How to achieve “business casual” in under 15 minutes

By Rosie Hall

Published on June 16, 2025

Business casual in 15 minutes or less isn’t clickbait, I’m going to teach you how.

Are you a professional who struggles to achieve “business casual” level dress for those in-person work days? You stare at your closet: What to wear… what to wear… Fifteen minutes on the clock before you have to be out the door. You want cute. You want professional. You want timeless. Now’s not the time for anything too flashy or bold. You are trying to achieve – God help us all – that most ambiguous of categories: Business casual.

We’ve all been there, ladies. Lucky for you, I have a three-step process that will get you looking and feeling cute and confident in under fifteen minutes. Here’s what you do to get that professional, business casual look.

Step one: Pull out that white button-down.

…and unless you are incredibly put together, immediately put it in the dryer to tumble dry on low to get the creases out.A white button-down is a classic for a reason. Perfect for all seasons and occasions, it offers a timelessness to every outfit. Leave it untucked for a more casual feel or tuck it in and show off some of your shape. Roll up the sleeves in warm weather or throw a sweater over it in the winter. After ten minutes in the dryer, your shirt will be soft, warm, and wrinkle-free. The white button down: putting the “business” in business casual since the 18th century.

Step two: Grab a pair of jeans.

The wide-leg style is very popular right now, and a dark wash paired with a white collared shirt looks effortless and stylish. Dark wash jeans are comfortable, don’t stain easily, and have that slimming effect we all know and love. Pick your favorite pair and put them on. This is the “casual” part of business casual. Every girl I know walks a little more confidently when she’s in her favorite pair of jeans – and for a business-casual event, you’ll need every extra bit of confidence you can get!

Step three: Make it your own.

Ultimately, the dark jeans and white button-down are just the base. Now you add a bit of sparkle. Throw on your favorite pair of heels – or if it’s more casual, slip-ons. The color of the shoe doesn’t matter because your base will match with anything. My favorite? A classy strappy platform and gold accessories. If I’m feeling bold? A red shoe, lip, and a pop of color in the earrings. These extra little details – added in your precious few minutes – will take this outfit from basic to uniquely you.

And that’s it! Ladies, you just went from dripping to drop-dead gorgeous, not to mention business casual, in 15 minutes, all because of that white button-down. Comfortable in your favorite heels and jeans and professional in your classic shirt, you’re ready to tackle whatever lies ahead with a smile and a sashay of confidence. 

1 1 vote
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x