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With age comes wisdom and experience — and this definitely applies when it comes to personal style.
By focusing on timeless, classic pieces that can be mixed and matched, you can achieve great style no matter your age.
Here are four business casual outfits for older women to feel classically polished and put-together at work.
Classic White Button Down & Slim Pants
When it comes to business casual for older women, a crisp white button down with slim tailored pants is about as classic as it gets.
The perfect white button down is a wardrobe staple that can be paired with everything from jeans to evening wear, so I recommend investing in a few different styles.
A slightly oversized version looks perfect worn untucked over slim ankle-length pants. Adding a pointed toe heel elongates the leg and can give a pop of color. For a more casual office, swap in a pair of fresh white low-top sneakers.
This combination is incredibly versatile: Add a v-neck sweater or a leather jacket on top for colder weather, or consider a sleeveless button down and open-toe heels for the hot summer months.
Turtleneck Sweater & Cropped Pants
A turtleneck sweater in a luxe fabric like cashmere is a wardrobe essential you’ll have forever, so it’s definitely worth the money.
For maximum versatility, I recommend a core color like black or gray. Wear it with everything from jeans to joggers to a midi skirt, or pair it with cropped pants for an easy go-to business casual look.
The cropped length of the pants shows a little ankle and keeps you from feeling too covered up. Look for pants with a tuxedo stripe or other fun detailing to give a simple outfit a little flair.
Finish off the look with a chunky loafer or a ballet flat. (Honestly, all my clients want flats these days — who even wears heels anymore?!)
A Suit & Graphic Tee
Office style for women over 50 doesn’t have to be boring.
Wondering how to wear a suit to your business casual office without feeling stuffy or overdressed? Swap in a fun graphic tee for the usual blouse.
For a look that feels on-trend but is still office appropriate, stick to core colors. Neutrals will give a sophisticated edge to this fun look.
If you’re shopping for a new suit, look for one with a modern silhouette: Think slim-fitting pants and a blazer with a nipped-in waist to keep the look smart and tailored.
Pair with cool sneakers if your office is more casual, or add a classic pump to dress it up a bit more for business casual.
A Blazer & Great-Fitting Jeans
A blazer with jeans is the perfect business-meets-casual look, and paying attention to the small details will elevate this outfit.
Look for a blazer in a core color — you can’t go wrong with black or navy — in a year-round fabric like merino wool for maximum versatility. You can’t go wrong with a classic white shirt, or swap in a basic shell or tank.
For jeans, focus on fit above all else. When it comes to shopping for denim, I encourage my virtual stylist clients to cast a wide net. You may have to try on at least 5 different pairs (or brands) before you find your perfect fit.
Finish off the look with a pair of bold colored shoes or accessories. Remember when you wear core colors, you have flexibility to play with your accessories more.
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Cassandra Sethi is a NYC Personal Stylist and Image Consultant. After working over 15 years in the Fashion Industry, most recently as a Senior Buyer for Equinox, she created her business, Next Level Wardrobe – a luxury personal shopping service for successful professionals. Cassandra’s been featured in Greatist, Livestrong and NY Mag.
