​Starting a corporate job or simply revamping your office look? This is the ultimate guide to building a fail-proof business casual capsule wardrobe, allowing for stylish outfits when a business casual dress code is required.
![business casual outfits for work](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Business-Casual-Capsule-Wardrobe-683x1024.png)
Do you often wake up on a weekday and realize you have nothing to wear? Do you own pieces that work well alone but cannot create multiple outfits? Well, this post is for you. I will cover the basic rules that helped me build my ideal work wardrobe. Exactly, you don’t need a personal stylist. You only need to understand who you are, find your style, and express your personality through fashion.
Here, you will learn how to build multiple smart casual outfits for different occasions using high-quality and timeless wardrobe staples. I know what you are thinking, and no, you will not need to build a whole wardrobe or buy a thousand new clothes, but maybe you miss that perfect addition that’s just the game changer. Let’s start from the basics.
What’s a Business Casual Capsule Wardrobe
A business casual capsule wardrobe is the perfect option if you have a corporate job where you don’t need too formal office attire (a suit, for example) but require a more professional look. This capsule wardrobe type builds around timeless, high-quality pieces such as a classy blazer or tailored trousers, ideal for the office environment. These smart casual pieces can be easily mixed and matched, resulting in a great mix of outfits. Moreover, depending on the occasion, you can easily dress up or dress down. The goal is to create a work outfit that is chic and elegant that you can wear all day with confidence.
7 Basic Rules
1. Neutral Colors
Opting for a neutral color palette is helpful if you wish to recreate more outfit combinations using the same pieces. Pairing beige and cream is much easier than pairing yellow and purple. Moreover, neutral colors allow you to create a chic and classic look, and depending on the shade of color you choose, a neutral color palette can look good on anyone.
2. Personal style
Wearing a neutral color palette does not mean you cannot showcase your personality through bright colors. On the contrary, using neutral colors as a base allows for much more color freedom when it comes to accessories. A bright red belt, golden or silver jewelry, and a purple pair of leather gloves are just some examples of how you can incorporate colors into your business casual outfit. Pops of color are always a great idea!
3. Styling your outfit
Styling in the right way will make you look different than anyone. High waist vs. low waist, cropped vs. long tops, longer vs. shorter sleeves, layering vs keeping it simple. These are just some styling techniques that will help you stand out from the crowd. Finally, adding accessories is the perfect way to create a look that’s only yours!
4. Play with textures and fabrics
Once you have mastered the capsule wardrobe rules, add a touch of interest to your look by adding different fabrics. If an outfit is not “interesting” by color, it can be “interesting” through texture. Instead of opting for the same texture for all the outfit pieces, usually cotton or wool, fabrics such as velvet, silk, satin, or linen can help create a point of interest in your look. You can choose similar pieces with a different texture.
5. Dress for your current body type
Dressing for your current body type is another occasion to create your style and look different. The best way to understand what flatters us is by trying on more clothes. If you want to buy a new pair of jeans, try all the leg types (wider, slim, skinny, etc.) and several sizes to understand what looks good on you. Then, decide for yourself what fits you best and makes you feel amazing.
6. Quality over Quantity
When it comes to clothes, you should always try to go for high-quality pieces that will last a long time. If you have a small budget, try to use it for more expensive and long-lasting pieces, such as a high-quality wool coat, a trench coat for spring and early fall, a nice pair of tailored trousers, or a black blazer. These are the staples of a smart casual wardrobe, and you will wear them daily. You don’t want them to lose shape or color after a few months. Quality means choosing natural fibers instead of artificial ones. Look for a higher percentage of wool, cashmere, linen, or silk (instead of synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon or acrylic)
7. Research before Purchase
How do you find your style? This is a great question! My mum used to complain about me always buying the same pieces. Well, that was my style! Take screenshots of the great ideas you find online and pay attention to every outfit piece. After a while, go back to your screenshot, and you will likely discover some standard pieces and colors among all the screenshots. Write down the list of these items and check what you already own. Now, it’s time to purchase your new pieces. You will probably not find the exact copy, but you can recreate the same style. Finally, try them on and notice how they make you feel. If you finally feel like you, you have found your style!
![capsule wardrobe outfit ideas](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Business-Casual-Capsule-Wardrobe-2-683x1024.png)
Now that we have covered the basic rules for building a business casual capsule wardrobe, let’s discover the necessary items. I will always try to suggest high-quality composition, but it is a bit more complex regarding lower budgets. Ready? Let’s build your capsule wardrobe!
Business Casual Capsule Wardrobe
![](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-4-1024x128.png)
Spring/Early Fall: Trench Coat
![capsule wardrobe outfit ideas](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-5-683x1024.png)
A trench coat is a staple for a spring/early fall business casual capsule wardrobe. It’s timeless and chic. The camel version is the classic one. The khaki version can be a good alternative if you want to stand out. The leather version is super stylish if you have mastered your style and want to go bolder.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Mango – 100% Cotton Premium Trench Coat
- Mango – 100% Cotton Lapel Kaki Trench
- Sezane – Organic Cotton Scott Trench Coat
- & Other Stories – Relaxed Mid-Lenght Trench Coat
Fall/Winter: Wool Coat
![Business Casual](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-6-683x1024.png)
A warm wool coat is essential for the colder months of the year. If I had to choose one single item to invest in, I would choose the coat. It’s a no-brainer: it works with every type of work clothes and looks good on everyone. You can easily layer it over knitwear or a blazer. I like the camel color, but in this case, navy, black, brown, khaki, and even white cream (if you are not afraid of stains) would work perfectly, and it’s elegant.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Mango – Woolen Coat With Belt
- & Other Stories – Voluminous Belted Wool Coat
- COS – Funnel-Neck Boiled-Wool Coat
- COS – Collared Double Faced Wool Coat
- Aritzia – The Slouch Double-Faced Coat
Summer: Denim Jacket
![Business Casual](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-7-683x1024.png)
Wearing something over the top or a light dress can be too much, depending on where you live during the summer. But a cropped denim jacket can be ideal if you leave early in the morning and like to layer something for the first hours of the day. Denim pairs perfectly with everything: a linen dress, a crop top, a white tee, a denim shirt, it’s a no-brainer. You can opt for light, black, or dark blue denim.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Mango – Oversize Denim Jacket
- Mango – Pocketed Denim Jacket
- Sezane – Wilfrield Jacket
- COS – Cropped Denim Jacket
- COS – Oversize Cropped Denim Overshirt
- Reformation – Michele Flight Denim Jacket
- Reformation – Jori Cropped Denim Jacket
![](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-pasule-wardrobe-1024x128.png)
Blazers
![Casual Dress Code](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-8-683x1024.png)
![Casual Dress Code](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-9-683x1024.png)
If you want to build a durable business casual capsule wardrobe, invest in 2 or 3 high-quality, neutral blazers. You will often use them in the office when more formal business attire is required or if you want a classy vibe. A tailored blazer will always do the job for business meetings, staff workshops, or a job interview. In terms of colors, a black blazer is a must.
Then, you can opt for a lighter tone, such as beige or white cream, and a darker tone for the 3rd one (navy, brown, or khaki, depending on your preference).
Blazers are ideal as outerwear in winter under a coat or in early fall/spring.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- MANGO – Double-breasted Suit Blazer
- COS – Oversized Single-Breasted Blazer
- COS – Doubled Breasted Wool Blazer
- Arket – Double-Breasted Wool Blazer
- & Other Stories – Tailored Blazer
- Sezane – Christie Jacket
Knitwear
![Neutral Colors](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-10-683x1024.png)
![Neutral Colors](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-11-683x1024.png)
Who does not love a warm wool jumper when it gets chilly in winter? Wool or Cashmere knitwear can be easily paired with everything, and it’s the perfect piece to layer on a white shirt, long-sleeved top, or dress. Blue denim jeans, tailored trousers, and a mid or pencil skirt look great with it. I love it in dark grey, navy/white stripes, beige, brown, and cream! If you want to make your outfit even more chic, choose a turtleneck option.
Layer with a blazer if the jumper is not too thick. For spring and early summer, lightweight cardigans are a great addition to your collection of items.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Uniqlo – Souffle Yarn High Neck Long-Sleeve Sweater
- Sezane – Brad Jumper
- Sezane – Jacob Jumper
- COS – Cropped Alpaca and Wool Blend Sweater
- COS – Cashmere Turtleneck sweater
- Arket – Raglan-Sleeve Cashmere Roll-Neck Jumper Grey
![](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-12-1024x128.png)
Spring/Summer: T-Shirts & Button-Down Shirts
![Smart Casual Outfits](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-13-683x1024.png)
You can wear a simple neutral T-shirt during the warmer days (or even in winter with a blazer on top). It works under a linen button-down or cropped denim jacket, paired with long linen trousers and ballet flats, for a chic but effortless look. Simple T-shirts are often overlooked, but they help us create lots of different outfits with minimum effort. You can express your style by choosing another neck type (boat neck, V-neck, etc…). In terms of color, I would say black, white, cream, and navy/white stripes are the most versatile.
Polo shirts and tank tops ( layered with a button-down on top ) are great options for a more casual environment.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Uniqlo – Cotton Crew Neck Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
- COS – The Clean Cut T-Shirt
- COS – V Neck T-Shirt
- Reformation – Dream Tee
Spring/Summer: Short-Sleeved Elegant Tops
![Smart Casual Outfits](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-16-683x1024.png)
There’s always a place for a short-sleeved elegant top in your work capsule wardrobe. You want it to be the center of your look and a point of interest for your outfit. The sleeve length is essential to convey the right message: you want a short-sleeved top but don’t want to look like you are going to the beach right after work. It’s summer, and we feel good; we can play with prints like stripes and pois. I would buy a couple for when the warmer weather hits, and we want to satisfy our summer cravings.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Mango – Short-Sleeved Polo Shirt with Buttons
- COS – Boxy Short-Sleeved Poplin shirt
- Reformation – Joelle Top
Fall/Winter: Button-Down Shirts
![denim shirt](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-14-683x1024.png)
Button-downs are a must for a business casual capsule wardrobe. It’s an elegant and timeless staple, and you can pair it easily with all types of trousers or layer knitwear on top. You can’t go wrong with a crisp white shirt. Then, you can add a light blue (my favorite) or black. Here, a blue gingham shirt works very well for a more casual look and gives a point of interest to your outfit. You can also wear it open over a tank top for a summer casual Friday.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Uniqlo – Extra Fine Cotton Long Sleeves Shirt
- Uniqlo – Cotton Long-Sleeve Shirt
- Mango – Fitted Cotton Shirt
- Mango – Pocket Oversize Shirt
- COS – Oversize Long-sleeves shirt
- Sezane – Tomboy Shirt
- Sezane – Bilma Shirt
Fall/Winter: Long-Sleeved Tops
![denim shirt](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-15-683x1024.png)
Long-sleeved tops are the perfect base for your business casual outfit during winter seasons. You can wear them with high-waisted tailored trousers and add a blazer as a layer. It is simple but effective. You can opt for a turtleneck for a chic look. In this category, I also include all those satin and flowy tops that give us a touch of elegance. In terms of color, you can’t go wrong with white and black, but dusty rose, beige, and cream work very well, too.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Mango – Boat-neck lyocell t-shirt
- Uniqlo – Lace Long sleeves Top
- Arket – Voluminous Linen Blouse
- COS – Crew Neck Merino Wool Top
- Sezane – Lealis Shirt
- Sezane – Carlotta Blouse
- Reformation – Anaya Top
![business casual capsule wardrobe](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-17-1024x128.png)
All bottom pieces are versatile and can be used both in the summer and winter. Material can play a big difference when it comes to warmth. Choose wool and cashmere for winter and linen, satin, and cotton for summer.
Tailored Pants
![Personal Style](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-19-683x1024.png)
A tailored pair of pants is essential for a workwear wardrobe. Investing in a couple of these in neutral colors will allow for several versatile styles. Formal if paired with a blazer, or more casual with a white T-shirt, for example. In terms of color, you can opt for beige, navy, chocolate brown, black, or dark grey.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Uniqlo – Wide Fit Pleated Pants
- Mango – High Waist Palazzo Pants
- COS – Wide Leg Tailored Wool Pants
- COS – Wide Leg Pants
- Reformation – Maison Pants
Denim Blue Jeans
![Personal Style](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-20-683x1024.png)
I am sure everyone owns a denim pair of jeans that fits them perfectly. Denim jeans are among the most versatile and smart casual capsule wardrobe staples. You can repurpose it to create business casual outfits. You can wear it with an old navy blazer and a white T-shirt, and you will get the perfect easy look!
Midi Skirt
![pairs of shoes](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-26-683x1024.png)
![pairs of shoes](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-28-683x1024.png)
A midi pencil skirt is ideal for a more professional look for a work day, followed by an after-work drink or dinner paired with an elegant top for a smart outfit or a T-shirt for casual attire. Completed with a low-heeled sandal or even with a white sneaker, the possibilities are endless. In terms of color, black is a no-brainer. It is a versatile piece for both seasons, as you can add a tight underneath for the colder weather.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Mango – Midi Satin Skirt
- Sezane – Sandy Skirt
- Reformation – Layla Silk Skirt
- Arket – Maxi Satin Skirt
- COS – Merino Wool Maxi Skirt
Short & Long Dresses
![trench coat](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-29-683x1024.png)
![denim jacket](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-30-683x1024.png)
Dresses are my game-changer when I don’t know what to wear. Long, Short, Midi, Satin, Knit, Wrap dresses…you name it.
The possibilities are endless. They can easily be worn with medium heels, ankle boots, sneakers, and loafers. Here, you can opt for a neutral undertone with prints, pois, stripes, or flowers. If you opt for a neutral mono-tone dress, you can play with tights prints too.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Uniqlo – Wrap Long-Sleeved Dress
- Uniqlo – Cotton Short Sleeve Mini Dress
- Mango – Turtle Neck Knit Dress
- Mango – Ruffle Wrap Dress
- COS – Gathered Sleeve Mini Dress
- COS – V-Neck Wool Dress
- Sezane – Vick Dress
- Sezane – Selita Dress
- Reformation- Sai Dres
![business casual capsule wardrobe](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-31-1024x128.png)
Regarding shoes, it all comes down to taste and occasions you are experiencing in your work environment. Try to work out the primary type of events in your calendar and decide which type of shoes will be adapted and comfortable.
Flats and babies can serve a similar purpose.: a typical workday where you want to feel cute but walk comfortably. Loafers and sneakers are a no-brainer for winter and summer, and I would invest in a durable pair of both (in a neutral color for maximum versatility). A pair of medium/low-heeled sandals can save you for a client meeting or a company event. Finally, pairing ankle boots or high boots is stylish.
I would add a pair of loafers and sneakers to your capsule wardrobe. After sorting out your style and main wardrobe staples, add two more pairs of shoes that resonate with your outfits.
Loafers, Babies & Flats
![business casual capsule wardrobe](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-33-683x1024.png)
If you land a corporate job or are required to wear business attire, you need a pair of elegant shoes for special days. Or for every work day. You can opt for sleek mules and flats for summer and comfortable loafers for winter. A chunky, low heel is my favorite. Investing in one or two pairs of elegant shows allows you to keep them for a long time. Always Try them before purchasing, as you will often walk in them.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Sezane – Paula Babies
- Sezane – Elisa Sling Backs
- Sezane – Ballerinas
- & Other Stories – Loafers
- & Other Stories – Ballet Flats
- & Other Stories – Leather Mules
- Alohas – Black Leather Pumps
- Vivaia – Round Toe Chunky Heels
White Sneakers
A white sneaker is a no-brainer. You can wear it with EVERYTHING. Perfect for those days when you want to look great but walk comfortably.
Check Out Some Suggestions Below
- Adidas – Stan Smith
- All stars – Chuck Taylor
- New Balance – 550
- Veja – Campo Chromefree Leather Shoes
![business casual capsule wardrobe](https://ariaofgrowth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/business-casual-capsule-wardrobe-34-1024x128.png)
Regarding a capsule wardrobe, accessories are the perfect way to incorporate color into your outfit and show your personality. When you choose a neutral tone as a base for your outfit, add bright colors such as red, green, and blue to make your outfit stand out. You can use colors in belts, scarves, gloves, socks, and hair accessories. Add statement jewelry like a watch, earrings, rings, and bracelets.
The Bottom Line
In this article, I mentioned 17 clothing pieces in different colors you can include in your clothes collection to create a business casual capsule wardrobe. Depending on your style, you can also get away with less.
As a rule of thumb, ensure every piece will serve multiple purposes before purchasing anything and can help you create more than one outfit. Neutral colors can be helpful. Don’t be afraid to add pops of color, prints, different textures, and jewelry to a neutral base outfit. This will help you define your style and showcase your personality.
All the above is based on my taste; try on more clothes to discover what resonates with you and your style! Always wear only what makes you feel amazing!
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