Business casual attire is a style that is more casual than traditional business attire, but still professional enough to be worn to the office. It’s so versatile that it can be worn to work, to a casual dinner with clients or even on a night out with the girls. Some people even wear business casual while they’re running errands. The important thing is to make sure the clothes you wear are still professional and don’t look like you’re trying too hard.
Most companies specify business casual attire even for interviews. If you are wondering what exactly you should be wearing for your next interview, here’s some expert advice on business casual attire, including tips on what to wear to work and in job interviews.
Business Casual Attire for Women
A skirt, blouse, sweater or twinset, jacket (optional), hosiery (optional) and closed-toe shoes are appropriate business casual outfits. In some offices, sandals or peep-toe shoes are acceptable. However, flip-flops are best reserved for weekends.
These are the essential staples that every career-minded woman needs in her wardrobe:
Khaki, corduroy or twill pants
Conservative-length skirts
Sweaters, twinsets
Cardigans
Polo/knit shirts
Business Casual Attire for Men
Men can wear chinos or dress slacks, a button-down shirt and dark socks. Even if polo shirts are appropriate for the job, it is best to avoid wearing them to interviews. Don't wear shorts or jeans to an interview. Athletic socks are also prohibited.
These are some of the essentials for men when it comes to business casual attire:
Properly ironed Khaki, gabardine or wool pants
Cotton button-down shirt, long-sleeve cotton shirt
Sweaters
Black and brown leather shoes
Brown or black leather belts
A selection of ties
What to Avoid Wearing
It's inappropriate to wear your favorite T-shirt, jeans, ratty shoes or flip-flops when the dress code is business casual.
Keep in mind the "business" aspect of business casual and don't wear your comfortable clothes. Your outfits must still be clean, neat and properly fitted.
Avoid wearing clothing that has logos or graphic elements with potentially offensive words and graphics.
It is not acceptable for women to wear clothes that are too tight or revealing
Bra straps should not be visible.
It's a good idea not to use too much makeup.
Dress Code Rules
Look before you leap: When you first start a job, don't dress like you're going to a picnic. It is better to be conservative than overdressed. Talk to HR or a colleague about what business casual is for your company.
Keep it consistent: You should wear conservative and professional outfits from Monday to Thursday. Don't show up to work Friday in shorts and a T-shirt. Even if you have "casual Fridays" at work, your outfit should be appropriate enough to allow you to attend an unexpected meeting with your boss. Maintaining a consistent image is important for employees, regardless of which company they work for.
Take into account your calendar:
Dress conservatively if you are meeting clients or scheduling a lunch with business colleagues. Save the casual comfort for the office.
It’s no different when you are remotely working: What you wear to work in person should be the same as what you wear when you are working remotely. You can use your industry, job role and company standards to guide your outfit choices. It's a good idea to have a blazer nearby, in case you need it.
Tips for Choosing Business Casual Attire
Keep these tips in mind while choosing an outfit for a job interview or office:
Dress up, not down.
When dressing for an interview, a good rule of thumb is to dress up. If the interview instructions mention that you may wear business casual attire, but you aren't sure what that means for the company, you can stick to a more formal look to be safe. This will make a positive impression on the hiring manager, and ensure that your attire doesn't distract from your ability to do the job.
Read the employee handbook.
The employee handbook will be given to you when you start a new job. Go through the information mentioned therein and ensure that your attire conforms to the company's dress code policy.
Look at what other employees wear to work.
You can also look around at the clothing worn by other employees in the office to determine what you should wear to work in business casual settings. For example, you can assume that the office accepts dark, slim-fit jeans if you look around and see several employees wearing the same.
Mention any special wardrobe needs to HR.
It is important that you inform HR if you have special wardrobe requirements or a medical condition. If you have a medical condition that makes it necessary to wear orthotic devices, the HR team can document the requirement so that you don't get disciplined.
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