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Six Classic Ways to Dress “Business Casual” in College

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Brown chapter.

There is nothing that I love more than a good look. Taking some extra time to get ready in the morning sets me up for a successful day. Doing my makeup, fixing my hair, and choosing a cute outfit has a positive impact on how I feel about myself and the way I approach my day. The same goes for preparing for an all-important interview or professional networking event. If you have ever wondered how to truly dress “business casual,” look no further! Here are my reliable tips on how to appear corporate-ready:

  1. Color Palette

First things first: choose your color palette! I tend to lean toward neutral colors because it is easier to combine basic pieces, while at the same time looking clean and chic! There are several color guides that you can use for inspiration when picking out an outfit and you can find so many with a simple Pinterest search!

  1. The Perfect Balance for College Girls

When curating an outfit with the idea of looking professional and fashionable, always try to achieve the perfect balance. If you are wearing a blazer or a coat, pair it with jeans or sneakers to make it look a bit more casual, or if you are wearing nice pants you can add a simple top and accessories! 

  1. Suit Pants

Wearing suit pants with a simple top is the perfect combination for a casual professional look. Everyone should own a pair of suit pants because it is easy to dress them up and down! 

  1. Coat/ Blazer and Jeans Combo

This is one of my favorite ways to put a quick outfit together. All you need is a simple top, your favorite pair of jeans, and the element that will transform your go-to causal outfit into an effortless beautiful look: a coat or blazer!

  1. Belts

A quick and easy way to elevate an outfit is to add a belt! They tend to go unnoticed but they really are an amazing way to make your look come together! As the title of a Vogue article says, put a belt on it!

  1. Jewelry

Finally, the last element to add is some jewelry here and there! You can keep this simple or be creative – it is up to you, but you should definitely not underestimate the power jewelry has to elevate your look!

Lyra Ymeraga is a student at Brown University. She is one of the writers for Her Campus and her articles focus on self-improvement and fashion. Lyra studies Computer Science and Entrepreneurship. Furthermore, she is a board member of Fashion at Brown as one of the Industry Programming Directors and she is also part of the design team. She is involved with Women in Business and is a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. In her free time, she likes to journal, exercise, and have spa days!