8 Business Casual Outfits For Young Professionals
- Aug 10, 2018
- 5 min read

Woah, am I becoming a fashion blogger? Sure seems like it from the title of this latest post. Being that I, myself, have just started out at my very first big girl job, I have had to step my wardrobe from the usual yoga pants and a Victoria's Secret t-shirt (my go-to college outfit). I recently overhauled my closet so that I would be ready for my big day, and I came up with a bunch of different outfits perfect for an office setting. I thought that I would share some of my outfits if any of you are in need of some work attire inspo!
Outfit #1

I really like this outfit because it's great for the hotter days when you need to look professional but don't want to sweat to death in all black. This quarter length shirt is super cute but also work appropriate, which makes it the best of both worlds. I also want to say that these pants are the perfect length. I'm so glad that I found a company that makes petite size pants in all of their styles because I am much too short to wear regular pants.
Top: New York & Company: ($36.95) 7th Avenue - Madison Stretch Shirt - Stripe in Sensuous Sand
Bottom: New York & Company: ($54.95) 7th Avenue Pant - Straight-Leg in Sensuous Sand
Outfit #2

I love this blazer! There, I said it. Does anyone else feel super powerful when their shoulders are broad and pointed? I sure do. This is the first navy suit I've ever owned, and honestly, I like it more than an all black one. The fact that is navy also tones down the formality of the outfit to make it a bit more casual. Of course, the jacket could be removed to make it even more casual or hot weather appropriate, but if your office gets cold like mine, it could come in handy.
Shirt: Express: ($44.90) Striped Zip Front Gramercy Tee
Blazer: New York & Company: ( $79.95 ) 7th Avenue Navy Blue Two-Button Topstitched Jacket - All-Season Stretch
Bottoms: New York & Company: ($54.95) 7th Avenue Pant - Ankle - All-Season Stretch
Outfit #3

I find that while black goes with everything, colored pants are way more interesting. It is always a magical discovery when you can find a shirt in one store to match pants from another. I consider this a lucky purchase. What I also love about this is outfit is this shirt. I love this style and how it fits, and it is also super comfy and lightweight -perfect for those hot walks to and from the office. Since this shirt is kinda big for me even though I got it in a small, I also tend to tuck it in to my pants and pull a little back out to give it a sort of puffy but not baggy appearance. It's more refined, professional and less relaxed that way.
Shirt: Express: ($44.90) Striped Zip Front Gramercy Tee
Bottom: New York & Company: ( $54.95) 7th Avenue Pant - Straight Leg - Signature - All-Season Stretch in True Burgundy
Outfit #4

I never thought in a million years that I would wear a pencil skirt...and enjoy it! A simple black pencil skirt is a staple for a young professional's wardrobe because you can dress it up or down, and it goes with almost any top. While it is a pain in the ass to walk up stairs with one on, at least you will look good while you almost trip on every step. Additionally, this top is just like the last one in how lightweight and comfortable it is. I love the rolled sleeves and the length at which they hit my arms. Believe it or not, it's a super comfy outfit, and it's one that I wore on my very first day at work.
Top: Express: ($44.90) Quatrefoil V-Neck Gramercy Tee
Bottom: Express: ($59.90 ) High Waisted Extreme Stretch Pencil Skirt
Outfit #5

Perhaps this one looks more than a little casual, but that's OK. You have to dress for sucess, right? This top is stretchy and breathable with cute puffy sleeves. This is perfect for a day when you have some important meetings to go to or are being interviewed. Black and white is a super classic look and is rather eyecatching when the contrast is this bold; perfect for if you are trying to stand out in the crowd or make a lasting impression. You could also add a shiny belt if you want to make it a bit more fun.
Top: Express: ( $29.90 ) Short Puff Sleeve Tee in Soft Ivory
Bottom: Express: ($59.90 ) High Waisted Extreme Stretch Pencil Skirt
Outfit # 6

To tone down the dressy look of a black pencil skirt, I went for a dark grey and paired it with this puffed sleeve shirt to kinda balance out the casual to formal ratio, thus we have business casual. The shirt is a little annoying with the neckline because it is wide, so you'll need a less coverage bra or one with skinnier straps (that is, if you care if your bra shows at all). I really enjoy this outfit; it makes me feel like a real career woman.
Top: Express: ( $34.90 ) Striped Puffed Short Sleeve Tee
Bottom: Express: ($69.90) High Waisted Crosshatch Seamed Pencil Skirt
Outfit #7

A nice dress is always a necessity if you are working in an office setting. This one could be dressed up or down depending on what you are going for. I've paired this with a navy sweater, but you could totally wear a shawl or a blazer, especially if you had an important meeting to go to. This dress is also a work appropriate length and style since it is long enough and not too revealing. Plus, this dress has pockets!! So clearly, it is the perfect dress, in my opinion.
Dress: New York & Company: ($34.95) Colorblock Fit and Flare Cotton Dress in Pennsylvania Purple
Outfit #8

Fancy looking leggings? Yes, please! These are an actual dream come true because you can be work appropriate, and super comfortable. I was so happy when I found these in the store, and I was even happier to find out that they come in different colors and styles. I'm going to be stocking up on these for sure. Plus, these ones in particular are high-waisted, which means they are super figure flattering. If you need me, I'll be wearing these for the rest of my career. The shirt is also super cute, but let's get real, the leggings are what's really important here.
Top: New York & Company: ( $36.95) 7th Avenue - 3/4-Sleeve Madison Stretch Shirt in Black
Bottom: New York & Company: ( $49.95 ) 7th Avenue Pant - Legging - Pull-On Ankle - Ultra Stretch in Black
So those were my top 8 business casual outfits that I think are perfect for young professionals, like myself. I know my pictures aren't very fancy or "fashion blogger-esc" but I'm just testing out this kind of post, and if y'all enjoy this, I'll of course improve what I produce.
Where do you guys like to shop for work clothing? Let me know in the comments section down below. I'd love to go shopping for more clothes with my first paycheck!!
Thank you for reading,
Stina :)










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