It can be quite confusing when your
employer requests you dress in Business Casual for the
workplace. Here are a few guidelines for men and women
to help you dress the part.
Business casual guidelines
for men and women
Business casual is crisp, neat, and should
look appropriate even for a chance meeting with a CEO.
It should not look like cocktail or party or picnic attire.
Avoid tight or baggy clothing; business casual is classic
rather than trendy.
Basics:
Khaki pants, neatly pressed, and a pressed long-sleeved,
buttoned solid shirt are safe for both men and women.
Polo/golf shirts, unwrinkled, are an appropriate choice
if you know the environment will be quite casual, outdoors
or in a very hot location. This may not seem like terribly
exciting attire, but you are not trying to stand out for
your cutting edge look, but for your good judgment in
a business environment.
Shoes / belt:
Wear a leather belt and leather shoes. Athletic shoes
are inappropriate.
Cost / quality:
You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing
as a corporate CEO. However, do invest in quality that
will look appropriate during your first two or three years
on the job for a business casual environment or occasions.
Details:
Everything should be clean, well pressed, and not show
wear. Even the nicest khakis after 100 washings may not
be your best choice. Carefully inspect new clothes for
tags, and all clothes for dangling threads, etc. (as with
interview attire).
Specifics for women's
business casual
Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you
would wear it to a club, you probably shouldn't wear it
in a business environment. Also, most attire worn on televison
is not appropriate for business environments. Don't be
deluded.
Pants / skirts:
Women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should
be tight. Fabrics should be crisp; colors should generally
be solid; navy, black, gray, brown and khaki are always
safe bets. For the most business-like appearance, pants
should be creased and tailored; neither extreme of tight
or flowing.
Skirt length and slits:
Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you
are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should
be covered. If your skirt comes to just below the knee,
a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. A very
long skirt should not be slit to above the knee. Generally
slits in the center back of a skirt — to facilitate
walking and stair climbing — are acceptable. Slits
to facilitate a view of your legs are not appropriate
for business purposes. Slips should not be visible.
Shirt / sweaters:
In addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit
sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual
choices for women. Cotton, silk, and blends are appropriate.
Velvets and shimmery fabrics suitable for parties are
not appropriate. Fit should not be tight. Cleavage is
not appropriate.
Jewelry / accessories:
Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come
and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative.
Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is
creative, you may have more flexibility than someone working
in a conservative industry.
Cosmetics:
Keep makeup conservative and natural looking. A little
is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails
should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail
length and polish color.
Shoes:
Should be leather or fabric / microfiber. Appropriate
colors are black, navy and brown (to coordinate with your
other attire and accessories); white and pastels are not
appropriate. For the most conservative look, toes should
be covered. Sandals which are neither extremely dressy
or extremely casual might be appropriate in summer months.
Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky
heels and platforms are not apropriate. Make certain you
can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling around in
shoes that are pinching your feet does not convey a professional
image.
Hose:
Not essential for business casual, but are recommended
if your skirt is knee length (rather than calf length).
Specifics for men's business casual
Ties:
Ties are generally not necessary for business casual,
but if you are in doubt, you can wear a tie. It never
hurts to slightly overdress. You can always wear the tie
and if no one else is wearing a tie, you can discreetly
remove yours.
Shirts:
Long-sleeved shirts are considered dressier than short-sleeved
and are appropriate even in summer. Choosing white or
light blue solid, or conservative stripes is your safest
bet. Polo shirts (tucked in, of course) are acceptable
in more casual situations.
Socks:
Wear dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible
when you sit down.
Shoes:
Leather shoes should be worn. No sandals, athletic shoes
or hiking boots.
Facial hair:
Just as with interviews: Facial hair, if worn, should
be well-groomed. Know your industry and how conservative
it is; observe men in your industry if you are unsure
what's appropriate or are considering changing your look.
Jewelry:
Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other
jewelry, be conservative. Removing earrings is safest.
For conservative industries, don't wear earrings. Observe
other men in your industry to see what is acceptable.
