How to Dress Business Casual

Business casual is a term used to describe a type of office dress code that is a little more casual than traditional business wear. Many employers adopt this dress code in an effort to allow employees to feel more comfortable on the job and to have more freedom of expression through their choice of attire. When you want to dress business casual at work, keep in mind that this does not mean anything goes.



Steps
Learn Your Company’s Policy
1. Ask for specific expectations.

• Business casual is often thrown out there to describe how your employer thinks you should dress at work. The problem is that the expectations of individual companies often differ. For example, one company might want you to dress in business attire, minus a suit coat and tie, while another company may encourage you to wear khakis or jeans. When you are told to dress business casual, it is best to ask for details. Ask if your employer has an employee handbook that more clearly delineates the company's business casual policy.

2. Observe other employees. 
Look around and see what the other employees are wearing; this is a good gauge of what your employer expects when they say business casual.


Business Casual for Men
1. Wear pants styles such as khakis, dress pants, trousers and corduroy pants. Jeans are a no-no.


2. Choose shirts that have collars, such as polo shirts or cotton button down shirts. Consider pairing your shirt with a sweater or sweater vest. Turtlenecks and heavyweight, pressed t-shirts are also reasonable choices.

• If you really want to wear a suit coat and still look business casual, dress it down with khakis instead of suit pants.
• Always tuck in your shirt to complete the look.

3. Select leather shoes and loafers, and don’t forget the dress socks.


4. Avoid wearing sneakers, sandals, sports shirts, sweatshirts, sport team jackets, and athletic socks. These items do not fall under business casual.


Business Casual for Women
1. Remember it is okay to wear skirts and dresses as long as the hem falls past the fingertips.


2. Decide on pants such as khakis, corduroy pants, linen pants or dress pants.


3. You can choose from blouses, plain shirts, cotton shirts, sweaters, turtlenecks, vests, and sleeveless shirts. Make sure your shirts are not too low cut or revealing.


4. Try footwear such as leather shoes, flat trouser shoes, high heels and open toed shoes. Avoid flip flop sandals and sneakers.


5. Complete the business casual look with dress socks or panty hose and tasteful accessories such as jewelry and a simple purse.



Tips

• Abstain from wearing clothes that are too tight and clothes that are overall too revealing.
• Remember that business casual still means business and you should look presentable enough to deal with your boss, clients and your fellow employees.
• While business casual by any standard is less dressy than business formal, it is still important to remember that you are dressing for work. This means that you should still look well put together by making sure your clothes are ironed, clean, and free of holes.