Got Your First Big Girl Job? Here’s How to Turn Your College Wardrobe Into Business Casual

College is all about figuring yourself out. Most schools let you express yourself through clothing in whatever way makes you most comfortable. Unfortunately, if you're a recent graduate like me, gone are the days of showing up to class in last night’s pajamas. Every place of work will have a dress code and, much of the time, it’s going to be business casual.

Don’t run to Zara just yet, though. Luckily for you, work attire is gradually drifting away from business and moving toward casual. 42 percent of job postings in 2023 listed business casual attire while 56 percent promoted a casual dress code,1 which is preferred by over half of workers.2 While this doesn’t mean you can show up in your sweats (or if you’re lucky, maybe you can), it does mean that many of the trendy clothes filling your closet right now can be used in work-appropriate outfits. I’ve listed items from recent trends that—with some creativity—can be great office staples.

Flannels, cardigans, and blouses

Flannels, cardigans, and blouses have always been great layering pieces. Recently, the trend for these wardrobe staples has been to wear them oversized, so you may not have thought about bringing them into a business casual look. If you have any that aren’t too baggy, they still look great layered with a nice sweater or top; however, if yours run a little large, try buttoning and tucking them in to a well-fitting pair of work trousers.

Pants

Even if it might seem too edgy, the skater girl aesthetic that’s been circulating in the past few years features a few pant options to bring off the skatepark and into the office.

Dickies pants are a common example which, with their straight leg fit and solid colours, make for a great work pant. If you’re looking to add some texture, corduroy pants add a sharp look to any outfit with comfort as a bonus.

Skirts

School-girl chic has been surging since before the pandemic. This trend’s staple piece is a pleated skirt, which means you probably have one lying around. Or, if it isn’t pleated, maybe it’s the corduroy skirt you wear to Thanksgiving at your great aunt’s house. As long as it’s longer than finger-tip length and a simple colour or pattern, it’ll do!

Slip some tights on underneath your skirt for an elegant finish and to keep warm in the winter (or under the blasting office AC).

Cozy sweaters

In the colder months, throwing a jacket over a nice shirt might not be enough to keep warm. The collection of cozy sweaters you’ve built over the years is the perfect solution. Find one that fits you well and pair it with jeans or dress pants that you love. If you’re still cold, you can always add on that jacket from before.

In addition to keeping comfortable, sweaters offer an opportunity to be creative with your style. Avoid wearing graphics, but fun patterns and bold colours are always welcome in the workplace.

White sneakers

White sneakers are another college must-have turned business casual staple. Just like they went with all of your outfits before, a classic pair of white sneakers will finish off any office look. Depending on your company’s dress code, you may be able to sport your chunky platform sneakers; but until you know for sure, it’s best to stick with a simple, clean silhouette.

Sweater vests

A sweater vest might seem like an obvious piece to move from casual to business wear. However, many of the trendy vests that we’ve seen from Brandy Melville, Zara, and other big brands in the last few years have been cropped. If your sweater vests are coming in a bit too short, layering them over an untucked collared blouse makes for a creative silhouette that can be paired with pants or skirts.

Mock-necks and turtlenecks

Just like the skirt, the mock-necks you bought for the school-girl chic trend can also be converted into business casual basics. You can keep layering them under well-fitting sweaters and cardigans, or if they’re a thick material, you can wear them by themselves. The same goes for turtleneck shirts and sweaters, which are a cozy and professional option that works great tucked into your favourite pair of trousers or jeans.

Jeans

As business casual attire has broadened, jeans have become a more acceptable workwear piece. The wide leg and flare jeans you bought to keep up with the return of Y2K are the perfect blend of comfortable and professional. A classic straight-leg cut is also always a good option.

Beware: denim in the office is still a debated topic. They’re acceptable once you’ve made sure they’re approved in your workplace, but look in a different direction for your interview outfit.

Black boots

Remember those black heeled boots you bought freshman year thinking they would make the bar bouncer think you were older than you actually were? If they’re salvageable, dig them out of your closet. Just like your white sneakers, a simple black boot is a great style piece for the office. They can dress up a look with jeans and a sweater or be the finishing touch to a classy pant suit outfit.

If you weren’t a big partier in college and the boots never made it into your wardrobe, combat boots, oxfords, and loafers are all great options.

Baby tees and tanks

Baby tees and tanks are another Y2K staple that, at first glance, might not seem like they hold any value in the workplace. However, they make great layering pieces and allow you to add some colour! Throw a sweater vest over a baby tee that hides the Hello Kitty graphic on the front but leaves out the sleeves for a smart look. For the plain white tanks we all have too many of, find the one with a square, round, or halter neckline and wear it under a button-up or cardigan.

References

1.Chan, Samantha. “Say Hello to Relaxed Workwear – Casual & Business Casual

Dress Codes Rule.” Adzuna Blog, April 13, 2023. http://www.adzuna.com/blog/say-hello-to-relaxed-workwear-casual-business-casual-dress-codes-rule/.

2.Morris, Kathy. “Sloppy, Casual, and Too Much Skin: How Workers Dress for the

Office.” Zippia, January 2, 2023. http://www.zippia.com/advice/survey-work-dress-code/.