What do you wear when you’re asked to dress business casual? Most companies have their own definitions of what it means to dress business casual; however, it generally means dressing a step down from the traditional business attire. This means that a person can ditch the suit and tie in favor of more comfortable clothing that still looks professional.
Business casual attire generally means crisp, clean, conservative clothing that still has a professional look. A classic dress shirt with khaki or dark pants, dress shoes or loafers, and a leather belt make for a timeless look that is perfect for business casual attire. What’s important is that you do not look too casual; dressing up is still dressing for work.
Some other excellent examples of business casual attire might be a button-down shirt, a lightweight sweater, cotton trousers, or even twill jeans paired with dress shoes or loafers.
More offices have become lenient in their view of what business casual means, which can make it easy for employees to dress down too far. Avoid flip-flops, t-shirts, sportswear, and anything with an informal, denim-like appearance. Clothing that is too revealing or too baggy can also ruin the professional look and make you appear too casual for the office. One should keep such points in mind and choose wisely.
Some offices can be more tolerant of alternative business casual choices, but this is usually the exception rather than the rule. Personal style, like wearing bright-colored blouses or accessories, is the only thing to remember while putting together business casual outfits. It’s an excellent opportunity to demonstrate creativity; but it’s still essential to remember that the focus should remain on looking professional.
Here are some tips for men to better understand and dress to a business casual code:
1. A sports jacket should always be worn with tailored pants, dress shoes, and a collared shirt.
2. Neckties should be avoided, but also not to appear unscrupulous.
3. Choose comfortable and easy footwear, loafers, oxfords or slip-on shoes that are simple but look polished.
4. No street clothing, including sportswear, t-shirts or denim, must be worn.
5. Dress in well-fitting clothes that are clean and match your personal style.
In the end, dressing up for work can always be a bit confusing, especially if it involves new codes of dress. Business casual is a happy medium that can make every employee feel at ease at work with the appropriate outfit. Remember that the aim is to maintain an air of professionalism while being comfortable in your clothing, making business casual perfect for offices, where a more professional appearance isn’t always necessary.