Smart Casual Work Outfits Vol. 9

It’s been a little while since I’ve posted an installment of weekly outfit ideas! I wanted to share some looks I’ve been loving lately in my favorite softer neutrals color palette. These are easy, smart casual pairings using pieces you may already have in your closet, and I’ve left a few notes on tweaks for business casual dress codes. You can find more easy outfit ideas in these previous posts!

• June: 5 smart casual outfits
• May: 5 business casual work outfits
• May: 3 wardrobe staples styled for work vs. casual
• April: 5 work outfits with flat shoes
• Feb: 5 business casual work outfits

1. Monochromatic cream top + bottoms + long camel layer

I’m excited to share our Edited Pieces reversible belt is finally back in stock and we just started offering shipping to Canada! The buckles in this collection are interchangeable, and I am wearing our new colorway which is a beautiful pebbled cream reversing to taupe. If you need help with sizing, just leave me a comment below or email our customer service!

I love using camel to add warmth to an all white look. These ecru-colored Everlane jeans are a favorite addition from earlier this year and were worth getting hemmed to the perfect length. I kept the outer layer long to continue the lean lines of the monochromatic outfit underneath. This Reformation ribbed top is another excellent basic that I’ve featured several times already and now want in more colors. It’s a thick, sturdy knit with a modern square neck and can elevate a simple jeans or shorts outfit.

For business casual, I’d simply swap in a pair of ankle pants like the J.Crew Cameron (a little dressier, more fitted at the waist and hips) or WHBM comfort stretch ankle pant (a stretchier, very comfortable work pant).

2. Sneakers + cropped jeans + blazer

One of my favorite combos for looking casual yet polished. This drapey top is the best layering tank I have I have in a few colors, and these jeans continue to get RAVE reviews from you guys (definitely a top reader favorite of 2022). They finally introduced two new washes in this same cut of denim that don’t have any rips – solid black, on major sale and a solid darker blue. I love how they are slim but not skinny, and the Petite length is perfectly cropped on my 5′ tall height to wear with sneakers and flats.

For business casual, again I’d just replace the jeans and sneaks with slim ankle pants + flats or pumps!

Sleek tank + pleated skirt + striped tee or sweater

I’ve worn this pleated skirt weekly in looks ranging from office chic (see here), casual and feminine (see here), or a little more preppy like this one! I’ll share more about this Sezane slouchy striped tee later, but it’s a classic and I’ve been wanting a different color from navy and black stripes.

For business casual, I’d do a short or elbow length top instead of sleeveless tank, and swap in closed toe shoes.

Midi skirt + knotted button down shirt + strappy sandals

Camel and black is another easy combo that never fails! Swap in this Reformation Clarke sleeveless top (great value for a simply chic and versatile tank) to easily take this look from office-appropriate to drinks or brunch with friends.

For business casual, I would tuck in my blouse instead of tying and swap in closed toe shoes.

Long linen pants + structured top or tee

I got this top last year and it’s one of the most underrated items in my closet that I reach for ALL the time (finally bought more colors, including black. The elastic banded bottom saves me the trouble of tucking in a shirt neatly and re-tucking after using the restroom, etc. I love the slightly padded shoulder for creating some shape and structure.

These A&F white pants sold out lightning fast this spring (they have a similar but more gauzy pant), though I’ve been keeping my eye and sharing similar options that come up on LTK! This pant (in petite & regular sizing) is not linen nor full length, but I LOVE everything about them for a similarly flattering flowy, wider leg look!