What passes as business formal now?

[teddybearrock]

Hi all,

I'm starting a new job soon where the dress code is business casual in the office, more formal when meeting clients.

Formal to me has always meant matching suits and a smart blouse or shirt, but I think this now looks a bit dated. I'm aiming for more along the lines of smart separates that can be dressed up or down - e.g. smart trousers paired with a knit for the office, or with a blouse and jacket for meeting clients.

Unfortunately the jackets are where I'm struggling most, I can't seem to figure out what looks formal enough while still being modern and versatile. This kind of blazer just looks boring to me.

Any general recommendations would be very very much appreciated! Or in terms of specific questions I have...

• Would a boucle/tweed jacket (something like this) be considered formal, if worn over a smart dress / pair of trousers and blouse?
• For wide leg trousers like these, what kind of blazer/jacket would look best?
• Could you add a blazer to a tweed dress (like this one) to make it formal?

Thank you in advance!

The things you've posted in your bullet point links all look like the sorts of things I would have worn to meet clients in a formal environment.

I think Zara has great formal separates. Lots of blazers in nice bright colours or unusual cuts. I like smart knit wear with wide leg trousers. All the things in your list look like they would pass as formal. Although I would feel like the dress is too short to comfortably wear for work. But I am 5'8 so I have to be careful with dress length.

The black blazer, although you think is boring, is definitely a safe option for business formal.

Boucle jackets can be suitable, but if in doubt go for a more formal shape (with collar) rather than the collarless one linked. I think a nice short length boucle jacket would work well with the wide leg trousers.

The dress is too short for business formal I think.

The black blazer is safe but very boring.

The bouclé jacket is fine.

Don't know about the trousers- I don't wear them.

The tweed dress is too short. Just above knee would be ok. It's a difficult material to get a jacket for (and definitely not a blazer) - a long line, very good quality, fine wool cardigan would be easier.

Thanks so much everyone, really appreciate the advice.

I also agree that the tweed dress I linked is too short, it’s definitely not the one I’d buy (the £195 price tag doesn’t help!) but wanted to get an idea of whether the general style/material would be suitable.