Business Casual - Women

[JanND]

I would get some loose T's, or pull over type tops There are some really nice tops out these days. Some have a lot of style, while being a solid neutral color....Go for it....But, You want fit, but You don't want tight...you want comfortable if you are top heavy....choose basic black, white or creams....and also get a couple nice blazers, or suit jackets, solids or tweeds...NO large prints....and interchange the tops and the blazers. I might also invest in a grey dress pant, or a taupe. If you get the right blazers....solid black, or a small print in black &white or greys....then you can wear alternating styles and change your look. Simple solitaire earrings (zirconia) a nice simple but dressy watch. Classic but savvy.
As you get more comfortable dressing in a business look you'll pick up a few more pants, or blazers....or even those nice long almost tailored sweaters. You'll always look professional yet you will be comfortable.
Also, don't be afraid to shop the thrift stores, especially Goodwill...I find tons of nice business clothes, even womens suits.
I find wonderful bargains at Kohl's, Gordmans occasionally, and thrift stores if you have the time to search and go weekly you'll be able to build up your wardrobe in a couple mths. Simple flats or pumps....NO open toed shoes.

[Celestyn]

If you work in a cool environment, a nice sweater can also be business casual. If you are having trouble coordinating outfits, you can go to a department store and look in the career sections and they will usually have outfits put together on the mannequins.

[malamute]

Can you get a look at the employees who are working there now? Especially those working the position you'll be working.

Often styles vary by geographical location and individual businesses. There are different ideas of what business casual means but also it can depend on your job functions. You don't want to be over-dressed and unable to do your job.

[55degrees]

Confused. You're working with heavy machinery but talking about heels? What kind of machinery are we talking about and why couldn't you just wear a t-shirt and pants?

[Hopes]

In an industrial environment while using heaving machinery, business casual means khakis, polo shirts and steel toe shoes.

Basically it means wear long pants that aren't blue jeans and shirts that cover your body (no tank tops, halters, etc) that don't have pictures or words on them.

[candycanechick]

Originally Posted by malamute

Can you get a look at the employees who are working there now? Especially those working the position you'll be working.

Often styles vary by geographical location and individual businesses. There are different ideas of what business casual means but also it can depend on your job functions. You don't want to be over-dressed and unable to do your job.

I wish I could. I'm going to be the ONLY woman on my team other than HR. The guys I have meet so far have been wearing jeans and tees. The manager wears kakis and a button up short sleeve shirt. I think that also makes things tricky. Also, I'm going to be the only person on my team working with customers.

My job is going to be a bit weird because it is industrial, but also clean room similar to silicon wafer standards (occasionally, I'm going to get a bunny suit).

[Wry_Martini]

Light dressy-casual sweaters, like twinsets? If you need to take it a step more casual (you mentioned machinery) you could pair a nice fitting cardigan with a nice t shirt or long sleeved t shirt (solid color, no designs, etc).