New job - dress code is 'business casual'. What would you wear?

[Backonthebike]

I am starting a new job soon and the dress code is 'business casual' but I have been told that other people there dress 'casually'. How would you interpret this?

Previously I have always had to dress very formally for work (suits) and my weekend stuff is very casual (jeans and sportswear) so I will need to buy some new clothes. Obviously I will wait until I have worked there for a while and got a feel for what other people wear before spending too much money, but I will need to put together at least a week's worth of outfits before I start to get me through the first few weeks. What key pieces should I invest in?

Would be grateful for any suggestions. I am in my early 30s, average height and slim.

Thanks

The business casual places I have worked have varied. I could go in in a casual wrap over jersey dress, a proper business dress, or jeggings, t-shirt and a blazer. I've even worn uggs in winter in the office but kept a pair of smart heels under my desk in case a client came in or a meeting happened. I would say dress + heels or cigarette/ankle skimming trousers + smart top and possibly a blazer or smart cardigan on cooler days. No logo t shirts or t shirts with cute pictures on although prints will probably be acceptable.

can you lurk outside the office and see?

you can't go wrong if you are too smart, but half the suit with a tidy top and extra layer if it is cold (like an office would be...) should be fine. I never wore a dress to an office because they are sweaty places, I prefer a plain shirt so I can have a clean one every day.

heels never compulsory - they aren't for men - just tidy shoes (not silly ballet slippers). If you walk to work, wear trainers and change when you get there.

make up if you wear it normally, none if you don't. Not smelling of anything.

that's it, really. Good luck in the new job!

I interpret business casual and skirt and blouse or smart trousers and blouse, swapping a thin cardi for a jacket on colder days.

Smart trousers. Shirt / blouse with collar, and jumper or cardigan. The suits you already have will be fine. I agree with PP you can't be too smart.

Use your current smart trousers and skirts and dress them down a little bit with tops and cardigans rather than jackets and shirts? Or just the shirt?

Definitely agree you can never be too smart. Clearly going in on the first day in a full power suit might be a little OTT but it's better to be smarter than more casual.

I'd interpret business casual as no jeans, no chinos, no annoying gypsy skirts or anything like that, no trainers or madly scruffy boots. So clothes that are presentable and smart but not a full blown suit. Does that make any sense?

My work wardrobe (in a similar place) is pencil skirts with smart jumpers or a fitted top and cardigan, or a dress - but a lot of my dresses come from places like Joy or Oliver Bonas so aren't fully tailored work dresses. This is a pretty common look.

In my office it's trousers or skirt plus top or blouse or dress. No leggings, jeggings or jeans and rarely Blazers or jackets

Only buy a couple of things and then use the first week to suss out what everyone else is wearing. I remember when I started a new job that was 'business casual' I still more business than casual and was surprised at how casual my managers were. So it is different for each place.

Dress and jacket; smart trousers and top; or skirt and top I'd say.
I usually go for a jersey blazer, but occasionally a lighter cardigan instead.

No to leggings, jeans, flip flops, trainers, vests, anything strapless or halterneck (yes, someone really wore a strapless maxi to work this summer!)

I'm currently pregnant and am pretty much living in smart dresses with flat shoes and a jersey blazer.

I agree with the above but as you've been told most people are casual you'll probably end up in jeans once you've settled in. This is the interpretation of business casual at dhs tech multinational.

split the suit- wear the jacket with jeans and the skirt with a nice top.

It really depends what sort of business it is.

I work in a 'business casual' place and a lot of us wear smart jeans, but we're a techy/new media type of place. Can you not visit/ sneak a peek and see what other people are wearing?

This is my work dress code I think. I wear all everything with a cardi as the office temp is all over the place and either smart flats or heels, depending on what I fancy. Smart flats are acceptable though.

I wear jersey dresses, work dresses or trousers/skirts and tops. Dresses are winning more lately as its easier - there's less to put together.

I think that the big thing that's missing is a smart jacket or blazer. I feel a bit overdone in those.

I avoid casual sandals, tops that are too t-shirty, strappy tops, jeans, leggings and maxi dresses but some in my office do wear these, especially when it's warm I think they're wrong

My work is like this. I tend to wear a work style jacket over a dress (not too matching - eg a black/red floral jersey dress with a black cord 'suit' style jacket) or nice smart trousers with an office - friendly knit such as a cardie or fine fitted jumper or fitted jersey top with waistcoat.
Zara, H&M and Apricot are good for the components. I go a bit smarter for jackets and trousers - TK Maxx is good.
It almost ends up "capsule" as I have 2 main colourways (autumn and too-old-goth lol) within which anything combines with anything.

Business casual usually means no need for suits, but jeans not allowed

Smart casual would include smart jeans, but not slogan t shirts, football shirts etc.

I would say I'm fairly "business casual" - my work wardrobe is pretty much dresses with cardis and opaque tights and flat shoes (usually brogues) or black skinny jeans with a nice blouse or top. I never wear heels or a jacket because they're not my style, and would never wear anything strappy or floaty. I'm a lecturer, in a creative subject area. (Managers tend to wear suits with no tie at the level above me, full suit and tie at the one above that.) I agree with everyone saying to scope out what other people wear - I lurked about over a couple of lunchtimes!