What Is Actually Considered Business Casual In 2026

With remote and hybrid work being a mainstay in many offices, dressing business casual has become a lost art. Maybe you’ve been OOO for a minute and don’t know how to dress for work anymore—especially in the summer months, when you may have gotten used to wearing swimsuits and sundresses on a beach vacation. 

So what is business casual? How do you transition your wardrobe to a more professional look without completely replacing your closet? This guide will break down the basics and demystify the term.

GQ Magazine defines business casual as “a way of dressing that’s more relaxed than formal business wear, but still comes across as professional.” The way of dressing originated in Silicon Valley in the ‘80s, slowly spreading across the country where starched suits were traded for relaxed khakis. Today, business casual can look like anything from a button-up and slacks to a nice shirt and a pair of jeans. Depending on your work’s dress code and industry, you may be able to get away on the more casual side of dressing than in other places.

While dress codes and expectations greatly depend on your industry and work environment, there are a few rules of thumb you want to follow in any professional environment.

• No Gym Wear: Unless you work at a gym, it’s best to change out of the athleisure wear after your early-morning gym session.
• No Offensive or Disturbing Graphic Tees or Accessories: Save that snarky t-shirt for your off days.
• No Pajamas or Lounge wear: As comfy as they may be, sleeping on the job is the last thing you want to be seen doing. 
• Nothing That’s Too Tight Ir Revealing: Not only is it uncomfortable to constantly adjust a wardrobe malfunction due to clothes that don’t properly fit, tight-fitting or revealing clothing could garner unwanted attention that will most likely be negative. 

Every professional wardrobe should have the basics: a button-up, a blazer, a pair of slacks, a modest dress or skirt, and a pair of heels of any height you feel comfortable wearing, saved for those times you really want to impress. 

From there, you can build your work clothing upon the foundation you set up. Accessorize with a bold necklace or statement earrings to show some personality, or you can wear a nice pair of denim jeans. As long as you’re following your work’s dress expectations, there is a lot of room to take ownership of your professional self and not dress like everyone else. 

You can never go wrong with Banana Republic or Gap for high-quality, classic women’s clothing fit for both professional and casual settings. For something slightly more affordable, check out Uniqlo, where you can find clothing that takes a modern spin on business casual.

For those who like a bit more edge in their everyday life, Disturbia is a go-to retailer for corporate goths and alternative people alike.