Finding business casual pieces that fit well without a trip to the tailor is always exciting. I enjoy discovering styles that work well right off the rack because getting dressed for work is so much easier when your clothes already fit the way they’re supposed to. Today I’m sharing four business casual outfits built around petite-friendly pieces that are comfortable, polished, and easy to wear throughout the workweek.
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My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.
1. Cotton Dress + Short Sleeve Cardigan
A simple cotton dress is one of the easiest ways to get dressed for work. This LOFT dress is fully lined with a comfortable smocked top. It fits well at the arm openings, and the smocking is soft and not restrictive.
I’m wearing it in Petite XXS, and I found it true to size. For the office, I layered a short-sleeve cardigan over the top and finished the outfit with ballet flats. The cardigan adds just enough coverage for air-conditioned offices while keeping the outfit light and comfortable for warmer weather.
Dress Petite XXS | Cardigan XXS | Tote | Shoes
2. Boatneck Tank + Olive Ponte Pants
For a more classic business casual look, I paired a boatneck cotton cashmere tank with LOFT’s Ponte Pants in olive.
The LOFT Ponte Palmer Pants measure approximately a 10″ rise with a 28″ inseam in petite sizing. They fit true to size with a comfortable stretch.
I finished the outfit with wedge heels to add a little height. If your office requires more arm coverage, simply layer Quince’s matching cotton cashmere cardigan in Heather Oatmeal over the tank. I wear the cardigan in XS, and while it fits me well overall, I like to cuff the sleeves slightly for a better petite fit.
Top XS | Cardigan XS | Pants Petite 00 | Shoes | Tote | Earrings
3. Boden Ottoman Knit Dress
If you’re looking for a one-and-done work outfit, this ottoman knit dress from Boden is a great option.
I’m wearing a Petite 0, and it fits me well. The substantial ottoman knit fabric has plenty of stretch while maintaining its shape throughout the day. A zip closure at the neckline allows you to adjust the opening to your comfort level, making it easy to dress up or down depending on your workplace.
There are two front drop pockets on this dress as well. I styled it with ballet flats for a classic business casual look, but loafers would look just as polished.
Dress Petite 0 | Tote | Shoes | Earrings
4. Cotton Poplin Top + Chocolate Brown Palmer Ponte Pants
For the final outfit, I layered a sleeveless cotton poplin top under Quince’s short sleeve cardigan for a polished look that’s easy to wear in changing office temperatures.
On the bottom, I’m wearing LOFT’s Palmer Ponte Pants in chocolate brown. They measure approximately a 10″ rise with a 28″ inseam in petite sizing. They’re true to size and soft and stretchy.
I completed the outfit with wedge heels.
Pants Petite 00 | Cardigan XS | Sleeveless Top XXS | Earrings | Shoes | Tote
If you’re looking for more business casual outfit ideas, check out this post.
