Clothing Options for Business Casual
Business casual dress codes often vary widely according to the culture of the countries in which they are practiced. They can be very specific or general. Most commonly however they are applicable to all settings, but can be modified for specific settings such as professional, business meetings, and even at home when going out socially. In the United States, business casual dress codes have evolved into a wide variety of interpretations. In business casual dress code there is a distinction between business attire and the more traditional form of office attire. This has been formalized in terms of how it is worn, what is considered business casual, and what is considered business attire.
Generally speaking, business casual attire is a fairly ambiguous term that is typically used to describe any clothing that falls short of the traditionally formal white-tie business suit, pant-suit, or skirt and blouse combination worn by most professional settings. Essentially business casual attire would be any clothing that is casual in nature and would not necessarily be appropriate for a professional setting. Business casual attire tends to be much more flexible than the traditional office attire. It includes a great deal of leeway in terms of style and can even be worn to work if the particular setting warrants it.
While business casual dress codes allow a great deal of latitude in how an outfit can be dressed, there are some standards that generally apply. A basic business casual outfit would include a button-down shirt (for men), slacks (for most men), a dressy top (for many women), and a conservative pair of shoes. The outfit can be updated by adding accessories such as a blazer, a scarf, or jacket. The dress can still be fairly bare if it is paired with a conservative bent.
Women are allowed a certain amount of freedom with their clothing choices when it comes to business casual attire. It is typically acceptable for women to wear a skirt of some sort, whether it is business casual or formal. Women can even wear their skirts extending down the legs or they can cut it to the knee. This will depend on the particular manufacturer, but a good rule of thumb is to always wear your pants at your knees.
Another example of business casual attire is jeans. Generally, jeans are considered business casual because they are usually worn with a t-shirt and an athletic type of footwear. Jeans can also be a great choice of attire, if you are going for a more laid back look. Women can also choose to wear a button up or zip up jeans, which are considered less formal than slacks. If you are going for a less business like look, consider choosing a skirt or dressy top that will be more suitable for your jeans.
Sports attire is another alternative that can be considered casual. There are many choices when it comes to wearing sports apparel in the workplace. Generally, sportswear is considered a more casual choice than clothing for work. However, it can also be worn at work if it is appropriate and comfortable. The most important thing to remember when considering sporting casual clothing is to make sure that you are still comfortable in it. This is especially true if you have chosen solid colors like black, dark gray, or dark blue.