If you’ve ever heard the statement, “Dress is
business casual,” how would you define the unclear term of business casual?
This is an indistinguishable dress
code that has been adopted by many
professionals in the United States. Some people see business
casual as a classic, clean cut, and put
together look where a full suit is not required.
It includes
khaki pants, blazer, slacks, skirts, short-sleeved
polo
shirts, and long-sleeved shirts with a collar
but no necktie; some sweaters; and closed-toe shoes. It excludes jeans, tennis shoes,
tight (or short) skirts, T-shirts, and sweatshirts.
Others may see it as consisting of neutral colors more towards the dark shades of black, grey, and navy. It can include white and off white, and clothing should be pressed and have clean, crisp seams. Of course, there are certain rules that can help you navigate the murky business casual waters. Business casual isn’t casual business. So here are five tips on how to dress for the business casual work environment.
1.
Always keep a business jacket and dress shoes
in your car or at the office: Even if you work in a
business casual environment, you never know when you’ll suddenly need to meet a
client. Keeping a professional, black business jacket and dress shoes handy
could save the day. A tailored jacket and dress shoes (such as wingtips for men
and closed-toe two to three inch heels for women) upgrades your business casual
to business professional.
2.
Check that the clothing fits, is clean, well-mended,
and wrinkle-free: To avoid
that moment when you get into the office and realize your blouse is missing a
strategic button, or that you have a gaping hole located on an embarrassing
seam, plan what you’re going to wear the night before and run a quick check:
Look for missing buttons, stains and frayed hems and collars.
3.
Keep up on personal grooming: One of the common
mistakes people make in appearance is not paying attention to the details.
Clean fingernails, tidy hair and neat, muted makeup (for women) shows that you
take care of yourself, and care about the impression you make on others. When
you work for an organization, you represent it.
You’re
literally the face of the company. Your appearance could change how a customer feels
about your business for better or worse. So, while you want to be yourself at
work? Be your best-foot-forward self. Not your sweatpants-and-unwashed-hair
self.
4. Know your work culture’s definition of business
casual: The interpretation of a Fortune 500 company business
casual is going to be more formal than a beginning company’s idea of business
casual. A business casual outfit can be different in a creative, youthful
environment than an older, formal one.
Stay clear of revealing too much skin or too tight
clothing. This goes for men and women. If you’re not sure if what you’re
wearing is showing too much skin or is too tight, chances are you probably are.
Take your clothing cues from a coworker or a friend in a similar field who
looks effortlessly put together.
5. Think about who you’re meeting with that day: If you’re going for a job interview, be on the safe side and suit up even
if the rest of the office is wearing sneakers and hoodies. It’s usually better
to be overdressed than underdressed, and you can remove a suit jacket if
needed. If you’re meeting clients, adapt your dress for the clients’ comfort
and culture not your own.
Being overly casual (even if that’s your brand image)
can make you look unpolished to potential clients. Go online and research the
company and employees who work there. That kind of research can give you
insight on whether to wear khakis or a dress suit.
"I've really tried to learn the art of clothes because you
don't sell for what you're worth unless you look good." (Lady Bird Johnson)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“How to Dress for
Success in a 'Business Casual' Office” by Carolyn Sun
·
“Business Casual” from Wikipedia
Inspired by audience
dress code standards for the show “AFV” (America’s Funniest Home Videos)
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