Business casual dress codes are becoming the new norm in American offices. In fact, 50% of offices have a casual employee dress code.
With more workplaces embracing casual office attire for employees, it's crucial to know how to dress for success while keeping it casual.
It only takes 1/10th of a second to make a first impression. Make sure you make the best impression by dressing for success, even in a business casual situation.
So, how do you know what business casual really means? Keep reading to learn all about business casual attire so you can look your best.
General Guidelines for Casual Office Attire
Is your office starting a casual dress code policy? You're probably wondering what you should wear. What does business casual mean anyway?
There is a big difference between casual and business casual. For most offices business casual means you don't have to wear a tie or suit. However, there are a lot of other dos and don'ts when it comes to planning your perfect casual office outfit.
Keep reading for our top dos and don't for business casual clothing.
DO ensure your business causal attire is always clean and wrinkle-free. Wrinkled or dirty clothes are never acceptable in a business environment. It sends a message to your boss and coworkers that you don't care.
DON'T wear your band tees or a college sweatshirt. Keep it professional with a collared shirt like a button-down or polo. You should also avoid clothing with too much branding, it's unprofessional.
DO make sure all of your clothes fit you properly. Invest in tailoring for oversized clothes. A bespoke fit elevates an everyday outfit to a fashion statement.
DON'T dress down too much. It's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. When in doubt air on the more professional side.
DO stick to neutral colors like tan, white, blue, and black. Neutrals never go out of fashion and are always professional.
DON'T wear fitness attire or sneakers to work. Save your athletic attire for the gym, the work environment is not the right place to show off your great kicks.
Different offices will have different definitions of 'casual'. Take your cues from your coworkers and management. When in doubt ask HR for clarification.
Business Casual Attire For Your Wardrobe
It's important to look your best at work no matter the dress code. You're a reflection of your company when you're at work. Make sure you always look the part by investing in the right clothes.
Keep reading for business casual outfit suggestions, and add some casual style to your closet today.
Outerwear
You can never go wrong with a well-tailored blazer. Throw a blazer over your casual collared shirt for an effortlessly put-together look.
Stick to blazers in classic colors like black, grey, or blue. Make sure to coordinate your blazer with the rest of your outfit.
Sweaters are another great option for business casual outerwear. A fine-knit cardigan over a collar-shirt is a great way to create a put-together business casual look.
Stick to lighter knits, unless the weather is cold. Then you can opt for a chunky knit.
Shirts
Even though it's casual Friday, you should never wear a tee-shirt to the office. Stick to collared shirts. Even though a collared shirt doesn't feel casual, it will look casual in an office setting without a tie.
Choose a lightweight button-down or a polo for your business casual look. You can never go wrong with a lightweight long-sleeve button-down. However, you can get away with a short-sleeve button-down or a polo if the weather is hot.
Pants
Generally speaking, denim is strictly off-limits in the office, even if it's a business casual situation. If you want to wear denim in the office make sure to choose a very dark wash. Black wash jeans are the best choice since they look dressier than most denim washes.
However, you can't go wrong with a great pair of chino pants. Khakis are a great fabric that you can dress down to look a bit more casual or dress up for a more polished, but casual look.
Shoes
Shoes are one of the most important parts of your outfit. A great pair of shoes can elevate a simple outfit to an amazing put-together ensemble.
Keep the sneakers and sandals at home. Opt for a polished leather loafer. Loafers are a put-together shoe that is still casual.
Dress boots are another great option. A stylish dress boat is sophisticated and edgy at the same time. Plus they are super comfortable.
Accessories
Skip the backpack and opt for something with a bit more class. Invest in a nice leather bag for your laptop and work supplies. If you want to ditch the briefcase for causal Friday, opt for a leather messenger bag. A leather bag is a ruggedly classic complement to any business casual outfit.
You should also match your belt to your shoes and bag. Even though it's casual Friday, small details like matching leather keep your business casual ensemble put-together.
Accessories are an opportunity for your personality to shine, feel free to have some fun. Maybe pick out a bright pocket square. Or dress up a simple outfit with a pair of suspenders.
Dress for Success in Your Casual Workplace
Business casual workplaces are the new office norm. So, it's crucial for you to know the ins and outs of casual office attire.
The clothes make the man, make sure you are always dressed for success. You should only wear clean, un-wrinkled clothes that fit you properly.
Your work attire speaks volumes about your commitment and dedication to your job. It's important to always be dressed appropriately, even in a laid-back workplace.
At the end of the day, it comes down to the unique office culture of your workplace. However, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Check out our amazing selection of casual menswear, and add a few pieces to your closet today.