Casual business attire sounds like a breeze. Many are tired of following a dress code for work. But they are not able to follow casual attire in their workplace as the rules are strict. But today many offices are relaxing their rules. Now many employees can wear chic, neat and casual attire for work. It is known as business casual. This style is becoming popular day by day. There are some differences between business attire and business casual. This trend began when people started to work from their homes during the Covid 19 pandemic.
During that time employees wore casual attire for work. It was stylish yet comfortable and professional yet casual. This trend is still in the mode. But many wore very casual attire for work in their home. But now the business casual attire is a better version of that style. It means business casual is not overly casual.
It takes care of all the guidelines that employees must follow in the dress code yet it offers them a room to be comfortable in their clothing and at the same time can look professional too. So here you can find all the details of Business casual attire.
What Does Business Casual Mean?
When talking about business casual many have a lot of confusion. This is because they do not know where to stop and where to end. Some choose dresses that are very formal while others choose very casual outfits. So where to draw the line? That is why there are several tips available to follow the business casual style.
There are many great choices for men and women. You can learn several tips to follow to wear business casual attire daily for your office.
Business casual outfit tips for women
The appropriate chic business casual outfits for women are a skirt or dress, jacket, slacks, sweater, twinset, and more. Some of the shoes like closed-toe shoes and peep-toe shoes are suitable for office wear. So here are some of the outfits all office going women can have cotton pants or conservative-length skirts, professional dress—with sheath silhouette, Sweaters, twinsets, cardigans, polo/knit shirts and a lot more.
You have to take care to buy colours that suit your office dress code. Do not go for bright colours or patterns that can look unprofessional. Instead of bold colours, you can choose solid colours.
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Business casual outfit for men
For men, the proper business casual attire is dress slacks or chinos, shirts, dark socks, dress shoes and a lot more. It is not appropriate to wear polo shirts to interviews. Also do not wear jeans or shorts. Some of the outfit choices you can fill up in your wardrobe are- neatly pressed Khaki, gabardine, wool, or cotton pants, Leather shoes, in black and brown, Sweaters, Leather belts, in black and brown, a selection of ties and more.
Gender-neutral business casual attires
There are lots of gender-neutral options too for work. If you do not like to conform to particular options for men and women try these options. You can buy Slacks, khakis or other non-denim pants, a button-down shirt, Boots, loafers or oxfords, a sweater and more.
What are the dress code guidelines?
1. Plan ahead
If you are new to a job and do not have an idea of what to wear you can avoid attires that you are doubtful of wearing. Do not wear dresses that are casual because it can leave a bad first impression. In the beginning, wear your best professional attire. It is also best to dress conservatively. You can also check with the HR of the place to know what the business casual attire guidelines the company follows are. This will offer you a clear idea of what to wear.
Even if you see the managers of the company or the interviewer wearing casual clothes do not change your plan. It is always best to look spruced up well in formal attire. It will surely leave a good impression.
2. Be consistent
If you are wearing formal attire for most of the week, do not change your style of clothing before the weekends. Do not wear ragged shorts and a concert T-shirt even on casual Fridays. You can remain consistent with your style. Try the business casual style that looks neat yet comfortable. During the casual Fridays, you can wear your best jeans not the ripped or stained ones.
Even if there is an unexpected meeting or client visit you can look formal and ready for work. By following this, you can maintain a great image in your office.
3. Have a look at the calendar
If you have a meeting with a client or to attend a business lunch you can dress on the formal side. Wear business casual style in your office. But it is better to be formally attired if you are meeting new people.
4. Take care of cameras
If you are attending a meeting virtually take care to wear neat clothes because people notice that. Clients or collaborators will notice the dress you wear and you are the one representing your company to them. So the best decision is to wear formal clothes. It is also best to plan to keep the blazers by your desk so you can wear them and look professional in seconds.
Conclusion
These are the ways to create a great business causal style of your own. You can use the existing styles to make your professional style. It will make you look professional all the time.
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