When you see casual business wear listed as the dress code, how do you know what to wear? It can be tricky for both men and women to decide what to wear for business and formal events. Even if you have a good outfit in mind, it might need alterations if you don’t wear it often.
So, what are some examples of casual business wear? It’s best to familiarize yourself with these styles before you have to quickly throw an outfit together.
Popular Men’s Casual Business Wear Styles
Casual business wear, also known as business casual, is a mix between casual and professional. Men’s casual business wear usually includes the following styles.
Dress Shirt with Blazer
When trying to dress nice, a button-down dress shirt is a go-to for men. Dress shirts come in any color imaginable, so you can look nice while matching your partner or co-workers. If you want your outfit to look more formal than casual, wear a blazer on top of your dress shirt to complete the look.
All types of pants can work well for this, but the pants you choose should fit the occasion. If you want to be more on the casual side, stick with jeans. Slacks and khakis are usually better for dressier events.
Polo with Slacks or Khakis
Speaking of slacks and khakis, they can also look great with a nice polo. Polos are usually more casual than dress shirts, but they’re still nicer than t-shirts, so matching them with a nice pair of pants can make them great for casual business wear.
Since polos have short sleeves, they’re better for summer events. If you want to wear a polo shirt in colder months, pair it with a nice jacket.
Stylish Sweater
Finally, don’t overlook a good sweater. There are so many sweater styles, some leaning more casual and others looking more professional. Choose a simple sweater and pair it with nice pants, such as khakis or slacks. Many people put a collared shirt under their sweater to make it more professional.
Sweaters are great because they can keep you feeling cozy while still helping you look polished.
Popular Women’s Casual Business Wear
Casual business wear can be especially tricky for women since there are so many outfit styles to choose from. Below are some common ideas for someone feminine dressing in business casual.
Long Skirt with Dress Shirt
When women dress nice, they’re often expected to wear a dress or skirt. Yet, not just any skirt will do. Business casual usually includes long skirts (at least knee-length) paired with a nice top, such as a button-down shirt or a blouse.
A dark-colored pencil skirt is usually the go-to for women’s business casual, but neutral-colored flowing skirts can work well too. If you want to look more professional, match your skirt with a blazer of the same color.
Button-Down Shirts with Dress Pants
A button-down shirt is just as versatile for women as it is for men. A nice button-down shirt with some dress pants or khakis is perfect for a variety of professional events. If the event is more on the casual side of business casual, jeans may work well too.
Cardigans or Nice Sweaters
Just because you’re dressed nicely doesn’t mean you can’t be comfortable. There are plenty of sweaters and cardigans that are nice enough for business wear. A solid-colored sweater with some nice pants is the perfect balance between comfortable and professional.
If you’re wearing a short-sleeved blouse with dress pants, add a stylish cardigan if you’re feeling cold.
Getting Men’s Suit Alterations and Women’s Business Wear Alterations
Casual business wear and formal attire are nice outfits that should fit you perfectly. If anything looks or feels off, it may be harder to act confident and professional in your outfit.
So, consider alterations for your business wear. Below are a few common alterations for men’s and women’s business clothing.
Dress Pants Alterations
Changing the length, adjusting the waist, tapering the pants, and fixing belt loops are just some of the many alterations you may need on dress pants. Try your pants on well before a business event to see if any of those things need to be fixed.
Skirt and Dress Alterations
You won’t have to worry about pant legs with a skirt or dress, but you may have to alter the length, adjust the waistband, or change the lining. A business skirt should fit perfectly to ensure it’s not too short or tight.
Suit Adjustments
If you’re wearing a whole suit, every part of the set should fit well. In addition to pants alterations, you may need to adjust the sleeve lengths, narrow the shoulders, or fix buttons.
Formal Alterations
Formal alterations are an even bigger deal than business wear. Formal clothing items often include a lot of delicate fabrics, so alterations may be more intricate. Make sure you find a tailor who’s experienced with formal clothing to alter your outfits.
Can You Get Same Day Alterations for Casual Business Wear?
Yes, if you have a last-minute event to attend, you can get same day alterations. If your casual business or formal clothing needs a few tweaks before a meeting, date, or get-together, many tailors offer these services. Contact your local tailor to find out if they can squeeze you in for same day alterations.
Can You Do Home Visit Alterations for Casual Business Wear?
To make alterations more convenient for you, many tailors also offer mobile alterations. A tailor will come to your home to adjust your clothing so you can complete fittings in a comfortable environment and easily fit alterations into your busy schedule. If you’re interested in home visit alterations, find a tailor that offers these services.
Find Local Suit Adjustments
Nice outfits like casual business wear and formal clothing should help you look your best. So, if you have business attire that doesn’t fit quite right, consider getting alterations.
If you live in Houston, Montrose Tailors offers a wide range of alteration options, including mobile alterations and same day services. We have experience handling a variety of delicate fabrics, so we can easily adjust any form of business or formal wear. Book an appointment today to get your casual business wear fitting perfectly!
