Home Style Dresses Casual Work Outfit Ideas: 2 Ways To Wear A Cami Dress

It's tricky to balance comfort, style + office-friendly. This cami midi dress is the perfect

Casual Work Outfit Ideas: 2 Ways To Wear A Cami Dress

July 16, 2022

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Because I work from home now, it’s been a while since I actually had to get dressed for a professional setting… But my first thought when I tried on the Modern Cami Midi Dress from Gap was that it would be perfect for teaching.

I taught for about five years before having kids, and finding appropriate work outfits was always somewhat tricky. Comfort was key (I was moving around/walking/on my feet all day long), but looking professional was also a must. Especially as a younger teacher at the high-school level, I made sure nothing was too short or too tight (definitely no cleavage!) and never too casual. (I can hear my dad, who is a former principal, saying, “Don’t wear jeans — you never want to be mistaken for a student!”)

Comfy, Cute, Office-Friendly Outfits: Styling A Cami Dress For Work

It’s often tricky to strike that balance with comfort, style and professionalism, whether for work or any other event that requires a business-casual look. Which is why this cami midi dress makes the perfect “base layer” for work: The fabric is soft, stretchy, and thick enough that there are no worries about it being see-through or showing every little lump and bump. The girls are covered (there’s also a built-in shelf bra), and the midi length and non-clingy fit are perfect for the office. Here are a couple of ways to style it.

Casual Work Outfit 1: With A Denim Button-Up Top + White Sneakers

A Gap denim button-up + white sneakers add just the right amount of polish to take it from a casual cami midi dress to 1 that works for the office.

denim shirt (S) | cami dress (S)

A button-up and white sneakers add just the right amount of polish to take it from a casual dress to one that works for the office. The sneakers have to be clean and crisp, though (dirty running shoes wouldn’t quite have the same effect). A pair of comfy pumps would work as well, but I like the modern vibe of the sneakers.

Gap denim button-up shirt made from cotton and TENCEL (a sustainable fabric), so it's lightweight, breathable + incredibly soft.

denim shirt (S) | cami dress (S)

This denim button-up by Gap is the perfect layering piece for summer — it adds a bit of sophistication and polish without adding extra heat. It’s made from cotton and TENCEL (a sustainable fabric), so it’s lightweight, breathable and incredibly soft. Tying the shirt at the waist keeps it from looking too sloppy, while the back stays nicely tucked and folded under.

This Gap denim button-up top is the perfect layering piece for summer — it adds a bit of sophistication + polish without adding extra heat.

Tying the Gap denim button-up shirt at the waist keeps it from looking too sloppy, while the back stays nicely tucked and folded under.

denim shirt (S) | cami dress (S)

Casual Work Outfit 2: With A Slightly Cropped Cardigan

cardigan (S) | cami dress (S)

This Gap ribbed cardigan is slightly cropped, hitting at the top of the hip, which makes the proportions just right. It’s more structured than a typical cardigan (almost more like a jacket), making it ideal for the office. It comes in regular, tall and petite sizes, as well as dark gray and olive green — both great neutral colors.

This Gap ribbed cardigan comes in regular, tall & petite sizes, as well as dark gray & olive green — both great neutral colors.

I love the pockets — perfect for stowing pens and pencils (or your phone!) in — and the longer sleeves that keep air conditioning or cool fall weather at bay.