You can wear business casual attire in different office settings.
Business casual attire describes the type of apparel you would wear in an office setting that is comfortable yet professional. "Casual" in a business setting does not denote informality. In most office settings, business casual apparel is acceptable; however, men and women alike should be aware that errant assumptions as to proper business attire may cause misunderstanding, contention, stress and discontent within the workplace.
General Considerations
Athletic wear is not appropriate for the workplace.
According to a Gallup poll conducted in August 2007, 43 percent of men and women reported that they sported business casual attire at work. Although certain workplaces may deem business casual attire to be suitable, the general rule dictates that individuals should don business casual wear only in certain situations, such as job fairs, less formal meetings and workshops.
To avoid misunderstanding with regard to proper attire, always adhere to the guidelines of your company by referring to the dress code section of the employee manual or asking your supervisor. You also may follow universal standards of appropriate dress in professional settings. Informal attire such as sleep clothes, exercise wear or cocktail party garb is never appropriate in a business setting.
Tops
Women may wear long-sleeved blouses.
Men’s shirts can be either long- or short-sleeved. Be careful to tuck shirt ends into trousers. Buttoned-up or polo shirts are apt. Men also may wear knit shirts, sweaters, cardigans and casual jackets. Although men need not wear ties with their shirts, donning a tie just might earn bonus points with the boss. Never include T-shirts as part of your business casual wardrobe.
Women may choose either long-sleeved or short-sleeved tops as well, including blouses, tailored shirts, turtlenecks, casual jackets, cardigans, sweaters and dressy, plain T-shirts. Do not wear shimmering clothes, which constitute party-going, informal wear. Choose tops that do not exhibit cleavage, an exposed midriff or bare back.
Bottoms
Men should don trousers--slacks, khakis and cotton or corduroy pants--with dress shirts. Men may wear regular trousers or chinos, but not jeans, in conservative colors such as black, navy, brown or khaki.
Women may wear skirts that reach at least to the knees and are not tight-fitting. If you choose to wear pants, wear loose-fitting slacks in a classical color such as black, navy, gray, brown or khaki.
Footwear
Conservative footwear adds class to any outfit.
Men should wear dark socks that approach the middle of the calf so when you sit, there is no visible gap between the top of the socks and the hem of the pants. Men may don either leather shoes or slip-on loafers to coordinate with their pants. Many companies consider sandals and athletic shoes to be informal.
Women should opt for the classical look when it comes to shoes: closed-toe, closed-heel, leather pumps in darker colors. Athletic shoes, sandals with numerous straps, high heels and flip flops are too informal for the office. Although not required for business casual wear, nylons are a classy addition to any outfit.
Jewelry and Accessories
Men and women may choose to wear tasteful watches.
Men may opt to wear a tasteful, classic watch and must take care not to exhibit signs of any other jewelry, especially earrings.
For women, conservative, subtle yet tasteful pieces give the best impression. Keep jewelry at a minimum. A small purse, briefcase or tote bag is a welcome addition.
General Appearance and Hygiene
A polished look always impresses the boss. Keep clothes clean, pressed and free of lint or stray hairs. Hair ought to be well-groomed and should not interfere with work-related activities. Devote special attention to minutiae such as neatly trimmed nails and facial hair. Men should not radiate any sort of odor, especially the smell of smoke or strong cologne; women may use just a touch of perfume. Women may wear some makeup to give their faces a freshened look but should avoid overdone and flamboyant faces and nails.
When in doubt, err on the conservative side. Your wardrobe projects your values and work ethic to your peers and superiors, so dress accordingly to reflect your professional character.
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