Dress Codes For the Workplace and Outside
Business casual is the term given to a specific type of dress code adopted for modern corporate environments, most commonly used in the United Kingdom. Business casual dress code has evolved from the traditionally refined and professional tailored suits worn by businessmen and politicians during the regulated working hours to the more relaxed, casual styles favored by workers in many private and non-profit organizations. In fact, business casual dress codes have even become a staple wardrobe requirement for many of the young people who attend college and other colleges throughout the UK. Even though the term may overlap into various other professional fields, the current definition of business casual dress codes ensures that it is distinctly tailored to suit the needs of a variety of professions.
Business dress codes are designed to establish order and establish professionalism among employees in the business environment. Since the code often requires employees to dress in a more casually attired fashion, business casual attire can often be synonymous with a more relaxed, less formal type of attire. Generally, business casual environment entails a more diluted use of color, accessories, and patterns, as well as lighter fabrics and more relaxed styles of clothing. For example, business casual environments may require employees to wear khakis instead of dress slacks and avoid bright, vibrantly colored collars and dresses.
Business casual dress codes often denote the need for a more flexible lifestyle among employees. This is because employees in a business casual environment may not be expected to adhere to the same dress codes that their more formal counterparts might. Business casual clothing is generally much less rigid, as opposed to the more stringent business formal wear. Business casual clothing can include a variety of items, from brightly colored neckties to skorts, jeans, and sportswear. The range of acceptable colors includes almost every color, although black is still sometimes seen as being too business like.
Commonly seen clothing pieces in business casual dress codes include sneakers, flip-flops, loafers, and golf shoes. Some business casual dress codes also require men to wear ties, rather than neckties, for a more professional look. Additionally, women may be required to wear skirts of any length, rather than floor-length dresses. Business casual attire is not restricted to the workplace; it has become quite popular for many professionals to dress in a more casual manner at home, as well.
When choosing a business casual dress, it is important to remember that you want to make sure that your clothing choices are not only appropriate, but they are also appropriate for the situation. When you choose solid colors, for example, make sure that they are not too garish or bright. Also, try to choose clothing with less fabric or more flexible materials, so that you can wear them for a longer time. When trying on different colors and patterns, it is a good idea to take short pieces with you to give you extra versatility. If you are wearing less formal attire to a job interview, for instance, make sure that you can stand still in order to speak with the prospective employer.
The most common business casual attire is a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. For many people, they like to wear a sports jersey for certain occasions, which can be a good choice for the warmer months. However, if you work in an office during the colder months, you will need to wear a more practical pair of shoes, such as a closed toe black or dark grey leather shoe. In the colder months, it can often feel cold, even when the weather is warm outside. Therefore, in the winter you will want to wear a closed toe shoe with your lighter colored business clothing, while in the warmer months to try to wear lighter colored shoes.
