Companies

${ company.text }

Be the first to rate this company   Not rated   ${ company.score } stars     ${ company.industry}     ${ company.headquarters}

Career Resources

${ getArticleTitle(article) }

Topics

${ tag.display_name }

Community

${ getCommunityPostText(community_post) }

Contributors

${ contributor.full_name }

${ contributor.short_bio }

Jobs For Employers

Join InHerSight's growing community of professional women and get matched to great jobs and more!

Sign up now

Already have an account? Log in ›

  1. Blog
  2. Culture & Professionalism

20 Ways to Rock Business Formal Attire for Women

The tippity top of formal workwear, done 20 ways for modern women

20 Ways to Rock Business Formal Attire for Women

By Brandi Dye

Business formal attire can seem a little intimidating. The phrase conjures up images of catalog models in boring, black suits. While business formal is a little dressier than business professional, it doesn’t have to be stuffy or plain. Modern business formal allows for color, a little bit of pattern, and lots of fun!

Power suits are the perfect embodiment of business formal wear. Plus, they make you feel like you can run the world. Pants are no longer the only way to express your boss vibes. Skirts or dresses can also be paired with a structured jacket to let everyone know that you are calling the shots and taking names.

Tips for building a business formal wardrobe

  • Grab a jacket. Business formal looks often include blazers and structured silhouettes.  This is your opportunity to bust out the power suit.

  • Become besties with your tailor. You always want to make sure you’re wearing the outfit and it’s not wearing you. A tailor can make sure your professional wardrobe fits juuuust right.

  • Start with neutrals. Build your attire with black, tan or navy and accentuate with colorful accessories once you have a solid feel for what is acceptable at your workplace.

  • To hose or not to hose? It depends on what makes you most comfortable.

  • Shop in outfits, not separates. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a suit. A suit in a neutral color or classic pattern can be styled in so many different ways.

  • Keep it simple when it comes to accessories. Make sure any jewelry or accouterment is an addition, not a distraction.

20 ways to rock business formal

Sure, a well-fitted jacket will help you conquer the corporate world… but coffee never hurt.

View this post on Instagram

New Monday, New Week, New Goals! 💕✨ ————- Pants: @express Top: @Hm Blazer: @Hm Heels: @aldo_shoes Necklace: @aldo_shoes

A post shared by Shanice (@elegantly.her) on

Proof that white-on-white can be both professional and fun.

View this post on Instagram

One word: confidence (because nobody else is you - and that is your power)

A post shared by by Lorena✨Lawyer | Fashion (@thewallststyle) on

Bowtie for a boss babe? Yes, please.

Does anybody have the number for Shweta’s tailor? Because this skirt suit is a perfect fit.

View this post on Instagram

May your meetings be short and your coffee strong ☕️

A post shared by by Lorena✨Lawyer | Fashion (@thewallststyle) on

A subtle bracelet adds a pop of color without distracting from the classic neutral tones.

This navy suit is undeniably classic.

A simple patterned blazer amps up this entire workwear look.

This waist tie puts a fun twist on the classic pant suit silhouette.

Bubblegum pink is all grown up.

Making money moves in this patterned look.

Become your own superhero with a structured cape blazer.

View this post on Instagram

🇺🇸 ⁠Friends and family who hold visions of your success as much as their own are a blessing. 🙏💕 Tag someone who you want to thank for the SUPPORT they give you! ⬇⬇⁠ ⠀⁠ 🇨🇳 ⁠朋友和家人如果对你的成功抱有极大的信心,这是一种祝福。 🙏 在下面评论@那些你想感谢给你的支持的人! ⬇⬇ ⠀⁠ ⠀⁠ ⠀⁠ ⠀⁠ ⁠ Credit: @beyyzaakk #bosstyle #corporatewear #businesswoman #corporatefashion #businesscasual #officestyle #officewear #officeoutfit #corporateoutfit #whattoweartowork #workootd #outfit #fashion #corporatestyle #businessoutfit #officework #officeday #9to5 #9to5clothes #9to5outfit #9to5outfits #dressforwork #workchic #workfashion #whatiworetowork #workwearfashion #workattire #officeoutfits

A post shared by BOSSTYLE 👑 | Workwear Inspo (@bosstyle.fm) on

This look serves as monochromatic inspo for all of us.

A classic pattern with a modern silhouette is the perfect way to rock a suit.

Don’t be afraid to make show your wild side with color or accessories like Jonia.

Consider us officially convinced: green is the new black.

Polished, professional, and pink. What more could you want?

Who said that your suit needs sleeves?

Patterned tights and hosiery are another way to flaunt your fun side.

Two badass power suits, two unstoppable forces.

View this post on Instagram

#MondayMotivation: I believe the prospects of‘winning at life’ is possible for everyone, once we all change our mind about what the prize should be and how we perceive the other players at the table. #diversityandinclusion #seatatthetable #eatow. Thank you @eatowglobal for having me as part of your‘Bold, Beautiful & Influential’ panel alongside these inspirational ladies @vintynellie & @mamayets who are really making moves 😍🙌🏾💖 Also thank you @erycafreemantle (my new family) for really seeing me and choosing to support me.. ✨Get The Look✨ http://liketk.it/2FOSc *You can instantly shop all of my looks by following me on the @liketoknow.it app‘ericafmstyle’. Brown tan double breasted suit (size 16). The entire event was filled with practical ways to become my best self through your thinking (@afuathescot), finances (@ameyfinanceacademy) & even social media (@patrice.camille). ✨Head over to my IG HIGHLIGHTS to take a peak on the best tips!✨. Should I put my panel talk on my YouTube channel? Did you watch it? What did you think? Let me know!! 💖... @allbright #womenempoweringwomen #eatowbeautifulmeconference #ootd #fashionblogger #styleexpert #powersuit #liketkit #neutrals

A post shared by ✨Erica Matthews✨ (@ericafmstyle) on

Consider this your memo that khaki is chic now.

About our expert${ getPlural(experts) }

About our author${ getPlural(authors) }

Share this article

Don't Miss Out

Create a free account to get unlimited access to our articles and to join millions of women growing with the InHerSight community

Looks like you already have an account!
Click here to login ›

Invalid email. Please try again!

Sign up with a social account or...

If you already have an account, click here to log in. By signing up, you agree to InHerSight's Terms and Privacy Policy

Success!

You now have access to all of our awesome content

Looking for a New Job?

InHerSight matches job seekers and companies based on millions of workplace ratings from women. Find a job at a place that supports the kinds of things you're looking for.