Decoding the Dress Code

To tell you the truth, business casual is hard to define. Currently, there is no clear, precise meaning for it. So if you can’t define it, then how are you supposed to follow it? While there is a lack of consensus on what actually defines a business casual wardrobe, there is agreement on the following guidelines: 

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Essentially, business casual means finding a balance between casual and formal. If you ask around, you’ll get an answer along the lines of “not jeans, but not a suit” (Sylvestre-Williams, 2012). What does that leave you with? “It usually means your employer wants a more laid-back environment but still wants everyone to look professional and put together” (Marinigh, 2015).

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How do you dress accordingly? Here are some guidelines.

	MEN	WOMEN
Bottoms	§  Dress pants	§  Dress pants
	§  Khakis	§  Knee-length skirts
	§  Corduroys
Tops	§  Dress shirts	§  Dress shirts
	§  Sweaters	§  Sweaters
	§  Button-up collared shirts	§  Button-up collared shirts
	§  Blazers	§  Blouses
		§  Blazers
Dresses		§  Knee-length, modest dresses

Business casual apparel is all about finding a balance between casual and professional apparel. The best part about it is that the clothes you already own can be dressed up to be work appropriate. Move over expensive business suits, it’s all about versatility and affordability.

How do you style your business casual outfits? Leave your comments and suggestions below.


Click here to find out more about business casual and the differences between other dress codes. Scroll to the end for great examples of what classifies as business casual and what doesn't.

References

Healthfield, S. M. (n.d.). Dress for work success: A business casual dress code. Retrieved from http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_code.htm

Marinigh, L. (2015). What's business casual: Workplace wardrobe terms explained. Metro. Retrieved from http://metronews.ca/features/talentegg/1279922/whats-business-casual-workplace-wardrobe-terms-explained/

Sylvestre-Williams, R. (2012). What is business casual? Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/reneesylvestrewilliams/2012/05/09/what-is-business-casual/