Business casual dress code is usually regarded as a more ambiguous standard of dress, often construed to be casual workplace attire but with sharp elements of a formal lounge suit with smart, crisp details of a tailored white-collar workplace suit. “Business casual” clothing often incorporates the use of less expensive and handier garments such as sportswear, work boots, casual dress shirts, t-shirts, jeans, and skirts. However, business casual dress codes have evolved over time. The flexible nature of business casual attire makes it appropriate for all kinds of business settings and events, from boardrooms to lounges. Although there is some overlap between business casual and evening wear as business casual dress code has evolved to accommodate various forms of evening dress.
You can create a basic business casual wardrobe by focusing on the main business dress factors and then combining your accessories and footwear to make sure you get a complete look. When choosing your business dress, focus on the color combinations that express your company’s image or at least the kind of environment you want to work in. You want to dress according to the environment and not your client. In other words, always make sure that your clothing color does not conflict with the color of your tie or your shirt.
If you are to wear pants to a boardroom meeting, a smart pair of trousers in a dark color will look good and coordinate with a business casual blazer. If you are in a business casual environment, you can choose to wear khakis or dress slacks with a blazer. Or, for a very casual look, you can choose to wear black pants and a plain white or beige blazer to a boardroom meeting.
When it comes to wearing shoes, your business casual outfit should be accompanied by the appropriate shoes. A pair of gym shoes is a great option because you can look professional even if you are in your office. A nice pair of dress shoes or even athletic shoes can also complete your outfit. Whether you are going to a boardroom meeting or a job interview, a smart pair of shoes is a must.
Another important piece of business casual clothing that you should have in your wardrobe is a dressy top. Your top should be in a style that matches the type of clothing that you are wearing. If you are going to a job interview, you probably do not need or want a bright, patterned dress. If you are going to a boardroom meeting, you most likely want to dress in a more conservative manner so that you do not draw undue attention to yourself. A dressy top can be an excellent choice to wear with your business casual dress slacks.
One important thing to remember is that a business casual dress code, while can be fun and flirty, should never be acceptable in a work environment. A professional look is required. Dress appropriately for the type of environment that you will be attending. You should never wear black tie attire to a job interview as most likely you will not receive the interview and be told that you cannot wear black tie to work.
