The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Work-Chic Wednesdays: 3 Business-Casual Looks that Won't Break the Bank

I get a lot of requests for stylish yet affordable outfit ideas for the office, so I'm going to try something new here and feature work-related attire every Wednesday—hence Work-Chic Wednesdays! To kick things off, here are three business-casual looks featuring items under $100 (I may have gone a tad over with a few of the bags but sharp accessories are one place you can splurge on occasionally.) Each outfit would work well for an interview, too, with the exception of outfit #3 (needs a blazer). Click any image for details on any of the items shown.

Work it, ladies.


Layer luxe-looking accessories atop a basic, modest dress for a look that's sure to win you the corner office, someday!


Black and white is always a chic choice for the office. Keep the look sophisticated yet exciting by adding a bold red bag. What's more, this entire outfit features plus-size items.


For summer, try a sleeveless top in a casual office setting, just keep the rest of your look neat and polished. Add a blazer or cardigan for important meetings.

Comments
great job, BB! love your selections...
#1 Real Style Real People (Homepage) on 2009-08-05 09:05 (Reply)
I just love that you added this.. This is great.. I love all three outfits and will buy them immediately.. Keep it up
#2 Latasha (Homepage) on 2009-08-05 09:24 (Reply)
great outfit pics!
#3 anh (Homepage) on 2009-08-05 09:37 (Reply)
I wish I could dress that cute for work! Regrettably, I would get paint or clay all over me. Great outfits and LOVE the flats. I'm looking for some great flats since I just finished foot surgery and won't be able to wear heels for 2+ years or more. Do you have any more suggestions for flats?
#4 Adina (Homepage) on 2009-08-05 10:07 (Reply)
Ooh I love these outfits! I love the sleeveless top with pencil skirt look, but my office is soooo cold, I always have to top it with a cardi/jacket.
#5 Christina on 2009-08-05 11:18 (Reply)
What a superfabulous new series, BB. And I'm drooling over TONS of your picks for these three outfits.
#6 Sally (Homepage) on 2009-08-05 11:35 (Reply)
Nice picks! You have put together great pieces. I wish I could get my hands on some of them:-(
#7 Noopur (Homepage) on 2009-08-05 11:43 (Reply)
i'm going to be referring to this post in the future for sure. great ideas!
#8 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2009-08-05 12:16 (Reply)
Hump Day AND Work Chic Wednesday! You're trying to kill me here! I love all of these outfits. Especially 1 and 3. I tend to wear pants to the office and lately have been sneaking a few dresses and pencil skirts in.

Great ideas. I look forward to seeing more!
#9 Dina's Days (Homepage) on 2009-08-05 12:44 (Reply)
I absolutely LOVE the shoes in outfit three. Gorgeous!
#10 Linda (Homepage) on 2009-08-05 14:52 (Reply)
Gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration! I've been at this job since April, but I'm still moving my wardrobe from office dressy to office casual (which is great, but an adjustment nonetheless!). :-)
#11 Trude (Homepage) on 2009-08-05 17:09 (Reply)
i love the purple bag in look 3. where can i get it at?
#12 michele on 2009-08-05 22:33 (Reply)
Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Large-Melie-Bianco-Double-Tote/dp/B002CHH6VU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1249429850&sr=1-1

Click any outfit which will take you to Polyvore.com, there you can see details on every item shown and links to where you can purchase :-)
#12.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-08-06 13:21 (Reply)
Great post! I love that you show where we can find all this fantastic stuff for much cheaper. Are there any other stores that you know of that have great deals?

Thanks again. Keep up the good work!
#13 Laura on 2009-08-06 13:04 (Reply)
those zipper'd pumps are kinda hot...and that purple bag is love!!
#14 Srujana on 2009-08-06 15:37 (Reply)
Cool feature! Could you post more office casual looks too as well as formal options?
#15 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2009-08-06 22:22 (Reply)
Absolutely!
#15.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-08-07 13:43 (Reply)
Loving all of those outfits. Just starting out in the work force at an entry level salary makes it hard to find affordable, appropriate clothes. Who knew Forever 21 had business-y options?
#16 diva99 on 2009-08-07 13:13 (Reply)
Great idea! So excited to follow your Work-Chic Wednesday posts.
#17 EmilyKennedy (Homepage) on 2009-08-15 19:55 (Reply)
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