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Most office environments adhere to “business casual” attire rules. But, what does business casual really mean?
“Always err on the side of formality, as you can be faulted for being too casual,” said Denise Anne Taylor, a professional development consultant with Competitive Advantage, Inc. “When considering business casual for men, the attire should include dress trousers in black, charcoal grey, khaki or navy; dress shirt in white or light blue; a tie; and blazer in black or navy, with shined shoes that match your belt. Women's attire for business casual includes a skirt with hosiery or dress pants in black, charcoal grey or navy; sweater set or blouse with blazer; minimal jewelry; and mid-heel pump.”
Sarah Shah, an image coach and TV beauty expert, defines business casual more in terms of what is not present. “Business casual wear doesn't include anything that you would wear to a nightclub, a gym, a beach or anything that you would wear to clean your house or change your oil.”
Michal Ann Strahilevitz, PhD, professor of marketing at Golden Gate University, notes that it really depends on the organization itself. “What qualifies as business causal depends so much on the culture of the company. My advice to new hires and interns is to start out on the safe side—better to over-dress than under-dress when you start—and then get a sense of what the people you work with are wearing. If most of them seem to be wearing jeans and sneakers, so can you. If most of them are more elegant than that, I would do the same. Also, don't be afraid to ask on this one. Each department and firm has its own culture and no one expects you to walk in as a native on day one.”
Dress for the job you want, not the one you have, says Tiffany Monhollon, corporate communications supervisor of Express Employment Professionals. “Your best bet for figuring out exactly what an employer means by business casual is to ask and observe. Dress to impress for your interview, and scope out the wardrobe of the people you meet and see. Then, take your cues for what to wear on the job from the people in leadership roles.”
If you still have questions, refer to your organization’s employee handbook. Specific “do’s” and “don’ts” are likely outlined there.
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