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.
When you work in a more casual environment, tackling the big business meeting can make you question your nine-to-five attire: how to balance the professionalism needed for presenting to a big client while also keeping your creativity? Look no further than a classic blazer paired with your best denim.
This Mango pinstriped blazer brings structure to these M.i.h kick flares, while a black rollneck brings the two together. Architectural heels from Topshop take your get-up from desk to bar, too.
Mango Striped Structured Blazer, £69.99, available at Mango, New Look Black Ribbed Roll Neck Top, £8.99, available at New Look, M.i.h Jeans Marrakesh Kick-Flare Cropped Jeans, £225, available at Matches Fashion, Topshop Remy Two Part Sandals, £46, available at Topshop
Sure, you're made to wear a white button-down to the office, but the trick to keeping it contemporary is ditching the smart black trousers, and instead opting for neutral hues.
Snakeskin is just one of autumn's hero animal prints, and these Uterqüe pumps scream new season thanks to their burnt orange shade. Keep the safari theme going with this khaki & Other Stories skirt, which will look just as great with a black knit come colder climes.
& Other Stories Tailored Button Down Shirt, £69, available at & Other Stories, & Other Stories High Waisted Workwear Skirt, £59, available at & Other Stories, Uterqüe Printed Ballerinas With Heel, £99, available at Uterqüe
**PROMO FEATURE**
Workwear needn't mean a white button-up and tailored trousers. For business casual made contemporary, look to our favourite eco designer Stella McCartney. This silk georgette dress in rich burgundy offsets the grey hue of this reversible tote, bringing two thoroughly autumnal shades together.
For a 2018 spin, just add box-fresh kicks: Stella has joined forces with adidas to create the first pair of leather-free Stan Smiths, featuring the man himself on the tongue, with Stella's signature stars running along the side. Who said your nine-to-five wardrobe had to be boring?
Stella McCartney #stansmith adidas Trainers, £235, Tiffany Dress, £1,450, and Falabella Reversible Tote in Grey, £720, all available at Stella McCartney
For those lucky enough to work in a super creative and casual environment – think agencies and freelancers – a more relaxed look is on the cards. White kicks and a classic white tee require little more than black denim, but when business meetings come calling, tap into the suiting trend for a more polished aesthetic.
This baby pink one from Zara costs less than £50 and will work as separates for a multitude of bossin' it situations.
Zara Basic Blazer, £29.99, available at Zara, Zara Ankle Cropped Trousers, £19.99, available at Zara, Gap Modern Crewneck T-Shirt, £6.99, available at Gap, Nike Outburst OG Leather and Mesh Sneakers, £70, available at Net-A-Porter
This is how you do workwear come the new season: autumnal shades, classic shapes and a standout bag. Keep cosy in Arket's ginger knit (they do some fantastic cashmere), which brings an on-campus touch to A.P.C's Prince of Wales checked trousers. J.W.Anderson has made his name as the king of the directional bag, and this murky green one with signature ring detail tops off the look perfectly.
Arket Cashmere Roll-Neck, £125, available at Arket , A.P.C Farah Prince of Wales Check Wool-Blend Trousers, £270, available at Matches Fashion, J.W.Anderson Latch Smooth and Textured Shoulder Bag, £1,050, available at Net-A-Porter
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