Business Attire for Women:
These are the dress codes in the office

Let's talk business! Between important presentations, customer appointments, everyday office life and working lunches, one important question often arises: What should you wear to the office? And is there an official business dress code at work?

There was a time when people didn't talk about business attire for men and women - back then, getting dressed in the morning before a day at the office was so much easier. Slip into a suit or trouser suit - and the day could begin. Although these uniform looks were not particularly exciting, they made it easier to find the perfect outfit. But fashion is always changing. And what was considered unthinkable a few years ago is now taken for granted in everyday office life. Or is it? In this guide, we explain what business dress codes there are and what they mean. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Business formal: strict rules for a serious appearance

The best-known dress code is definitely business formal. By business formal dress code, we mean classically serious business looks, i.e. formal business attire, which is particularly familiar from the financial sector and law firms. In these professions, particular emphasis is placed on a serious appearance when dealing with customers.

This dress code does not leave much room for individuality. Rather, it arose from the idea of leaving outward appearances aside in favor of competence and professionalism. The unwritten rule also applies here: the higher up in the company hierarchy, the darker the colors of the business outfit. From a certain job position upwards, even light shades of gray are no longer welcome.

How to put together your business formal outfit

For men, the dress code for business is usually a dark suit with a shirt and tie, black socks and high-quality, elegant shoes. For women, trouser suits, suits or business dresses in muted tones such as black, dark gray or navy in combination with light-colored blouses or shirts and closed shoes are recommended.

Necklines that are too low, super-short skirt and trouser lengths and generally too much sex appeal in the office are of course not appropriate. But unfortunately, business formal also excludes other eye-catching looks in women's office wear: Bright prints and bright colors are just as taboo here as sporty shoes, such as sneakers or sandals that are too high. On the other hand, knee-length dresses and closed shoes such as closed pumps with a not-too-high heel are common.

Business casual - professionalism meets personality

The business casual dress code for men and women is becoming increasingly common in companies. This includes styles that strike the perfect balance between elegance and a discreetly casual twist. The dress code can therefore be seen as a toned-down form of the classic business look, but one that leaves more room for interpretation. The clothing should still convey an official impression, even if it is less formal than the classic business look.

How to put together your business casual outfit

Business casual allows your personality to shine through. You can achieve this above all with fashionable cuts. A business casual suit with a loose-fitting blazer and culottes, styled with elegant pumps, gives women in business casual a modern, stylish look without violating the dress code. However, elegant, wider-cut Marlene trousers, a men's shirt and flat, elegant shoes for a reinterpreted boyish look are also a great option. In summer, you can also skip the blazer for casual business wear and simply wear a blouse with pants - in the fall, you can also wear an elegant cardigan. When it comes to dresses, feel free to vary with modern midi lengths or combine them with a chic jacket. Classic outfits are not necessary here. A chic day dress or shift dress in muted colors, but also with a subtle pattern, is perfectly fine for every woman in the business casual dress code. 

The only thing that divides opinion is jeans as business-casual trousers. Generally speaking, however, they are considered too sporty for the casual business look. In this case, you should opt for elegant wwo pants. Sandals and sneakers are also still taboo.  

Smart casual: casual but well thought out

The smart way to a relaxed business look! With this dress code, smart not only stands for your creative mind when choosing an outfit, but also for a neat office look. After all, office outfits for women should always be casual. Otherwise, ladies and gentlemen can be much more creative with the smart casual dress code than with other business dress codes. As a little styling aid, you should keep in mind that you need to look convincing in this look at a client meeting. At the same time, it's important not to look overstyled if you're going to an after-work drink or dinner with friends or colleagues.

How to put together your smart-casual outfit:

The most important rules for a smart-casual business look are: 

• The look should be casual, but never sloppy.
• Jeans remain a controversial topic, but there is certainly nothing wrong with dark washes with a sophisticated look.
• Sneakers are also okay here if they are used to break up an otherwise very neat outfit.
• What should also be avoided here are overly sporty styles, too much skin and overly wild prints.
  
  

Further ideas and tips

Simply style a short leather jacket with a simple Fit & Flare smart-casual women's dress. A midi length jumpsuit under a business blazer will create a wow effect. And for a casual office outfit for women that includes your beloved jeans, opt for an elegant denim culotte combined with a chic print blouse and a simple dark blue or black blazer.

General business attitude rules at a glance

Three different dress codes, lots of dos and don'ts - it's easy to lose track. Before you stay in your home office in protest, here are a few simple basic rules for women's and men's outfits in the office that will almost always keep you on the safe side: 

• Don't lose sight of the dress code in the office. 
• Opt for timeless, straight cuts, fine materials and muted colors. 
• Only incorporate bright colors selectively, as an elegant blouse or in your accessories.
• Sporty looks should be avoided in a business context. This way you will always remain professional and super chic.

Suitable business attire for events

Dinner after work with business clients sounds temptingly private, but in the end it's the professional impression that counts - and therefore the right outfit. If it's just for dinner, understated shift dresses or straight-cut fit & flare dresses, styled with elegant pumps, are an elegant look. If the occasion is more festive, a cocktail dress is of course also an option. In this case, you should not choose necklines that are too low. And even if the sparkling sequin dress may be a little too overbearing in this setting, materials with subtle glitter are definitely welcome here. Fashionable cuts, exciting midi lengths, unusual sleeves and, of course, exciting shoes are also ideal for festive events.

Summer vs. winter - how to adapt your business look to the seasons

Suddenly they are here, the sub-zero temperatures. The only thing that helps is to stay cool and adapt your business attire to the winter. Use warm materials such as wool to protect yourself against the cold. Your business outfit won't suffer in winter either, as there are always great-cut blazers and pants in warming fabrics, fine wool and cozy tweed. The same applies to chic day dresses. If you're still shivering, opt for cashmere knitwear for a business look. The smart casual dress code certainly allows for this!

In summer, on the other hand, light Italian wool fabrics are a guarantee against overheating. Combine this with cooling materials such as flowing silk for the business casual dress code. Unfortunately, the classic light, floral summer dress is not an option for business casual. But how about an elegant day dress in subtly shimmering poplin cotton or piqué?

Absolute no-gos in the business look: our conclusion

If we exclude young start-ups and hip advertising agencies, it remains to be said: Casual looks do not belong in the office. Sweatshirts, logo shirts or summer dresses are a casual look for meeting friends, but not for a presentation in front of the boss. This also applies to too much skin and unfortunately also to trendy it-pieces. Because even if they contribute to the success of a fashion label on the catwalk, that doesn't mean that the next pitch for the big client will be crowned with success. After all, who wants to be seen as a fashion victim on the job? A strong professional look, on the other hand, makes you appear confident and competent, so that even the biggest doubters fall silent. 

So wear your beloved yoga trousers where they belong: on the yoga mat, when relaxing after work. Or even in your home office. Because on remote days, you can really let off steam in a creative and cool style!

You can find inspiration for serious business looks here. From slim-cut business dresses to strong suit looks - with Talbot Runhof you can make a professional appearance with a fashionable twist. Why not visit one of our stores, for example in Munich, Berlin or Düsseldorf.