Business casual dress code: effortless styling
A business casual dress code is the fusion of traditional office attire and a more casual style of clothing. It strikes a balance between formal business attire and modern smart-casual fashion. This dress code aims to offer a more comfortable alternative to traditional business wear. A business casual dress code is typically characterised by well-fitting, high-quality garments that are less formal but still smart and professional. In this article, we explain in which industries business casual is appropriate to wear and how you can integrate this style into your own wardrobe.
Laid-back office wear: when to wear business casual
A business casual dress code is where business outfits meet elegance and comfort. This comfortable style exudes professionality without looking overdressed. Business casual is often worn at office meetings, workshops or after-work events, e.g. company dinners or business trips.
However, this style is generally not appropriate if you are working directly with clients. Depending on the industry you work in and how your company defines its outward image, a business casual dress code may be appropriate to wear at your place of work if you don’t have to interact with clients directly. Thus, this dress code is particularly suited to positions in marketing, sales, IT or HR management.
Depending on the industry you work in, this dress code gives you a little more room to express your own style. However, regardless of the corporate image of your workplace, it is important that your business casual outfit looks stylish, well-groomed and understated. To put it simply, a business casual dress code is a toned-down form of classic business attire.
Business casual no-gos
Business casual should not be confused with casual looks or street wear clothing. T-shirts, hoodies, shorts and trainers are also a fashion faux pas when aiming for a business casual look. Open shoes such as sandals or peep-toes, oversized handbags (e.g. shoppers), bucket bags or rucksacks are also inappropriate for this dress code. Furthermore, bright colours, extravagant designs or glittery fabrics can be overbearing and aren’t suitable.
When choosing clothes for a business casual outfit, always look for high-quality materials and simple, timeless cuts. More often than not, the design is in the detail.
Men’s business casual outfits
The business casual style for men is more casual than business attire but still requires a well-groomed appearance and a fairly conservative style of dressing. Plain-coloured shirts or shirts with subtle patterns such as stripes or checks look professional yet casual. Classic trousers in neutral colours such as beige, grey, dark blue or black go well with these and can be combined in a variety of ways.
A matching suit jacket or blazer will lend this outfit a professional touch. On the other hand, a waistcoat will generally look too formal with this dress code. A tie is an optional accessory which you can add. High-quality leather shoes are an integral accessory that will give your office outfit a necessary air of professionality.
If you keep these basic rules in mind, you can mix and match the following items of clothing to personalise your business casual style:
Plain-coloured shirts or shirts with subtle patterns, e.g. with a Kent or shark collar or slightly more casual button-down shirts
Simple, elegant polo shirts or jumpers made from high-quality materials
Suit trousers, classic trousers or light chinos
Smart leather shoes (e.g. oxfords and derbies) and a matching leather belt
Depending on the industry and corporate image of your workplace, business casual outfits can also be a little more casual. For men, slightly sportier canvas or low-cut shoes may also be an option. However, clunky trainers are not appropriate.
Blazer vs. suit jacket: is there a difference?
If you are looking for menswear, you will probably come across various terms for the type of jacket worn with a suit. For the most part, blazer and suit jacket are used synonymously. However, in some guides to men's elegant wardrobes, there are small differences: the term ‘suit jacket’ is often used to describe a jacket that is made from the same material as a corresponding pair of suit trousers and/or waistcoat. A blazer, on the other hand, does not have to match a particular pair of trousers and can be paired in a variety of ways. Therefore, blazers are often made of tweed or linen and are available in different cuts, patterns and fabrics.
Women’s business casual outfits
A business casual dress code allows you to incorporate your personal style into your business outfit. However, it is important to maintain a certain level of professionalism. Basically, women have more options here than their male colleagues.
Elegant blouses in neutral shades, soft earthy tones or delicate pastel colours are the ideal choice for business-casual outfits. You can combine them with a blazer or cardigan. To adapt to different seasons, you can skip the blazer in summer. In winter, however, you can add a fine knitted jumper.
In addition to classic trousers and pleated trousers, you can also pair modern styles such as Marlene trousers or culottes. If you prefer skirts or dresses, make sure that they reach at least to the knee.
You can create versatile outfits for a business casual look with the following items of clothing:
Blouses in neutral colours or with a subtle pattern
High-quality fine knit jumpers or cardigans
Blazers or elegant jackets
Classic trousers, chinos or culottes
Knee-length business skirts
Knee-length or calf-length dresses with a subtle pattern
Elegant, flat shoes or pumps with a slight heel
With muted colours you are always on the safe side. However, subtle patterns and plain-coloured accessories can also be paired with your business casual outfit. Closed shoes are a must for a business casual style. Instead of pumps, you can also wear flat lace-up shoes or loafers.
Use accessories to finish off your business casual outfit but make sure to keep them discreet. A simple necklace, small earrings and a high-quality, understated handbag will add stylish accents without being overbearing.
Oversized clothing is a great way for women to integrate a modern business-casual look into their wardrobe. However, make sure you create balanced proportions so that you still look stylish: wide or long-cut blazers go well with figure-hugging trousers and skirts, while more masculine or wide-cut trousers create a balanced look with elegant blouses and fitted blazers.
Are jeans appropriate for business casual attire?
When it comes to business casual outfits, a major point of contention is denim trousers. The dress code actually classifies this popular type of clothing as too sporty which is a no-go depending on the industry. In some companies, however, dark, high-quality jeans are tolerated. Ideally, you should take your cue from your colleagues and superiors or ask the HR department what is appropriate. Light-coloured jeans or casual jeans with washes, holes or other embellishments should definitely stay at home.
Conclusion: professional yet comfortable business casual outfits
The aim of a business casual dress code is to create a professional yet relaxed outfit. A well-groomed appearance and high-quality, well-fitting clothing are crucial to prevent your overall look from appearing too casual. If you are starting a new job and are not sure about the dress code, you can take your cue from your colleagues. If in doubt, it is a safe choice to stick to the smarter sides of this dress code and avoid dressing too casually. If you appear overdressed at a job interview or on your first day at work, you still have the option of creating a more casual office outfit next time. If you follow these tips, you will make a positive and competent impression in any situation.
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Cover photo: WesLens/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com
1st image in text: HBS – stock.adobe.com
2nd – 5th image in text: C&A