Business Casual Dress Code

Companies should include written guidelines establishing a business casual dress code in their policy manual and include specifics in employee orientation, because not all casual clothing is appropriate for the office.

Basic Business Casual Dress Code Guidelines

The term casual can conjure different meanings to different people. When it comes to business, specific guidelines should be in place so that everyone within the workplace understands what is appropriate and what is not. Having the information available in print motivates employees to dress accordingly.

In general, business causal still presents a crisp, neat look that is appropriate whether you're working with a team you know well or happen to bump into the CEO in the hallway. Here are a few tips on what to avoid:

Outfits you'd wear to the beach
Clothes you'd put on to do yard work
'After 5' clothing that you'd wear to go dancing
Exercise clothes

While the above is considered casual, it is not appropriate for the workplace and thus does not fall under what is acceptable for business casual.

Acceptable Business Casual for Men

When purchasing a business casual wardrobe the following basic items are acceptable for men. All items should present a crisp, well-groomed look. Don't grab a wrinkled shirt from the laundry basket thinking the wrinkles will smooth out on the way to work:

Khaki pants
Long-sleeved, buttoned solid shirt - Dressier than short-sleeved. Choose white, light blue, or solid to be safe.
Polo/golf shirts (these are more casual than some business environments support)
Leather belt
Leather shoes (As comfortable as they are, athletic shoes are not appropriate)

When choosing pieces for your business casual wardrobe, select quality clothing that holds its shape. Clothes themselves are only part of the image you present. It's important that your outfit is clean and well pressed. If your pants show wear, it's time to buy new.

Ties

You'll notice that ties are not mentioned on the above list. Most often, ties are not required as part of business casual dress code. However, if you aren't sure, it doesn't hurt to add a tie to your outfit, or at least bring it along in case you need it.

Socks and Shoes

Socks should be dark, mid-calf length and worn with leather shoes. Inappropriate shoes include:

Sandals
Athletic shoes
Hiking boots

Business Casual Attire for Women

Casual business attire for women should also present a tailored, polished image. Basic items to include in your casual wardrobe for work should consist of:

Skirts and Pants

Whether a woman chooses to wear a skirt or pants, they should fit well, not too tight. Popular color choices are most often solid and include:

Navy, black
Gray
Brown
Khaki

If you choose pants over a skirt, be sure they are creased and fit well. Not too baggy nor too tight. And if you decide to wear a skirt, knee length or longer is best. A rule of thumb to follow is that when seated the skirt should cover your thighs.

Appropriate Business Casual Tops

To go along with your casual skirt or pants, choose a tailored shirt or blouse. Sweater sets are also acceptable. However, fit is as important as color or fabric. Do not wear tops that are too tight, and remember that cleavage is not appropriate for business casual. When purchasing a top look for the following fabrics:

Cotton
Silk
Blends

Accessories

When accessorizing your business casual outfit, keep things simple. Choose a conservative watch. Stay away from extreme styles if you work in a more conservative atmosphere.

Make-up

Often, women don't think of their make-up as part of their outfit, but it does complete the look. Choose a natural look that creates a well-groomed, attractive look. If you don't wear makeup, you may want to consider adding a little to give yourself a more finished look.

Women's Shoes

Women have so many colors and styles of shoes to choose from it can boggle the mind and dent the budget, but when it comes to business casual stick with:

Black
Navy
Brown

Avoid white shoes, and in more conservative environments wear close-toed shoes. Also, in most cases, the following shoes are not appropriate:

Sandals (some sandals if not too dressy or too casual are considered appropriate)
Thin strapped shoes
High heels
Chunky heels
Platform shoes

When to Wear Business Casual

Now that you know what to wear, it's important to know when to wear it. Many companies today have set aside Fridays as a day to wear business casual. Other companies have moved to a business casual dress code overall. This makes things clear. However, some events cross into the unknown. For events outside the norm like job fairs, employer information sessions and similar occasions, when in doubt ask. Prepare ahead and know what is expected so that when you attend, you are dressed appropriately.