Business casual attire has always been difficult to define. It often depends on the company culture where you work, the industry you are in and your superiors. When people were working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the defined work wardrobe became blurred or even nonexistent.
Additionally, as workers return to the office, some companies are rewriting their company dress code to allow for casual wear on a daily basis, encouraging their employees to dress more comfortably as they adjust to in-person work. Retail chains are also switching to casual wear for work, marketing “workleisure” and “business comfort” to encourage sales. This also means that what was considered business casual before the pandemic is most likely no longer in style.
All of this can leave a professional unsure of how casual they can be at work when heading back to the office or starting a new job. Here’s what to know.
[Read: How to Ace a Job Interview: What to Wear, What to Bring and Other Tips.]
What Is Business Casual?
Business casual is a mix of professional and casual clothing. This generally translates to a blend of a traditional business wardrobe with some relaxed elements woven in. While it’s less formal than your standard business dress code, it should still look professional.
Think of outfits you would wear when you meet your most important client for lunch. This applies when working virtually as well. You never know when you may need to hop on a last-minute Zoom call with your boss or with a client.
No matter what your company’s dress code is, here is a basic guideline for business casual.
[See: Best Remote Working Jobs.]
Basic Business Casual Dress for Women
Generally, business casual attire for women includes a skirt or slacks, a blouse, a blazer and heels or flats for the office. Retailers now make skirts and slacks with elastic waists, which will allow you to feel polished and comfortable. If your industry prefers heels, try a low or wedge heel for a more comfortable fit. Otherwise, ballerina or d’Orsay flats are good options to feel comfortable and look professional.
Basic Business Casual Dress for Men
Generally, business casual for men includes chinos or slacks, a button-down shirt, a belt, dress socks and dress shoes.
A colored button-down shirt is more casual than a white button-down shirt. In the cooler months, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are more comfortable but tend to wrinkle. To stay more polished throughout the day, look for cotton or linen blends. Many retailers also make wrinkle-resistant or no-iron dress shirts and slacks that work well for business casual. Depending on your industry, it may be appropriate to wear a tie. Cotton ties or ties with a fun print make them more casual than the traditional silk tie.
Are Jeans Business Casual?
The answer depends on your company’s dress code. Some industries and companies don’t allow jeans, even for a casual Friday. But if your company does allow jeans, much depends on the cut and wash of the jeans. Trendy cuts, such as flared or tight skinny jeans, are not business appropriate. Neither are ripped or faded wash jeans. Jeans can be business casual if they are a dark wash such as dark blue or black. Also, stick to a classic trouser or straight-leg cut. A dress shirt or a blazer can elevate the overall look when wearing jeans.
Business Casual Examples by Industry
To get an idea of what business casual might look like, here are some examples by industry:
Tech
The tech industry generally has a more relaxed dress code. Business casual could be well-fitting khaki pants, a polo shirt and closed-toed shoes for a man. For a woman, this could be well-fitting slacks, a colored blouse that is not see-through and a neutral-colored cardigan with loafers.
Medical
Doctors and nurses generally wear scrubs if they work in a hospital. Business casual for an office or administrative position could be slacks and a neutral button-down shirt or blouse that is not see-through with closed-toed comfortable shoes and limited jewelry.
Education
Business casual for this industry could be khakis, a collared shirt and loafers for men. For women, business casual in education may include dressy capris, a T-shirt that is not see-through with a cardigan, and dress sandals.
Service
Business casual in the service industry could be dark-wash jeans, a button-down shirt with a sweater and closed-toed shoes for men. For women, business casual in the service industry could include a knee-length skirt and sweater set, plus flats. Some companies will want you to wear their clothes or a company logo shirt.
[READ: Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them.]
Examples of What Not to Wear for a Business Casual Dress Code
— Leggings or jeggings.
— Exercise pants or sweatpants.
— Anything too tight or revealing.
— Anything too baggy.
— T-shirts or ties with offensive images or language.
— Old T-shirts.
— Tank tops.
— Miniskirts.
— Beach or spaghetti-strap dresses.
— Flip-flops.
— Tennis shoes.
— Distracting accessories.
Where to Buy Business Casual Clothes
When buying business casual clothes and shoes, look for classic items that will stay in style instead of trendy clothing. If you want to try some trendy items, get a handbag or accessories that can more easily be replaced as trends fade. Here are a few chain shopping locations to find business casual attire:
— Banana Republic.
— Everlane.
— H&M.
— J. Crew.
— Madewell.
— Target.
— Zappos.
Still unsure about what to wear? Some industries, such as government or legal, remain formal while other industries have become more relaxed. Check with your human resources department for your company’s business casual dress code. Another great way to get a sense of your company’s business casual attire post-COVID is by checking its social media channels and website. You can also check the social media channels of leaders in your industry to see what they are wearing.
Finally, remember that while business casual is becoming more commonplace, how you dress says a lot about you. If you are looking for a job or hoping to get a promotion, always dress more formally than the casual dress code requires. And if you are a leader, remember that your employees will look to you as the model for what to wear to work as the definition of business casual continues to evolve. Balance looking professional with staying comfortable to help them adjust to post-COVID office life.
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What Is Business Casual Attire? originally appeared on usnews.com
Update 07/25/23: This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.
