In this blog, I want to fully define business casual, because it's something everyone seems to interpret differently. Let me clarify though and say that business casual is going to be different in every place you work, and it's important to have your employer define it for you. Some places will emphasize the casual over the business and vice versa. Just be aware of this wherever you're working.
But if you need a quick business casual guide, look no further than the tips I provide below for what business casual is and isn't.
1. Business Casual is NOT t-shirt material
This may seem a bit self-explanatory, but business casual, no matter what setting, is not going to be where you wear a t-shirt. If the t-shirt has graphic designs on it, or lettering, it's a no go. T-shirts are casual only. Long-sleeve t-shirts should also be a no-go, as again they're more casual. Blouses, whether short sleeve or long sleeve, are fine for business casual. By blouses, I mean fancy t-shirts or long sleeves, like something with frills on it or buttons or is made of a different material than t-shirt fabric.
2. Business casual is something you might wear to church or a job interview
This is also pretty self-explanatory, and even if you don't go to church, imagine the outfit you would wear if you were going. Most churches are more on the casual side, but if you decide to dress up for church, this is most likely a business casual outfit. Job interviews are the same way, where you dress up to impress your interviewers. Wearing something nicer like a blazer, sweater, skirt, slacks, blouse, button-down shirt, tie, things like that all count as business casual.
3. Business casual allows for more patterns and colors
Business formal usually only allows for the following colors: gray, black, brown, blue, and white. Business casual, on the other hand, allows for a wider range of colors and patterns. It also allows for more casual clothes to be worn, such as flats as opposed to heels.
4. Business casual will definitely be more comfortable
Wearing something business casual is going to be more comfortable than wearing something business formal. Whether it's a sweater, or not wearing heels, business casual allows for more freedom in your choices to dress up, and therefore allows you to express your fashion sense more.
When in doubt when it comes to business casual, use the following general rules to help you out:
1. Always dress more conservatively if you're unsure
Don't show more skin, play it safe by wearing something more conservative
2. Make sure your outfit is free of wrinkles
This goes for all outfits, but wrinkles just spell sloppy
3. Keep your accessories simple
Use just a bag to hold everything or just a watch. Don't overdo it on the makeup or jewelry.
4. Stick with solid colors or simple patterns
Don't go overboard with colors or patterns
5. Make sure your hair is groomed
Messy hair looks really unprofessional
6. Make sure there aren't any stains on your clothes
Again, this makes you seem more unprofessional
While business casual will always be something that is fluid in the workplace, it's good to have some general outlines of what to do and not to do in dressing to impress. If you have questions or comments, reach out on my social media channels.
Until next time,
Katie
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