Stylish and Office-Appropriate: Your Guide to Business Casual

Whether you have an awesome summer internship coming up or you have an important meeting or presentation, the key to success is a killer outfit. Business casual by no means translates to a boring, stuffy outfit. Business casual can definitely be fun and cute while still being professional. Basically, business casual is dressed up but not too dressed up which I know can be kind of confusing. But, do not fear! I like to think that I'm kind of an expert on business casual, so I've put together three outfits to help inspire your business casual fashion decisions.

My go-to business casual outfit is a pair of amazing patterned pants and a nice blouse or sweater. Pants like these take little effort to style and make you look put together and confident. If you are in a more professional environment, throw on a blazer or light cardigan, especially if your shirt doesn't cover your shoulders.

Putting on a nice skirt instantly makes you look more professional. You could go with a skirt like this or a more classic pencil skirt. A business skirt is a staple for anyone's closet, and if you stick with a neutral color such as navy or black, you can pair it with a variety of tops. Statement heels instantly make your outfit look more chic but be sure to throw a comfy pair of shoes in your bag for lunchtime errands or the walk to the train station.

I love dresses because you just have to add a sweater or a blazer and your outfit is complete. The dress pictured above is great because the pattern isn't too over-the-top, it has a high neckline, and the cut with the collar and belt make it look professional. This is something you could dress up or down depending on how professional you need to look.

Make sure you gauge the company culture before you wear anything too edgy or too casual, and remember that being overdressed is always better than being underdressed! 

Do you have a cool internship this summer? Comment below!

-Marisa