexpected accessories or bright colors—think patterned scarves or statement jewelry pieces—for a look that is professional yet still modern and unique.
Business Casual Tops
In Canada, there are lots of great local brands that carry business casual tops for women. Many specialize in modern and classic pieces with a contemporary twist, like a puff sleeve. You will still find everything from form-fitting to oversized blouses —all perfect for the modern professional woman.
Look for brands that specialize in minimalist basics, designed to layer over jeans or dress pants — great for looking polished without being overly formal. Look at a wide range of colors, patterns, and materials to find something to fit your unique style.
Business Casual Pants
Tribal is a Canadian brand that specializes in modern and classic business casual pants for women. Whether you’re after office-appropriate trousers, chic ankle-length styles or something more relaxed like chinos, or Tribal Jeans their selection has something to suit any style.
Their casual pants come in a wide range of colors and materials – from structured wool to lightweight cotton. They offer classic cuts as well as more modern, tailored shapes – perfect for giving any outfit a professional edge.
The best part is, many of their styles are designed with comfort and movement in mind, so you can move without feeling restricted.
Plus, their pants come in sizes from 0-22 for a truly inclusive selection.
Workwear Jacket
When it comes to jackets for work, the suit jacket is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Instead, more professional women are opting for modern blazers and casual jackets from brands like Frank Lyman, Tribal, and others.
These styles offer more flexibility in terms of mixing and matching fabric and fit—think lightweight linens, breathable cottons, and structured wools—allowing you to customize your look without sacrificing professionalism. Plus, they’re designed with comfort in mind so that you can get through a long day of meetings or conferences feeling comfortable and looking chic.
Whether you’re after something classic like a tweed blazer or more relaxed like a denim jacket over a dress, you’re sure to find something that fits your style. And with so many colors, patterns, and textures available, it will be easy to mix-and-match pieces for workdays or weekend brunches alike.
Business Casual Cardigan
Cardigans are a great way to transition from lounging at home to meeting in the office. Not only do they come in a variety of styles, textures and colors, but they also offer both warmth and polish.
Opt for cropped or mid-length cardigans with subtle details such as bell sleeves, ruffled edges and embroidery to add a touch of sophistication without looking overly formal. Look for lightweight fabrics such as rayon or cotton so that they’re comfortable enough to wear all day whether at the office or at home.
Layer them over a dress or trousers and blouse, adding a pop of color with scarves and jewelry to complete the look. If it’s chilly outside, throw on a heavier cardigan over top for extra warmth and style.
Cardigans are great for any woman who needs to look professional without sacrificing their own unique sense of style. They’re the perfect way to bring a bit of comfort into your workwear wardrobe while still staying chic.
Business Casual Dress for Women
Business casual dresses are a great way to look professional yet remain comfortable. A perfect blend of smart and casual, these styles can be worn to the office or for comfort at home.
Look for breathable fabrics such as cotton, rayon and linen blends that move with you while keeping their shape all day long. Look at styling details such as darts, pleats and ruching to create a flattering fit that flatters your figure. Or go for simpler styles like shift dresses or wrap dresses with sharp tailoring.
Choose from classic solids or vibrant patterns to show off personality without being too flashy. Some of the most popular business casual dress styles include sheath and A-line silhouettes, midi dresses and wrap dresses. And for colder days, look for knit or jersey fabrics that will keep you warm while still looking polished.
Whether its a black dress with red heels or a floral dress with flats, business casual dresses are the perfect way to stay comfortable yet professional no matter what the day throws at you.
We love this reversible A-line sleeveless dress for summer.
To complete your business casual look, add a blazer or cardigan for extra warmth and structure. A tailored blazer with a belt cinches in the waistline to create a more polished silhouette, while a pop of color scarf or statement necklace will bring the whole look together. Add a sleek pair of pumps or ballet flats for a sophisticated finish.
A business casual dress is the perfect way to look sharp and stay comfortable all day long. With so many styles available, you can easily find something that fits your style and needs. And with the right accessories, you’ll be ready to conquer any meeting or conference in style.
PlusSize Business Casual
Plus-sized women deserve fashionable and flattering styles just as much as any other size. Tribal is a great brand that offers stylish and comfortable business casual pieces in extended sizes.
Tribal’s plus-size line features dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear and more all designed specifically for fuller figures. Their styles are tailored to look polished and professional while providing great fit and comfort.
Look for pieces such as shift dresses that enhance your curves in all the right places, or try a flattering wrap dress with a belt to cinch in the waist. A-line skirts and trousers are also perfect for making long legs look their best. And don’t forget to top it off with a cardigan or blazer for extra warmth and structure.
Tribal’s plus-size line also offers great options for casual days. Look for comfy jersey dresses, cute graphic tees and stylish denim pieces to make any outfit look effortless yet polished. And of course, don’t forget to accessorize with vibrant scarves and statement jewelry to show off your personal style.
Whether you’re dressing for business or pleasure, Tribal offers fabulous styles in extended sizes so plus-sized women can look their best any day of the week. With a variety of stylish options, you’ll be sure to find the perfect pieces to make your business casual wardrobe complete.
Accessorizing Wisely
Finally, accessorizing wisely plays an integral role in creating an updated business casual look for today’s professional woman.
This doesn’t mean going overboard; in fact, less is often more when it comes to accessorizing for work. A simple necklace or pair of earrings can instantly transform even the most basic ensemble into something special without looking unprofessional or overdone.
To complete the look? A structured bag like a laptop bag, or backpack will help keep everything organized while still looking polished enough to get you to or from any office setting.
Business Casual Attire for Women: You Aren’t Alone – All Women Want Comfort and Versatile Styles
The days of traditional business wear are long gone! Nowadays women’s business casual wear consists of comfortable fabrics and versatile items that can take us through our day without sacrificing style or professionalism.
We now embrace timeless classics like trousers and blazers but pair them with unexpected accessories or bright colors—think patterned scarves or statement jewelry pieces—for a look that is both modern yet still professional-looking
And when it comes time to accessorize? Less really is more – making sure you choose quality pieces will help create an updated business casual look no matter where you’re headed!
Stop by to see us at Schaefer’s Ladies wear to access our Personal Shopping Experience … while here, check out our final sale racks and refresh your closet as we head into the next season.
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