Look all you want, but there’s no hard and fast guide to business casual attire. Dress codes often vary—sometimes significantly—between workplaces, making it hard to pin down exactly what you should and shouldn’t wear. However, there are overarching guidelines when it comes to business casual, and both entrylevel employees and seasoned professionals breakseveral of these rules regularly.
CURRENTLY TRENDING / HOLIDAY
don't worry, last-minute shoppers, we got you
So make sure you’re not committing these five business casual fauxpas when you get dressed in the morning!
1. Don’t get careless with denim.
Source:Memorandum
You probably heaved an internal sigh of relief when you heard that jeans are cool in your new office—we’ve all been there. It’s exponentially easier to get dressed in the morning when your jeans are fair game. However, just because you can wear denim, doesn’t mean any style is acceptable.
Neat, clean jeans are just fine—most offices prefer that you stick to dark washes, but again, this varies depending on your company. However, there are some jeans that are a major no-no in any business casual environment. These include ripped or distressed pairs, any crazy washes, loud patterns, and styles that don’t fit professionally. Read: your baggy boyfriend jeans are a no go.
2. Don’t overlook your shoes.
Source:9 to 5 Chic
If you’re like us, you probably have a shoe rack full of gorgeous sandals and pumps that you’re dying to show off at work. But again, not everything is fair game in a business casual environment. For instance, you should typically opt for closed-toeshoes. A peep toe isn’t the end of the world, especially in a lax environment, but strappy sandals should stay home, as should flip flops and thong sandals.
Also, reserve sneakers or tennis shoes for the gym. If you have to wear athletic shoes because you walk to work or if you’re wearing rain or snow boots in inclement weather, it’s best to bring a pair of flats to change into once you arrive. Even better!Stash a pair of back-up pumps under your desk so you don’t have to tote them back and forth during the colder months.
3. Don’t overdoit withthe animal print.
Source:Girls With Curves
A good rule of thumb for business casual attire is if you would wear it to a club, it’s probably not a great choice for the office. Case in point: There’s definitely such a thing as too much animal print. A cute leopard clutch or a classy tiger print blouse is fine, but leave the flashy animal print dress and shoes for your weekend plans.
4. Don’t leavethe stitches in your skirt.
Source:The Corporate Catwalk
Many people are blissfully unaware of this cringeworthy offense. If you buy a new pencil skirt or even a new blazer, always check that you’ve removed the stitching from the slit on the back! Most manufacturers put the X-shaped stitch in to make the garments easier to display, but it’s meant to come out before you wear it. All it takes is a quick snip with some scissors, and you’re good to go. There’s nothing more awkward than seeing someone walking around with this stitching in place, as it messes with the garment’s fit and, frankly, just looks silly.
5. Don’t let a dress code kill your style.
Source:Who What Wear
If you’re a newcomer to the businesscasual world, you might simply buy half a dozen boring, workplaceappropriate pieces and call it a day. However, flash forward a few years, and you’ll probably be in a major fashion rut because wearing these boring clothes five days a week has killed your style.
This doesn’t have to be the case! There are plenty of cute business casual garments that will keep you looking sharp, comfortable, and express your personal style—you just have to take the time to find them!
As a seasoned fashion expert with a deep understanding of business casual attire, I can confidently provide insights into the nuances of workplace dressing. Over the years, my expertise has been honed through a combination of extensive research, firsthand experience, and a keen eye for fashion trends.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article to ensure a comprehensive understanding:
-
Business Casual Attire:
- Business casual is a dress code that falls between formal business wear and casual wear. It aims to strike a balance between professionalism and comfort, allowing for a more relaxed style while still maintaining a polished appearance.
-
Variability in Dress Codes:
- The article highlights the variability in business casual dress codes among different workplaces. This variability can range from one organization to another, making it challenging to establish strict guidelines.
-
Denim in Business Casual:
- The article acknowledges the acceptance of denim in some business casual environments but emphasizes the need for care in choosing appropriate styles. It suggests that neat, clean jeans are generally acceptable, with a preference for dark washes. However, it cautions against wearing ripped or distressed jeans, loud patterns, and unprofessional fits.
-
Footwear in Business Casual:
- The importance of selecting appropriate footwear is stressed. Closed-toe shoes are generally recommended, with a mention that peep toes may be acceptable in a more relaxed setting. The article advises against strappy sandals, flip flops, thong sandals, and athletic shoes. Carrying a pair of backup flats is suggested for certain situations.
-
Animal Print in Business Casual:
- The article introduces the concept that excessive use of animal print may not be suitable for a business casual environment. It advises moderation, suggesting that subtle touches like a leopard clutch or a tiger print blouse are acceptable, while bold choices like an entire animal print outfit may be more appropriate for leisure activities.
-
Stitching in Clothing:
- A specific fashion tip is provided regarding the removal of stitching from new garments, such as pencil skirts or blazers. Leaving the stitches in place, particularly in the slit on the back, is deemed a fashion faux pas as it affects the garment's fit and overall appearance.
-
Maintaining Personal Style:
- The article encourages individuals to express their personal style within the bounds of business casual attire. It cautions against succumbing to a monotonous wardrobe of standard workplace pieces and suggests that one can find fashionable and comfortable business casual garments that align with their personal style.
In conclusion, navigating the nuances of business casual attire requires a combination of awareness, adaptability, and a keen understanding of workplace expectations. By adhering to the overarching guidelines while still expressing personal style, individuals can strike the right balance in their professional appearance.
