Finding that just right balance of business and casual can be tricky. Sometimes I think it would be so much easier if I worked in an office with a set dress code. Either dress up or dress down completely. It’s the in-between that leaves a lot of people wondering what exactly “business casual” means.

Depending on your workplace, there are a variety of styles you know you can pull off and others that are a no-no. I’ve always worked in environments that allow a healthy amount of self-expression. My own version of business casual leans more on the chic side of the scale, however.

My favorite way to be comfortable yet look and feel my best is with 4 basic pieces: (1) a great blazer, (2) dark wash skinny jeans, (3) heels, and (4) a structured bag.

The key to taking denim from the ballpark to the boardroom is to stick with tailored silhouettes. Depending on the meeting or corporate culture, I’d probably stay away from anything frayed or distressed. Darker washes look less like jeans and more like slacks, too. It doesn’t have to be a skinny jean, but I love the way skinnies look with a great pair of heels or wedges.

I added some texture to this look with suede Tory Burch wedges and a calf hair Kate Spade bag. The indigo color of the bag brings out the dark wash of the denim. If you’re going with more of a statement bag, I would probably tone down the shoes into a simple stiletto. A neutral blazer finishes the look. I like to cuff the sleeves if the jacket has a contrast or colorful lining. When it’s time for cocktails with clients, just shed the jacket and your look goes from workwear to happy hour in a second.

I love the denim and blazer look so much that I included it in my Fall Edit: 10 Lust-worthy Essentials post.

S H O P my L O O K

H&M Blazer (similar here) | Banana Republic tank (similar here) | Old Navy denim | Tory Burch Wedges (similar here) | Kate Spade bag (similar here) | Tissot Watch | David Yurman Bracelet

So what do you guys think? What does business casual mean to you? What would be your ideal workplace dress code?

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading! I hope it’s a great week! Tackle it like a boss! 😉

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Office Style: Business Casual Meets Chic appeared first on Cathedrals and Cafes

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.