Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

Yes, You Can Bring Back 2010s Business-Casual—Here’s How

Yes, You Can Bring Back 2010s Business-Casual—Here’s How

You don’t even have to wear a statement necklace and sock bun!

Whether we were actually at work or not, we all dressed like we were ready to lead an important HR meeting in the 2010s. Business-casual style ruled the earlier parts of the decade. We confidently rocked modest bodycon dresses, statement necklaces, and peep-toe pumps, often punctuated by a sleek blazer or a professional crossbody bag (remember the craze for neon Cambridge Satchels?). In my old college photos, it’s impossible to tell if I’m heading to class or to the club.

Like all fashion trends, the corporate-chic look of the 2010s eventually fizzled out—but more than a decade later, we seem to be slowly creeping back towards business-casual style. While many workplaces are scaling back their return-to-office plans in light of Omicron, the runways have said goodbye to the comfort dressing trend of 2020, and hello to more polished wares for 2022. But the new takes on business-y fashion isn’t as prim and proper as it was in the 2010s. It’s decidedly sexier. Take Versace’s spring suiting, which comes with side cutouts and gold safety pins; Miu Miu’s skirt suits are also cut extra-short, and Fendi is putting forward suit-style vests, too (worn sans top underneath, obviously).

A business-y look from Versace spring 2022


Celebrities have slowly begun to adapt the new business-causal look as well. Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa have both stepped out in itty-bitty suit vests. Rihanna has sported a big, slouchy blazer with heels. The question is: Should you rock business-casual again, too? Is it possible for the look to feel fresh again in 2022? Vogue asked a few expert stylists to weigh in on how to style the look this year, and it turns out, the answer is yes—but with the right approach.

Rihanna doing business-casual in 2010


Below, five ways to consider revamping business-casual style.

1. It’s all about the modern fit. Instead of bodycon dresses and sharp blazers, opt for relaxed tailoring. “You want a business-casual outfit to look oversized and menswear-inspired,” says personal stylist Allison Bornstein, who has styled stars like Katie Holmes. “It’s all about exaggerating the proportions a bit: Choosing a loafer that is slightly chunkier, or a blazer that is a little longer or boxier. The same goes with the classic button-down shirt.”

2. The shoe choice is important. It’s no longer about the sky-high, peep-toe pumps of the 2010s. “A business-casual shoe now would be a chunky loafer or a sleek kitten heel,” says Bornstein. “I like that the peep-toe shoe of the early 2010s had just a little hint of skin, so maybe it is about going for a slingback and showing off the heel instead of a toe.” A sleek, flat mule is also a good option.

Kendall Jenner doing business-casual in 2021


3. When in doubt, choose minimalism. As in, don’t just slip back into your old 2010 threads. “I suggest a bit of a wardrobe detox,” says fashion editor Jorden Bickham, who frequently styles shoots for Vogue, of approaching a more modern business-casual look. “Strip it back a little: clean, streamlined trousers. Maybe a vest. Monochromatic separates. Don’t forget a blouse with a strong collar and a strong bag, to pull the look together. Think Bette Porter from the original L Word—ultimate 2000s power dressing for 2022.”

4. Yes, you can wear a statement necklace—but a new kind! “Maybe now it is less about the big single statement necklaces, and making a statement by mixing multiple necklaces,” says Bornstein of accessories. “I love the idea of having multiple chains and charms of different lengths and sizes, or doing more of a throwback and going for a long chain with a statement pendant (sort of like an Elsa Peretti vibe).”

Leslie Odom Jr.


5. For men, it’s all about the subtle details. Hollywood stylist Avo Yermagyan, who dresses Nick Jonas and Leslie Odom Jr., says successful business-casual style comes down to three simple style swaps. “Replace the black, dark blue, and gray suits in your closet with brown, powder blue and tan hued suits,” he says. “Also, opt for light sweater underpinnings with a pop of color, or an intricate print instead of a button down—they will add a bit of fun and a more relaxed feel to an otherwise simple and conservative suit.” Lastly, for footwear, he suggests, “switch out the polite choice of loafer or dress shoe with a more daring choice of sneaker.”

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
China Accuses US of Violating Trade Truce
Panama Port Owner Balances US-China Pressures
France Implements Nationwide Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children
German Chancellor Merz Keeps Putin Guessing on Missile Strategy
Mandelson Criticizes UK's 'Fetish' for Abandoning EU Regulations
British Fishing Boat Owner Fined €30,000 by French Authorities
Dutch government falls as far-right leader Wilders quits coalition
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
×