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What is business casual attire?
Why business casual dress codes matter
How to dress smart casual
Extra dress code tips
What if there’s no dress code?
Dressing business casual for a job interview
The art of being yourself
Clothes are a fundamental part of cultural and social identity. We all have our informal “uniforms” in everyday life. We have casual outfits for trips to the grocery store, dresses and tuxedos for fancy nights out, and pajamas when it’s time to wind down. And at work, clothes communicate information and influence people’s impression of us.
But, ever since the pandemic catapulted the world of remote work, elastic waistbands, and loose sweatshirts have become the norm. If you’re heading back into the office, you might want a refresher on how to dress.
Pre-pandemic, an article like this would have been full of advice on when to wear khakis, jeans, polo shirts, and t-shirts. But now, our world of work has radically changed since the pandemic. We’ve paused to re-examine our values and our purpose. Now, more than ever, people and companies need to create work environments where every person can show up as their whole selves.
Of course, there are plenty of nuances to consider — and what we know to be “business casual” isn’t as black-and-white as it once was. Yes, some places may still be hanging on to their pleated pants for dear life. But, in other companies, it’s not quite time to abandon your band tee yet.
For candidates and job seekers interviewing, it might raise all sorts of questions on how to make a good impression. What do you wear for a virtual interview? If you’re meeting your team in person for the first time after working remotely for months, what do you wear?
Sure, clothes are important. But for us at BetterUp, it’s beyond just fabric and appearance. We care deeply about helping to create a psychologically safe workforce where people can show up as their whole selves. We care about making sure all people feel a deep sense of belonging.
We care about helping people reach their fullest potential — and yes, that starts with waking up and getting dressed in the morning. Here's our guide on business casual attire to prepare for your first day back at the office.
What is business casual attire?
Business casual refers to clothing that hovers between “casual” and “ formal.” The goal is to present a professional image while maintaining a laid-back aura.
But companies — just like people — operate differently. This has created some tension in the business community. On the one hand, it’s important for employees to feel comfortable at work. But it’s also important to look presentable, especially if your company regularly deals with external clients or the public.
Some industries, like tech, are notorious for their laidback, hoodie-and-sweats reputation. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg normalized the shirt-and-jeans aesthetic that is now common in Silicon Valley. His style reflects his company’s dress code, valuing comfort over traditional professionalism.
Other companies, however, might encourage less casual wear. There are nuances to what each profession may wear, from medical scrubs to a sports jacket. For example, it’d be a little surprising to see a lawyer show up to a client meeting in a hoodie.
Much like how the future of work is rapidly changing and carries layers of complexity, so is business casual. Traditionally speaking, companies who still carry on the business casual legacy may prefer attire like:
- Khakis
- Skirts
- Blouses
- Polo shirts
- Dress shoes
- Dress slacks
- Sport coats
- Button-up dress shirts
- Cardigans
- Turtlenecks
The trick is finding the sweet spot that works for your organization. If you work at a graphic design agency, let your creativity fly! Funky blazers and colorful tees could work for you in these environments. But if you work at a bank, you’re better off leaving the ripped jeans at home.
And sometimes, it’s situation-dependent. For example, I used to work at an agency. On days when I didn’t have client-facing meetings, I wore more casual attire. But if I had a client meeting, even though our agency attire was fairly laidback, I threw on a sweater and nice pants.
Navigating your company culture is difficult and intimidating. BetterUp can help. Our coaches can offer guidance on everything from clothing to how to speak up in meetings. Together, we can help you find your place at work.
Why business casual dress codes matter
There are a few reasons why clothing matters in the workplace:
- They represent you. Clothes are among the first things people notice when they look at you, and they draw conclusions based on what they see. First impressions — whether we like it or not — are important. Science shows that it takes between just milliseconds for someone to form a first impression.
- They represent your company. As an employee, you represent your organization in your day-to-day interactions with the world. You see people everywhere, from public transit to the sandwich spot up the street from your office. You may also deal with clients and the public regularly. These people will judge you and the organization you work for — and your clothes are part of that.
- They build team spirit. Following your organization’s dress code can help you feel like you belong. If your team values professionalism, you’ll gain their respect by dressing professionally. If your team is more casual, reflecting that culture will help you earn social capital.
- They can affect your work performance. In a 2015 study, researchers found that formal clothing enhanced people’s cognitive function. They attributed this phenomenon to the sense of empowerment and confidence from dressing well.
- It’s a psychological safety net. Employees who are allowed to dress how they want feel empowered in their workplace. It encourages free expression and an open flow of ideas. It also allows people to bring their whole selves to work, which helps people stay comfortable, present, and engaged.
How to dress smart casual
Ideally, you would have a sense of your company’s vibes before your first day. If you visited the office, what were people wearing at their desks? How were your interviewers dressed?
Worst case scenario, you can always ask prior to your first day. An HR person or a hiring manager will happily tell you to dress comfortably if that’s the vibe they’re going for.
More traditional work environments will err on the side of “smart casual.” This is your typical khaki-and-dress-shirt aesthetic, but there’s some room for variation. If your HR rep says to dress “business casual,” it’s better to overdress on your first day than to underdress.
That doesn’t mean showing up in a full suit, nor does it mean wearing a band tee. It just means sticking to some staples until you find the balance that suits your organization. When in doubt, bounce some ideas off of your coach.
With some personalized guidance, your coach can help consult on what might be best for your work environment.
The essentials: what your closet can’t lack
Here are some basic pieces that fit the business casual aesthetic. As you get to know your company, you can dress any of these items up or down. For example, you can make a clean t-shirt look more professional with a well-fitting blazer. Alternatively, you can tone down a button-up with a clean pair of jeans.
Let’s have a look at the baseline business casual wardrobe:
- Shirts. When going pure business-casual, guys can stick to a long-sleeved button-downs and collared shirts. Short-sleeved polos can also be acceptable when it's warm out, but it's worth checking with human resources first.
- Blazers and jackets. A well-cut blazer or jacket can add a layer of professionalism to your business casual outfit. These are great for dressing up for an important meeting. Also, if you discover you’re overdressed, you can easily dress down by taking it off. Neutral colors like grey, blue, and black are good to keep on rotation. Brighter colors can also work, as long as they’re versatile enough for different outfits.
- Sweaters. You should probably leave the hoodie at home. But fine-knit sweaters over a collared shirt are a good baseline. Thicker sweaters can work for a winter business casual look or to combat a powerful air-conditioning system.
- Pants. Save the baggy basketball shorts, workout leggings, and sweatpants for the gym. Dress pants, chinos, corduroy, or suit pants are more appropriate here. Tailored or wide-legged dress pants, chinos, or suit pants will always be a good fit. Depending on your organization's dress code, a clean pair of jeans could also work.
- Skirts and dresses. Is a dress business casual? Yes, it can be. Same with skirts. Length and tightness might vary depending on your office, but knee-length or lower is always a safe bet.
- Blouses and button-downs. A flowy, nicely-fitted blouse or button-down will always work for a business casual setting.
Extra dress code tips
Here are some extra things to think about as you plan your wardrobe:
- Be consistent. Most offices will have some version of casual Fridays. But, if you dress conservatively and professionally the rest of the week, don’t show up on Friday in a ripped t-shirt and jeans. You should always be formal enough to attend an unexpected meeting if you have to.
- Check your calendar. Be mindful of events that require extra professionalism. If you’re meeting a client, your boss, or have a different important rendezvous, keep the casual clothes at home.
- Read the virtual room. If you’re working remotely, you may be accustomed to professional on top, and sweatpants on the bottom. Use your good judgment to assess what types of clothing you need for your virtual work day.
For example, at BetterUp, we’re a pretty laidback organization. Some folks wear blouses, blazers, and sweaters to our remote meetings. Others wear t-shirts, sweatshirts, and flannels. You name it. Your manager and your coach will be able to help provide some guidance on navigating the virtual world of work, too.
What if there’s no dress code?
If it’s your first day at work and you found out there’s no dress code, you might be at a loss. On the one hand, it can feel completely liberating. On another, you don’t want to break the unwritten rules of the office. Here are some tips until you get a sense of your company’s preferences:
- Wear what makes you confident at work. Don’t be afraid to express your individuality. As long as you look polished and put together, you should be fine. Look at your company’s social media or other employee events to see how people are dressed. If you love someone’s outfit, imitation is the best form of flattery. They won’t know they were your inspiration.
- Dress as you would in a restaurant. What would you wear to a Sunday brunch or casual dinner with friends? You probably want to look nice but still feel comfortable. Use this as your guideline for dressing in a casual workplace.
- Accessorize. You might feel uneasy about showing up in a tee. Spruce things up with a scarf, earrings, or a casual blazer over your shirt. This will help you seem more professional while keeping a relaxed vibe.
- Choose a nice sneaker. Dress shoes are likely too much, but flip-flops are too little. Instead, aim for a clean pair of sneakers or sandals.
- Lean into athleisure. Many athletic brands have high-quality, clean-cut clothes that are comfortable around the office. If you style yourself tactfully, you can make it work.
- Add a splash of color. Prints, textures, and colors can add personality to your outfit. This would work well in a casual office.
Then, as you get a sense of the organization’s work culture, you can start bringing more of your personal style to work.
Dressing business casual for a job interview
And then there’s the dreaded “business casual interview.” It’s noble that the company wants you to relax. But, as we’ve learned, business casual is open to interpretation. How do you know you’re interpreting things correctly?
Well, in this scenario, it’s always better to err on the side of overdressing.
Try putting on a suit and dress down from there. For men, simply removing a tie could be good enough.
For women, try adding color to your outfit. You can do this with an accent piece like a scarf, or you can put on a blazer over a neutral dress or a black skirt and a colorful top.
Remember, this is the interviewers’ first impression of you. Show them that you’re a put-together individual with a strong sense of taste and professionalism — and a hint of personality.
The art of being yourself
Gone are the days when business casual meant plain shirts and khaki pants. There’s so much more room for personal expression now, so don’t be afraid to add your personal flair.
But at the end of the day, it’s just clothes. They can make you feel confident and comfortable with your team but they’re not an indicator of your performance, contributions, or value to the team. And we both know that you work hard.
Your main contributions are your core competencies, collaboration, and work ethic. Looking like a boss is just the cherry on top.
BetterUp can help you thrive at your workplace. If you’re willing to put in the work, our coaches can make sure your work looks as good as yours. Whether you’re gunning for that next leadership job or just want to hone your networking skills, we can help you get there.
Published August 30, 2022
FAQs
Common business casual clothing includes sport coats or casual blazers, collared shirts or button-down shirts, casual slacks like khakis or chinos, collared or noncollared blouses and dresses or skirts.
What is the business casual dress code quizlet? ›
Basically, business casual is a shirt with a collar and/or a sweater, khakis or dress pants. Women can also sometimes wear a moderate-length dress or skirt. For men, business casual is a polo shirt or shirt with a collar and/or sweater, khakis or dress pants and dress shoes. No tie is required.
What is not appropriate for business casual? ›
Business casual is typically defined as no jeans, no shorts, no short dresses or skirts for women, optional ties for men, and a rotation of button-downs or blouses.
Does business casual mean you can wear jeans? ›
When the dress code states business casual, you're good to go with jeans. Any person who sets a business casual dress code – for an office or an event – is expecting to see jeans.
What not to wear for business casual dress code? ›
DON'T Wear Ripped or Torn Clothing
— is never acceptable in most business environments. Business casual outfits should still be business appropriate, so avoid ripped jeans, old t-shirts, beat-up sneakers and anything else that looks worse for the wear.
What is business casual attire with examples? ›
Business casual is basically a dress code that involves wearing traditional business attire with a couple of relaxed tweaks here and there. For example, wearing khaki pants or slacks with a blouse/polo, but without a tie would be considered typically business casual.
Can business casual be T shirt? ›
Definition. There is no generally agreed definition of "business casual". One definition of business casual states that it includes khaki pants, slacks, and skirts, as well as short-sleeved polo shirts and long-sleeved shirts, but excludes tight or short skirts, T-shirts, and sweatshirts.
How do you look professional in casual clothes? ›
However, it's best to check in with your employer to see if these garments are appropriate before you wear them to work.
- Go trendy with wide-leg trousers. ...
- Keep it simple with a pretty dress. ...
- Reach for wardrobe staples. ...
- Bundle up in cold weather. ...
- Show your personality with bold prints. ...
- Cover up with a cardigan.
A casual dress code is generally considered less formal than business casual. Employees may wear more relaxed, informal clothing but not necessarily what they wear on the street or lounging at home. For example, a casual dress code may let employees wear jeans every day but still discourages sweatpants.
What is business casual vs formal dress code? ›
Business formal vs business casual
Business formal attire is a complete look, such as a full suit with a button-down shirt, slacks, tie and blazer. Business casual attire allows you to mix and match tops and bottom to create a look that illustrates your own personal style.
Casual Days
So if "business professional" means a suit for both men and women at one organization, then "business casual" may be dress pants or skirts without the jacket or tie (for men).
What colors should you not wear for business casual? ›
Wear pants that are black, brown, grey, khaki, or dark colors like blue or green. Avoid pants in loud colors like red, yellow, or purple. No white or camouflage either.
Can I wear sneakers for business casual? ›
The casual nature of the sneakers combined with the formal suit provides the perfect balanced business casual look. While gym sneakers are still better left on the court, business casual sneakers have a place in the closets of today's office workers.
Can you wear short business casual? ›
A 9” inseam is a good starting point for men's shorts, and 10” shorts are also acceptable, but anything longer or shorter wouldn't be business casual.
Are black jeans OK for business casual? ›
Black jeans are often a great choice for a business casual office. Pairing the perfect pair of black jeans with the right shirt and quality shoes will help them to fit in the workplace, while still showcasing their wearer's personal sense of style.
Do you need dress pants for business casual? ›
Dress Pants and Casual Pants
Dress pants are still considered business casual if you pair them with a sportshirt, polo, sportcoat or sweater. Linen pants, wool trousers or khakis are casual alternatives that are nice enough to be considered professional.
What color jeans are best for business casual? ›
Dark-wash or black jeans are an excellent choice for a business casual outfit because of their similarity to traditional slacks. The darker fabric also hides fading and other signs of wear that could make the jeans look too casual.
What are the common mistakes business dress code? ›
Ill-fitting clothes − Clothes too big give you a bloated look and too tight-fitting clothes accentuate the body in a non-formal way. Wearing short skirts − Short skirts draw attention to your legs when you sit down.
How do you define business casual? ›
Business Casual Definition
“Business casual” is a dress code where the term translates precisely to what it means: a mix of formal and casual clothing. It's less formal than business wear, like suits, but still professional. It's one of many types of business attire that people wear in the workplace.
What is unacceptable dress code? ›
Plunging necklines, midriff-revealing crop tops, sheer fabrics, mini skirts, and dresses don't belong in the workplace. A man's unbuttoned shirt shouldn't show off his chest hair. When you wear revealing attire people may not respect your professionalism.
While there's no one definition, it's generally accepted that business casual is a relaxed version of formal business wear. For men, that means doing away with ties and swapping suits for slacks, button-downs, and blazers. While for women, knee-length skirts, dresses, smart slacks, and blouses are great choices.
What is the difference between business casual and smart casual? ›
Smart casual is a less formal extension to business casual. While business casual is great for the office and meetings, smart casual is for everything outside of work. Unless you work in a very informal environment. Then smart casual might be your go to for the office.
Are leggings considered business casual attire? ›
Leggings can be a great option for business casual attire, if done the right way! They are comfortable, easy to dress up or down, and come in a variety of different styles. I personally prefer to opt for a nice, tailored, and thick pair of leggings for the office.
What is smart business casual dress code? ›
Pants: You can wear chinos, khakis, or denim pants for a business casual appearance. Consider darker colours, such as navy blue, black, or brown. Shirts: You can wear a button-down shirt with plain colours or patterns. A sweater or polo shirt might also be appropriate for a business casual style.
Can sleeveless tops be business casual? ›
Sleeveless tops in a business casual environment can look sophisticated, but tanks that have thin spaghetti straps are not work appropriate unless worn under a jacket or sweater.
Does business casual mean you have to tuck your shirt in? ›
Smart Casual: If you are wearing a casual shirt by itself leave it untucked, however, if you are wearing a shirt paired with a casual jacket or coat, tuck it in for smart casual occasions. Business Casual: Whether you are sporting a blazer, sweater or just a shirt, always have your shirt tucked in.
How do you tell employees to dress professionally? ›
Rather than criticizing the employee for being too messy or revealing too much flesh, suggest they could embrace a more polished or modest look during their working hours. Remember too that some younger members of staff may still be adjusting to the world of work after college, so identifying with this could help.
What is business attire for a woman? ›
Business Attire Guide for Women. Well pressed and tailored black, navy, gray, or brown suit. Suits can be either with a skirt or pants suit. Watch for fit to make sure your outfit is not too tight, baggy, or short.
What is business informal dress code? ›
"Business / Informal"
Business and Informal attire is more sophisticated than Smart Casual, often signaling the need for suits, ties and dresses. For Him: Wear a business suit with tie. You may also opt for nice slacks with a sports jacket and tie.
Is jeans and shirt considered business casual? ›
Unless jeans are explicitly prohibited, they are considered business casual, with some caveats. Consider the jeans style and color, as well as the occasion you're dressing for before throwing on a pair of jeans to the office.
Sweaters will absolutely work for a business casual wardrobe. You may wonder—are sweaters business casual? We answer with a resounding yes! In a business landscape that is increasingly going suit-optional, the sweater is stepping up to take the suit jacket's place.
How do you dress nice but casual? ›
The go-to outfit is typically a pair of slacks in a neutral color, such as khaki, navy blue, or black. This is worn with a nice dress shirt. If you want, add a cardigan or blazer on top. Examples of a nice dress shirt include collared button-up shirts, crewnecks, ruffled blouses, cashmere sweaters, and vests.
What colors are business casual? ›
When planning the perfect business casual wardrobe, think of it as a hybrid between casual and professional wear. Choose neutral colors, such as tan, gray, black, navy, white, brown and beige. Bold colors can add interest to an outfit but opt for small pops of color instead of entire outfits.
What are the 4 types of professional dress? ›
Regardless of whether you are dressing for professional photos, a zoom call, or an actual meeting, it's important to understand the four main classifications of professional workplace attire: business formal, business professional, business casual, and casual.
What not to wear to the office? ›
Denim, or items cut like denim (e.g., 5 pockets) — cords, khakis, etc. Lace or sheer clothing. Sleeveless tops or dresses (worn without a cardigan or blazer on top) Any item that can be worn to the gym (sneakers, yoga pants, terrycloth wristbands, large shapeless t-shirts)
What is more professional than business casual? ›
No, business casual isn't the same as business professional.
Business professional, on the other hand, is more formal than business casual and typically requires clothing such as suits, sport coats, slacks, and dress shoes.
Are cardigans business casual? ›
Yes, cardigans are business casual.
Men and women can wear cardigans as part of a business casual outfit. They might pair this with slacks, jeans, or a skirt. Employees can also wear collared shirts underneath turtlenecks for a business casual look, but this is optional.
Can I wear all black as business casual? ›
Black is always associated with formal wear. So, this can make a jarring when worn with any outfit that is closely associated with both day or evening wear, but isn't technically formal wear. Essentially, the presence of the more formal black spoils the intended casual look of business casual or semi-formal.
What color makes you look professional? ›
Blue, black, grey, brown and white are the best, while orange is universally considered the worst colour for an interview. Also avoid yellow, green and purple.
Is a blazer and jeans business casual? ›
Yes, jeans are perfectly appropriate in a business casual setting – when done correctly. Business casual jeans should always pair well with a blazer and must be in good condition, that is, not ratty, torn, or poorly fit.
Don't overlook your shoes.
But again, not everything is fair game in a business casual environment. For instance, you should typically opt for closed-toe shoes. 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.
What shoes count for business casual? ›
Best Business Casual Shoes
- Bluchers. Bluchers are a safe choice for nearly all business casual offices. ...
- Loafers. The classic slip-on, lace-less loafer is appropriate for a variety of work environments. ...
- Monk Strap. ...
- Chelsea Boots. ...
- Chukka Boots. ...
- Sneakers.
No, open-toed shoes are not business casual.
However, this might depend on what type of open-toe shoe you plan to wear with your business casual outfit. In most cases, these open-toed shoes would not be considered business casual: Flip-flops. Thongs.
Can skinny pants be business casual? ›
Skinny jeans can be a chic style for women in the workplace as long as they have a proper fit. Look for a pair that is just right and not too tight or too loose. Our best tip? If you're going to wear jeans, keep your professional pieces in play to round out your business casual looks.
Can I wear t shirt for business casual? ›
T-shirt outfits can work well with business casual attire for the office or for hanging out with friends during the day: 1. Throw on a blazer. If you can wear a T-shirt to work, dress it up by putting a blazer over it.
Do you wear a shirt in or out for business casual? ›
Smart Casual: If you are wearing a casual shirt by itself leave it untucked, however, if you are wearing a shirt paired with a casual jacket or coat, tuck it in for smart casual occasions. Business Casual: Whether you are sporting a blazer, sweater or just a shirt, always have your shirt tucked in.
Can you wear dress pants for business casual? ›
Dress pants are still considered business casual if you pair them with a sportshirt, polo, sportcoat or sweater. Linen pants, wool trousers or khakis are casual alternatives that are nice enough to be considered professional.
Does business casual mean open-toed shoes? ›
Don't overlook your shoes.
But again, not everything is fair game in a business casual environment. For instance, you should typically opt for closed-toe shoes. 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.
What is business casual dress code for men? ›
What Counts As Business Casual For Men? For men, appropriate business casual attire is dress slacks or chinos, a button-down shirt, dark socks, and dress shoes. Avoid wearing polo shirts to an interview, even if they are acceptable for the job in question. Do not wear jeans or shorts.
What is the difference between business and business casual? ›
So if "business professional" means a suit for both men and women at one organization, then "business casual" may be dress pants or skirts without the jacket or tie (for men).
Black is always associated with formal wear. So, this can make a jarring when worn with any outfit that is closely associated with both day or evening wear, but isn't technically formal wear. Essentially, the presence of the more formal black spoils the intended casual look of business casual or semi-formal.
Do I need a collar for business casual? ›
Men's Business Casual Attire
Shirt – Acceptable attire includes a shirt with collar; a sweater or vest over a shirt with a collar; a dress shirt without a collar; a turtleneck; a sweater over a shirt without a collar. A tie is not necessary for business casual.
What color pants for business casual? ›
And the following business casual examples work just as well: Tops: Long-sleeved button-down or collared shirts and sweaters. Slacks: Dark or neutral-colored dress pants, khakis or chinos.
