Business Casual is the New Casual
Blazers and blouses aren't just for the office…
BY Ava Ascenzo ★ JUNE 29th, 2025
Photo Credit: Alexa Murland
Girls — it's time to ditch the track pants, Garage seamless crop tops and all of those cutouts. Summer is here, and so is corporate-core.
There’s been a major shift in fashion: it’s time to be polished, mature and put-together. Y2K is out and sophistication is in. We’re saying goodbye to basic sneakers and hello to ballet flats — and not just from 9 to 5. We’ve officially entered our classy era.
How did we normalize this? We went from Abercrombie sweat sets to wearing loafers and designer handbags everywhere.
First, let's talk about the runway. Saint Laurent, Kallmeyer, Calvin Klein, Hermès and basically every other 2025 fashion show is featuring models wearing blazers, blouses and ties. We all know the runway dictates the year’s biggest fashion trends, and it's totally showing. Even Princess Polly is channeling office chic.
So, now the new casual is business casual, and it's A-list approved. But, how do we actually style it? How do we balance the workaholic lifestyle with a cute outfit? And, we can't forget summer's biggest problem: the heat. Personally, I can’t be walking through city temperatures in my cashmere sweater and tailored chinos.
Linen Vests
Linen is the perfect summer material. It's lightweight, comfortable — and most importantly, professional. Pair it with your favorite Aritzia pants or those jeans that fit just right. Now, make it a vest? Yes. Pockets? Yes. Ann Taylor has the most beautiful linen vests in some stunning colors, especially in that butter yellow that’s so hot this summer.
Sets
Let's talk about sets. They are so in right now, and Revolve is where to find them. Amanda Uprichard, Lioness and Ripley Rader all carry gorgeous sets that fit the corporate-core aesthetic in a cute and trendy way. I can see the vision: mimosa brunch in Brooklyn, a matching set and my ALAÏA shoulder bag. She’s so perfect.
Capris
Hear me out: capris are actually cute, particularly in the summertime. With the right material, length and shoe, they can pass your boss’ dress code. The Staud Leone Pants are a great option that can be dressed up for the office or down for a party. For a longer option, Banana Republic is that girl. And DÔEN’s Lula Capri Pants? We’re obsessed.
Of course, we want to dress cute for work — who doesn't? But, has business casual become too casual? Gen Z is spamming TikTok with “office siren” looks, and girls are literally getting fired for it. And, private school girls know that the bare shoulders are a thing (iykyk). If you're stressing about the office dress code, just play it safe. Swap the linen vest for a tailored blouse, pair your set with a blazer or go with a basic maxi skirt.
So, yes…business casual is a trend, but these pieces are timeless. Investing in corporate staples will pay off and will carry you from matcha runs back to important meetings.