Business casual style guide for summer: 16 outfit ideas

This visual style will give you plenty of business casual outfit ideas for summer. The 16 outfits are versatile so you can create a business casual style with clothes you have in your own wardrobe.

Summer is here so dressing accordingly at work might be challenging for some. That’s why I’ve put together this business casual lookbook for summer. It comes with a capsule wardrobe example to show you precisely how this works. I’ve included the names of the brands, as well as what materials, clothes, shoes, and bags to choose in order to optimize your summer look.

If you would like to discover your own style or simply evolve it into something truly personal, make sure to check out the Wonder Wardrobe Online Class.

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Business Casual Capsule Wardrobe for Summer

Let’s see how the wonder wardrobe structure can help you create 16 outfits from only 5 tops, 3 bottoms, and 1 dress. Business casual women's outfits are easy to recreate and I think it’s a great start for your wardrobe transformation. So if you’ve been thinking of transitioning to a fully interchangeable wardrobe, you can start with this small structure. 

16 outfits might not seem a lot, but actually, if you work 66 days in 3 months (like most people), you will only wear each outfit 4 times. That’s quite enough if you think about it. Here are the basics you will need to create business casual outfits.

Business Casual Outfit Planning

• 5 tops -  for each day of the week, so there won’t be a moment when you have to wear something twice in a row. 
  3 bottoms - I’d recommend choosing different colors and cuts, this way you will have different-looking outfits. 

• 1 dress - in case if your tops are in the laundry, you can wear a dress. You can also choose a jumpsuit if you like. 

• I’d also add one blazer, that should go well with at least 2 bottoms and 2 tops.

Business Casual Colors

The color palette for today’s wardrobe example includes light, cold, and muted colors. I like these nature-inspired and elegant combinations, they always look beautiful and never go out of style. By the way, I didn’t just pick the colors I like but applied 20 different wonder wardrobe principles that will ensure that this palette will work well inside the business casual capsule wardrobe.

Business Casual Outfit Materials

As you’ll be wearing these business casual outfits mostly in summer, I’d say go for organic cotton, linen, lyocell or silk. All of these materials are natural and eco-friendly. They are breathable, strong and durable fabrics that are just perfect for hot weather. Try to stay away from synthetic fabrics in the summer in general, because they will make you feel hot and sweaty. 

Go for tops with different sleeve lengths. At least one business casual top should have long sleeves in case of a chilly day, and one should be sleeveless for a hot day. This is something you can adjust for yourself, just know that it’s good to have variety.

Business Casual Blazers

The most sustainable options for summer blazers are cotton or linen ones. Sometimes you can also find a mix of cotton and linen, or linen and silk, these are also great options for summer. Keep in mind that blazers are usually pricey because it takes a lot of time and expertise to make one.

Some beautiful linen blazers for the business casual style can be found in Filippa K. I also love blazers from SUI Studio. They specialize in business formal clothes, but also have some business casual garments.

For my capsule, I will go with this linen blazer from Paloma Wool. It fits perfectly with the items I already have and adds a little bit more texture and personality to this business casual wardrobe.

Find your sustainable clothing brands with our curated shopping guides.

Business Casual Shoes

I would advise to get at least 2 different pairs for your work wardrobe. Maybe one pair with a heel and one flat pair. Or one pair of ballet shoes and a pair of sneakers. Basically, again it’s good to have a choice.  

Another thing to remember is that open shoes like sandals, slides, espadrilles and so on are not suitable for a business casual dress code, so leave them for your free time. You can go for closed pumps, ballet shoes, loafers or sling-back shoes. 

Related article: BUSINESS CASUAL STYLE GUIDE: 22 outfit ideas.

Business Casual Capsule Wardrobe Example

This Wonder Wardrobe for summer is finally ready! It includes 5 tops, 3 bottoms, 1 dress, 2 pairs of shoes and a bag. When I mix all these items together I get 16 fully interchangeable business casual outfits.

Capsule overview

Fashion Style: Classic style with casual elements. (Minimalist styling)

Colour type: Summer.

Body proportions: Vertical: Any; Body Lines: Soft.

Method: Wonder Wardrobe.

I hope now you have a better idea of what sustainable items to choose for your summer wardrobe, where to find them and how to create a small, but versatile interchangeable wardrobe. 

If you want to learn more about creating a cohesive color palette, expressing your style in your wardrobe and create fully interchangeable and multifunctional outfits for yourself, you should take the Wonder Wardrobe course that will guide you through the process. 

If you know someone who has a business dress code at work, please do them a favor and share this video with them.