back to
LAURIE’S PAGE
Business Basics
W
Business casual attire for the
working woman in Summer
hen it comes to landing
the perfect job, one of the
most valuable moments is
your first impression. First
impressions can center around several different
moments in an interview process, but it
primarily revolves around how you present
yourself - and that includes how you dress.
For me, one of the hardest things to do
when preparing for any interview is finding
the right clothing to wear. While there are
several different types of business dress wear
for interviews, you first have to determine if
When it’s cold, we buy sweaters and
it is professional or casual. When meeting a
stockings. In the fall, we pair our outfits with
potential employer for the first time, dressing fancy scarves and booties. We aren’t as
business professional is usually always the
fortunate as men who follow the generic
right way to go. But sometimes you’re asked “khakis and a plaid button up with the
to dress business casual and if you’re
sleeves rolled” guideline when dressing
anything like me, figuring out what that
business casual. So with the summer months
meant took way longer than it should have.
here to stay, here are my favorite business
casual basics that won’t have you sweating
As if finding the right business casual
for hours before your big first impression.
pieces weren’t difficult enough, when it
BY LAURIE BENGOA
comes to summer in the office we really
have to adapt our clothing to the season.
MID-THIGH SKIRT
It’s always good to have a few skirts that match with everything in your
closet. When it comes to business casual basics, you should try to buy skirts
that are mid-thigh to knee length and look good with skirts tucked into
them. I try to avoid materials that match that of professional wear and opt
for lighter colors and occasionally floral patterns when dressing casual for
the summer. When finding your skirt, be unique and have fun. One of my
favorites is the asymmetrical flap skirt in dusty pink from Chicwish! Pair it
with nude and black strappy heels and you’re ready to make the best lasting
impression.
SKINNY ANKLE PANTS
A definite must-have
for all business casual
dressers are skinny or slim
fit work pants. While the
flared edge or straight cut
of work pants are perfect
for a more professional,
pantsuit style, the skinny
fit keeps you looking put
together yet relaxed. My
favorites are cropped,
skinny work pants in fun
designs like plaid or subtle
stripes, as they are easy to
pair with and allow you
to be creative with your
personal style. Consider
various prints, lengths and
fabrics based on what style
you’re going for and match
with solid colored tops and
closed toe heels.
PRINTED SUNDRESS
AND A SOLID BLAZER
When dressing for the office or a
casual interview in the summer, you
should have a flowy, modest dress
that is mid-thigh to knee length
and pairs perfectly with brown or
nude heels. You should also always
have a solid color blazer to go
with everything! Honestly for me, a
blazer completes every outfit, taking it
from ordinary outfit to professionally
relaxed in seconds. To make this
combination of styles your own,
consider what I do. I love my blue
and ivory embroidered dress from
Lulu’s and match it with my navy
Forever 21 blazer. I like to tie a
brown belt around my waist to give
the outfit a more finished look and
pair it with matching brown heels to
bring everything together.