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The New Look of Business Attire

Introducing a moniker, you will start to hear more and more: Power Casual. Here are our 4 tips, whether you’re home on your laptop or in a corner office.
By 
Six to Sunday
 | 
1.17.2023

The look of workwear has shifted substantially in the last decade, but the change that has occurred since 2020 has been nothing short of seismic. The pandemic created a work-from-home construct that’s still, to a certain degree, in place. Suits are out, but what’s in?

Introducing a moniker you will start to hear more and more: Power Casual. Why do we love it? It’s a pairing of pieces that are structured and profesh with pieces that are stretchy and comfortable. This is a trend that’s not going away any time soon, so here are our 4 tips for the new power casual, whether you’re home on your laptop or in a corner office.

Power Casual Tip #1: Try Polished Shapes in Forgiving Fabrics

Pieces that are flattering, professional, and comfortable are a must, and thankfully brands (like Ripley Rader and Spanx) are coming out with amazing products to match. Cotton knits are used in all sorts of great ways—as blazers and button-downs–and it’s chic with a side of comfort. Look for a stretch in the material composition (lycra, elastane, or spandex) to get that “give” you need without the wrinkle, even when you’re sitting for long periods of time.

M.M. La Fleur Axam Turtleneck
Ministry of Supply Aero Zero Oversized Shirt
Anthropologie Sweater Blazer
Ripley Rader Ponte Knit Wide Leg Pant
Spanx The Perfect Blazer

Power Casual Tip #2: Ditch the Old Suits

If you’ve worked your entire adult life you probably have a closet full of suits. Problem is, those shoulder pads and darts are much too formal. To avoid coming off as circa 2015, your first line of defense is to break up the suits and try the jacket with, say, a midi-length printed skirt or jeans. When you DO add to your wardrobe, think in modern terms. The “new” suit is a matching blouse and trousers, and it’s a great option (can be worn together or separately, of course, just make sure to clean them together so you get the same rate of fade).

Try the “new” suit: a matching blouse and trousers.

Zara Printed Flared Pants
Zara Geometric Print Tied Blouse
Reformation Ritzy Two Piece
Reformation Darian Two Piece
Figue Bridgette Ikat-Print Pleated Wide-Leg Pants
Figue Londyn Ikat-Print Collared Top

Power Casual Tip #3: Embrace Color

A pop of color moves you from too serious to current and fresh. Not only does color boost your mood, but it’s our number one trick for looking great on that Zoom call. Shades of greens, blues, and even mustard can completely liven your workwear fit.

Mango Printed Turtleneck T-Shirt
& Other Stories Fitted Ribbed Top
Carbon38 Cable Knit Pullover
Robert Graham Capri Floral-Print Hoodie

Power Casual Tip #4: Make a Statement

If your look seems too neutral or underwhelming, try topping it off with a statement piece. A necklace or vibrant scarf, a pair of statement earrings, or even a fun tote, will give your fit a bit more oomph.

Kenneth Jay Lane Gold-Tone Enamel Hoop Earrings
Golden Cactus Floral Tote Bag
J.Crew Faceted Crystal Necklace
Lizzie Fortunato Vert Stone Collar

Bonus Tip: Pay Attention to What Others are Wearing

Observe your colleagues' wardrobe choices and take note of what you like. If you’re working in a creative or tech field, perhaps a graphic tee (with a blazer on top) may be just the thing. If you’re working in corporate, invest in a phenomenal pair of white sneakers to pair with those ponte pants for casual Fridays. The key here is finding ways that are authentic to you to integrate the casual and elevated with comfort and professionalism.

guest CONTRIBUTOr:

All products featured on Six to Sunday are independently selected by our editors and contributors. We may get paid commissions on products purchased through our links to retailer sites. However, we recommend products based on our independent research and point of view, and the decisions we make regarding the products we feature on our site are always driven by what we believe our community will love, first and foremost.

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