For a phrase that gets thrown around constantly, "business casual" is one of the hardest-to-define sartorial choices out there. Our definitions of "formal" and "casual" shift so often that it can be difficult to know exactly what to wear when a presentation or meeting demands this kind of get-up.
In 2018, the lines are more blurred than ever – chunky trainers are office-appropriate and your shirts are more deconstructed than your denim – so we've pulled together some failsafe pieces that will ensure you look fly for that interview, while still showing some character.
Click through to see the pieces to wear, whichever work environment you find yourself in, whether it's a creative agency or a law firm.
The Trench Coat
The wardrobe staple has been worn by everyone from soldiers to Sherlock Holmes; there's a very British formality in its DNA. In 2018, though, the trench coat has been reimagined in a variety of shades and fabrics, from red vinyl to dusty pink linen. For business casual attire, we’re wearing belted over loose-fitting trousers and matching blazer, à la Jeanette Madsen.
Photo: Getty Images
& Other Stories Oversized Trench Coat, £155, available at & Other Stories
Yves Salomon Tie-Waist Patent-Leather Trench Coat, £1,850, available at Matches Fashion
COS Gathered Canvas Coat, £135, available at COS
The Wear-Anywhere Bag
Micro bags may be trending, but a working girl needs her practical pieces. Go for larger accessories, like Loewe’s statement Gate number, without compromising on directional shapes and shades. Look to brands like Staud, Simon Miller and Wandler for work-appropriate bags that don’t sacrifice style points.
Photo: Getty Images
Zara Leather Tote Bag With Cut-Out Details, £99.99, available at Zara
Loewe Hobo Small Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag, £1,275, available at Net-A-Porter
Mango Quilted Chain Bag, £29.99, available at Mango
The Suit
The suit – once a staple of office attire – has undergone a real renaissance over the past several seasons, meaning there’s one for absolutely everyone. The tall among us should look for trousers that are cut just above the ankle – kick flares are particularly flattering – whereas the more petite can afford to go floor-length in wider leg styles. Nail SS18 in ice-cream hues, or stick to classic patterns like pinstripes and checks.
Photo: Getty Images
Topshop Cropped Double Breasted Suit, £79, available at Topshop
Racil Gion Double-Breasted Wool Blazer, £785, and Aries Skinny Wool Cropped Trousers, £360, available at Matches Fashion
find. Crepe Trouser, £34, and Suit Jacket, £53, available at find.
The Heel
This season’s interesting heels mean your Mary Janes just won’t cut it. The good news, though, is that heights are kept medium to low, so you can run around town for meetings without cursing the day you took off your reliable flats. Jacquemus and Rejina Pyo are making some of the most beautiful out there, but every high street store will have their take on cylindrical and spherical heels, too.
Photo: Getty Images
Reserved Leather Mules With Block Heel, £39.99, available at Reserved
Tabitha Simmons Rise Bow-Embellished Satin Slingback Pumps, £475, available at Net-A-Porter
Zara Leather Slingback Shoes With Rounded Heels, £79.99, available at Zara
The White Shirt
It used to be white, stiff, starched and highly unflattering. Now, shades like powder blue and sorbet yellow, details like ruffles, OTT sleeves, and waist-cinching ties mean putting on your work shirt is a fun affair. Needing only a solid pair of trousers or a leather pencil skirt (and a rollneck in colder months), it'll become the hardest working piece in your wardrobe.
Photo: Getty Images
Kitri Tessa Yellow Bubble Sleeve Shirt, £79, available at Kitri
Warehouse Chambray Tie Cuff Shirt, £29, available at Warehouse
Arket Embroidered Shirt, £69, available at Arket
Statement Jewellery
If you’re worried about your workwear feeling too straight-laced, a statement earring is the quickest – and most affordable – way to spruce things up. Pair with a white shirt for a Phoebe Philo-approved look, or with a rollneck and menswear-inspired trousers for a get-up that wouldn't be out of place on Victoria Beckham. Head to Mango for high street heroes, and Isabel Marant for more arty shapes.
Photo: Getty Images
Milk Tooth LDN Light Earrings, £46, available at Milk Tooth
Zara Resin Hoop Earrings, £12.99, available at Zara
Isabel Marant Other Potatoes Perspex Earrings, £180, available at Matches Fashion
The Midi Skirt
Ah, the midi skirt. The once-staid piece is now thoroughly modern thanks to a plethora of street stylers proving that, when worn with your favourite knitwear and sock boots, it’s spring-perfect. Build your outfit around a neutral shade, like a cotton khaki or suede camel. Just add eye-popping red accessories and that's your boardroom-to-bar look sorted.
Photo: Getty Images
H&M Denim Skirt in Mustard Yellow, £34.99, available at H&M
Ganni Dufort Ruffled Polka-Dot Silk-Blend Satin Skirt, £295, available at Net-A-Porter
Topshop Button Through Midi Skirt, £125, available at Topshop
Trainers
Strangely, the footwear once reserved for a comfortable commute is now suitable for even the most formal of meetings. The chunkier, the better in our opinion, and you can either opt for retro styles (think '80s colour ways and perforated leather) or super futuristic high-tech, like adidas' angular Deerupt.
Photo: Getty Images
Saikou Y3 Trainers, £330, available at Flannels
We're partnering with our friends at Flannels to offer one very lucky reader a luxury shopping spree! Flannels is the online destination for those in the know; with over 200 designers on site, including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Fendi, Self-Portrait and Ashley Williams, we're having a tough time keeping a small wish list. If you want to freshen up your spring workwear wardrobe, simply enter here before midnight on 30th April.
adidas Deerupt Runner Shoes, £79.95, available at adidas
Nike Blazer Low Trainers Coral Stardust Sail, £69.99, available at Office
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