Here are some solid guidelines for women’s office wear (business casual or slightly formal):
Choose neat, tailored pieces: dress pants or a pencil skirt, blouses, a blazer or cardigan.
Stick to professional colours and clean silhouettes: neutral colours (black, navy, grey, beige, white) work well and are easier to mix & match.
Dress appropriately for your specific office: In Nigeria especially you may find some offices are more formal (“boardroom”) and others more relaxed.
Accessories, shoes and grooming matter: polished shoes (closed-toe flats or low heels), minimal jewellery, neatly styled hair.
Layering is helpful: if your office is air-conditioned, a blazer or cardigan is a good idea.
🚫 What to avoid
Avoid overly casual items: flip-flops, gym wear, ripped jeans, t-shirts with big graphics.
Avoid revealing or overly trendy/flashy: very short skirts, low-cut tops, distracting prints/logos.
Make sure items are in good condition: no stains, torn hems, overly wrinkled fabric. Your appearance reflects your professionalism.
👗 Outfit Ideas
Here are three outfit “formulas” you can build with pieces you likely already own (or can shop for). I’ll also include some item suggestions you can look for online / locally.
- Classic Pants + Blouse + Blazer
Tailored trousers (straight or slightly tapered) in navy, black or grey
A blouse: could be silk-look or crisp cotton, in white, light blue or a subtle print
A blazer (matching or complementary colour)
Shoes: closed-toe flats or low heels
Optional: simple pendant necklace or small earrings
This is safe and looks sharp. Especially good if you have meetings or client-facing work.
- Midi Skirt + Sweater or Blouse
Midi skirt (knee-length to mid-calf) in a neutral or soft colour
Top: either a fitted blouse, or a fine-knit sweater/cardigan if it’s cooler
Add a blazer if you like extra polish
Shoes: flats or modest heels, avoid overly casual sandals
Good for those days you want a more feminine silhouette but still professional.
- Professional Dress + Optional Layer
A dress that hits at or just below the knee, in a course fabric, any solid or subtle pattern
If you like layering: add a blazer or cardigan
Shoes and accessories as above
This outfit simplifies things (one piece) but still maintains professionalism.
📦 Shopping Suggestions
Here are typical items you might search for locally or online (depending on availability in Nigeria or shipping). I won’t reference specific brands/products as I can’t guarantee local stock, but pick things like:
“Women’s tailored black trousers business casual”
“Women’s blazer neutral colour”
“Women’s blouse silk/ cotton white light blue”
“Midi A-line skirt office wear women”
“Women’s shift dress knee-length professional”
When shopping locally, check market spots or stores in Lagos (e.g., Ikeja, Surulere, Victoria Island) for those pieces. Also consider tailoring for perfect fit.