I like to think that I’m a bit of an expert on business casual looks – not only did I grow up attending a school that required a uniform (khakis, cardigans, and button-down shirts have all been longtime staples in my life), but I’ve also worked in numerous office settings that abided by a business casual dress code. Business casual might seem like the complete opposite of “chic” and “classic” when it comes to style, but there can be more overlap than you think! Here are 13 spring business casual outfits to inspire your spring work outfits.
1. white blouse + tan sweater + black jeans + loafers + earrings
blouse | sweater | jeans | loafers | earrings | tote bag
If you’re unsure of how to start building your business casual outfit, my recommendation is to start with a white blouse. In the cooler months that could be a white button-down shirt, but in spring or summer you can style a white popover or tunic-style shirt instead. Right off the bat, this gives you a fresh, yet professional look.
Next, add a contrasting color with a pair of dark pants. Some business casual dress codes allow you to wear jeans – black denim is a great way to go if you still want to look elevated, even in the more casual style. Then, add a layer. Try tying a sweater around your shoulders for a chic, Parisian-inspired touch. If your office air conditioning is set to “frigid”, you can always throw this on over your blouse.
Accessorize with a classic pair of loafers, a large tote bag to fit your laptop and other workplace necessities, and a pair of simple gold earrings to complete the look.
2. striped sweater + white pants + flats + belt + earrings
sweater | pants | flats | earrings | belt
Next up on our spring business casual outfits essentials: a striped sweater. But, you don’t have to go out and buy a new piece just for the season. You can transition the sweater you’ve been wearing all winter long by pairing it with a seasonally appropriate piece on the bottom – like a pair of bright white pants. Whether it’s a turtleneck, cardigan or crewneck style, a striped sweater should definitely be on your must-have list when it comes to business casual looks.
Accessorize with ballet flats, a pair of gold knot earrings, and a thin black belt to pull your look together.
3. button-down shirt + maxi skirt + belt + flats + watch
shirt | skirt | tote bag | flats | watch | belt
French women love pairing masculine and feminine pieces together to create an effortlessly chic and interesting end result. If you’re willing to go outside the box when it comes to your work wardrobe, your casual outfits can get a whole lot more exciting with a little experimentation.
Start by taking a classic French blue button-down shirt and pairing it with a flowy maxi skirt. The button-down shirt has more masculine vibes, while the satin skirt would traditionally be seen as more feminine. The result is a cool, yet appropriate look for the office.
Accessorize with a studded belt, a structured tote bag, Mary Jane flats, and a silver watch to further add to the theme of contrasting feminine and masculine pieces for the perfect balance.
4. crewneck sweater + white tee + linen pants + flats + earrings
sweater | t-shirt | shoes | pants | bag | earrings
Besides just switching out long sleeves for short sleeves, you can transition your winter workwear to spring by swapping out your fabrics. On top, layer a cotton t-shirt under a thin cashmere sweater. These two thin layers work well together to give you a good amount of warmth, even when it’s still a little chilly out.
Next, add a pair of linen trousers. Linen and cotton are both breathable fabrics, which means that even if it does heat up throughout the day you’ll still be comfortable. Keep your accessories simple. Think a small pair of gold stud earrings, a quilted shoulder bag, and a pair of cap-toe flats.
5. oversized blazer + t-shirt + white pants + loafers + watch + belt
pants | t-shirt | blazer | loafers | watch | belt | earrings
Want to know the secret to an effortless casual wardrobe? Start with a tonal foundation to make getting dressed in the morning a breeze. First, begin with a white t-shirt. Next, add a pair of white pants. The best part about this tonal look formula is that you can switch it up with any neutral tones from your capsule wardrobe.
On top, introduce a new color with an oversized blazer. This is a great layering piece for spring weather – it can be used to elevate any look, even denim shorts and a tank top. Plus, it’s great for a professional appearance. Accessorize with gold jewelry, a tote bag, and leather loafers.
6. short-sleeved sweater + pencil skirt + trench coat + slingback heels
sweater | pencil skirt | short-sleeved sweater | trench coat | heels | earrings
Speaking of another spring layering hero – I couldn’t forget the classic trench coat. Not only is this a piece that French girls love, but it’s also the perfect weight and fabric for spring weather. It’s an easy way to elevate your casual work outfits and tie your whole look together. Plus, it will keep out the wind and rain in an unpredictable spring climate.
Start this look with a well-loved office staple – the pencil skirt. However, we’re not pairing suit separates here. You can adapt formal pencil skirts for a more casual work wardrobe with a little tweaking. Keep things casual by pairing it with a short-sleeved sweater, and another tied around your shoulders (just in case you get cold). Then, add a pair of gold knot earrings, and a pair of elegant slingback heels.
7. shirtdress + mules + earrings + tote bag + watch
dress | mules | watch | earrings | tote bag
Spring business casual outfits don’t have to be complicated (or expensive). If you live in a warmer climate, you can style classic pieces like a shirtdress for a minimalist style that will still keep you cool. The thin vertical stripes on the style above are especially flattering and help to elongate the look of your body.
Although many office environments frown upon open-toed shoes, you can still get the same vibe with a pair of mule flats. The pointed toe is another flattering feature to look for when you’re shopping! Then, add a woven tote bag and simple gold jewelry to round out the casual look.
8. sleeveless turtleneck + fitted blazer + skinny jeans + loafers + watch
turtleneck | blazer | jeans | earrings | loafers | watch
Transitional work outfits can make for the perfect looks at the arrival of spring. Winter looks provide great coverage for professional settings, and with a few styling adjustments you can ensure that you get the same sophisticated look without overheating.
First, switch out your favorite winter sweater for a sleeveless turtleneck. Then, layer on a tailored blazer. A plaid style in a fitted variation is perfect! When it comes to wearing jeans in the office, dark-wash denim is always a safe bet. Or, make the swap for black pants if your work dress code is a little more conservative. Loafers, a gold watch, and pearl earrings complete the polished look.
9. cardigan + white tee + straight-leg jeans + flats + earrings
sweater | jeans | t-shirt | flats | tote bag | earrings
Here’s another way to style your favorite French-inspired striped sweater in your spring workwear rotation. For Parisian-approved casual Fridays, layer it over a white shirt and straight-leg jeans for an effortless appearance. Then, add another French girl’s favorite: the ballet flat. Grab your laptop bag and a pair of gold and pearl stud earrings and you’re all set to go! (Make sure to enjoy an end-of-the-week drink with friends, if you can – you deserve it).
10. red sweater + white tee + pleated pants + Mary Jane flats + watch
pants | sweater | t-shirt | shoes | watch | tote bag
On cooler days, you can still give off bright spring vibes by swapping out your neutral tones for a pop of color. A bright shade of red is also the perfect choice if you want to get the most wear you can out of your winter pieces. If you’re getting ready in the chilly mornings of spring, you’ll love reaching for your favorite comfort sweater before you leave for the office.
Pair your bright sweater with a neutral piece on the bottom – like a pair of pleated gray pants. I own this particular pair from Gap, and the elastic waistband is a game-changer if you spend the majority of your day sitting at a desk! They prove that cute options for workwear don’t have to be still and uncomfortable (they feel more like sweatpants).
A structured work bag can balance out a look of unstructured, cozy pieces. Then, add a pair of Mary Jane flats. A gold watch completes the outfit!
11. collared dress + striped sweater + flats + earrings + tote bag
dress | sweater | shoes | tote bag | earrings
Make getting dressed in the morning a breeze this spring by having a collection of dresses to reach for. Midi and maxi lengths ensure that they’re appropriate for your office dress code – you most likely won’t want to wear tights when it starts heating up outside. The collar on this particular style ensures it looks professional and polished!
If you tend to get cold at work, make sure to bring another layer with you – like a striped cardigan. I love a cardigan for work because you can easily throw it over your chair or your shoulders when it’s not in use. Accessorize with your work bag and a pair of gold stud earrings. As for shoes, break the fashion rules and pair black ballet flats with your navy dress. Trust me, you’ll like how it looks!
12. button-down shirt + v-neck sweater + chino pants + loafers
button-down shirt | sweater | pants | loafers | glasses | tote bag
Spring business casual outfits don’t have to be limited to neutral tones for a chic look. Here’s another idea to add a pop of color to your seasonal workwear. First, start with a blue and white button-down shirt (this is a year-round piece in my own capsule wardrobe!). Then, add a green v-neck cardigan on top. This is an easy way to add interest and dimension to your look with color, texture, and shape.
On the bottom, reach for a pair of navy pants to keep the color theme going. They’re still a neutral so they won’t overwhelm your overall appearance. Then, ground your look with warm shades of brown in your loafers, work bag, and a pair of readers if you need them.
13. denim jacket + t-shirt + black jeans + sunglasses + Mary Jane flats
denim jacket | cashmere tee | flats | jeans | tote bag | sunglasses | shoes
Ready to have a little fun with your spring business casual outfits? Here’s how you can style your spring go-to, a denim jacket, for your workwear uniform. First, think about choosing a color other than blue denim. White, black, or shades of khaki are easier to style for office-appropriate looks. Then, think about the shape. The tie on this style makes it appear more like a blouse than your standard jean jacket.
Layer it over a cashmere tee for a textured look. Then, add a pair of black pants (jeans if you want to go more casual, or trousers for a polished appearance). Mary Jane flats, a work tote, and a pair of oval sunglasses finish out the trendy office style.
Business Casual to Business Casual Chic
Spring is the perfect time to think about refreshing your go-to workwear looks! With a few outfit formulas to help you get started, I hope you now have some inspiration saved for chic spring business casual outfits for the upcoming season. Take it from me, it is possible to feel confident in your work uniform and still look professional!
Need some more spring outfit ideas? Up Next: Spring Capsule Wardrobe Must-Haves for Your Best Style & Outfit Ideas!
I love your style and style combinations.
I am a retired RN, and love your classic styles.
Thank you, Debra. So happy to hear that!
Very classy, timeless pieces, all staples in a basic wardrobe. Perfect for rebuilding an elevated collection one piece at a time.
We love an elevated collection! So glad you like these pieces.