Gender Neutral Advice
Before taking any external advice on business casual dresswear, always check with your employer's human resources department to see if any offical dress codes exist.
When dressing up for the job, the best word of advice you can receive is to "dress for the job you want and not the job you have." Alternatively, when in doubt about your company's dress codes, dress up and then as you familiarize your surroundings, dress to match.
Business casual is a classic look. It consists of pressed shirts, khaki pants, leather belts with matching closed-toed leather shoes, and muted colors. Business casual is not trendy, skin revealing, tight fitting, baggy, shiny, or flashy.
Men's Business Casual
Casual Styles
Tailored shirts
- fabrics should be cotton blends in neutral colors
- long sleeves are appropriate all year round
- polo shirts are okay in more relaxed environments when the weather is warm
- shirts should be tucked in at all times
- button all but the top or top 2 buttons
Pressed pants
- black, gray, navy, brown, and khaki are your best color bets
- pants should not be tight or excessively baggy
- when standing, the pant leg should lightly touch the top of your shoe
- wear dark socks that match your pants; no leg skin should be visible when standing or sitting
Shoes and belt should match
- black, navy, and brown are acceptable colors
- both shoes and belt should be nice leather
- sneakers, sandals, and boots are not permissable
Accessories
- ties are not madatory in business casual, but may be worn
- as far as jewelry goes, men are allowed wedding rings and conservative watches
- conservative watches have leather or metal bands; no plastics or rubbers
- necklaces and earrings are generally not accepted
Women's Business Casual
Casual Styles
Tailored shirts, blouses, and sweaters
- fabrics should be wool or cotton blends, shimmery fabrics worn to parties are not acceptable
- long sleeves paired with high neck lines are the safest and most conservative option
- short sleeves and low neck lines matched with high neck line camisoles/tank tops are acceptable in warmer weather
- sleeveless tops and visible cleavage are never appropriate
Pressed pants and slitted skits
- black, gray, navy, brown, and khaki are your best color bets
- pants should not be tight or flowing
- skirts should extend to knee level or just above the knee
- longer skirts may have slits in the back to facilitate mobility, but should not extend past the knee
- slits that are designed to show leg are not acceptable
- hose are not required in business casual, but are recommended for knee high skirts
Shoes should be closed toe and can be leather or fabric
- black, navy, and brown are appropriate; white and pastels are not
- sandals which are neither too dressy or relaxed are acceptable in warmer weather
- thin straps, very high heels, and platforms are never appropriate
Accessories
- wear makeup that is natural in appearance
- small and simple leather or fabric purses that coordinate with the shoes are acceptable
- scarves and jewelry are acceptable; opt for classic over trendy and extreme in style
