Business casual dress is usually defined as a more professional, yet less casual style of dress. In general, Oxford Dictionary defines the term as “an informal style of dress that is less traditional than more traditional business attire, yet still conveys a businesslike and professional impression.” The term was originally developed by American business professionals who were looking for ways to convey a casual yet professional look without being termed “semi-professional”.
One way to get the best business casual look is to wear a dark coloured t-shirt, either with or without a blazer. A blazer can be used with almost every colour of the shirt, as it creates an all-in-one look. If you do decide to wear a blazer, remember to go with a blazer colour that compliments your outfit. You can either choose a dark colour such as black or navy blue, or choose a lighter colour such as the bright yellow or peach that is now quite popular with fashion-conscious businesswomen. Also remember to choose a great blazer that flatters your frame, so that it gives a clean, streamlined look to your physique.
The next piece of business casual attire that you should consider wearing is your jeans. Again, there are several different styles to choose from. If you have not already thought about it, I would highly recommend you to wear faded denim jeans, which were designed to be worn with layers of fabric. This will give you the perfect effect of wearing two pieces of clothes, without ever looking like you’re dressed for work. If you are unsure which type of jeans to wear, I recommend wearing slacks and a white t-shirt along with a pair of dress shoes.
Another great piece of business casual attire that you should wear is a plain, solid-coloured shirt. Never wear a necktie, especially not on a hot summer’s day; never, ever wear a suit (except in the most professional of circumstances), and never, ever wear your office dress shirt or blouse with anything else. The key to wearing any outfit properly is to ensure that it compliments your body type.
For the ladies, your best bet for business casual clothing is a nice, loose fitting pencil skirt paired with a reasonably conservative top. A sport coat is another great choice; however, keep in mind that you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg in order to make a statement with a sport coat. A sport coat will always lift the look of your frame and is always appropriate for a business casual outfit. Remember to always choose a colour that compliments your skin tone as well. The rule is always to choose colours that are darker or lighter than your actual skin colour, or you will end up looking pink!
One last piece of business casual office attire that you will definitely want to keep in your wardrobe is a pair of comfortable, loose-fitting business shoes. Be advised, however, that if you choose to wear jeans to work, you should always wear them with a white t-shirt. A dark coloured shirt and a dark coloured pair of jeans are always an excellent combination. Also, be sure to always choose shoes that are appropriate for the type of business you are attending. While a simple pair of dress shoes will usually be fine, you can always find a more stylish version of a pair of sneakers if needed.
Here is an example of what business casual sounds like: wearing a short-sleeved shirt with a pair of jeans and sandals is always a great option. As long as the bottom of your sandals are not showing, you can dress your shorts or jeans up or down. What about wearing a dress shirt with a button down collar and a tie? You get the point. It all comes down to matching what you are wearing with what you are carrying.
In closing, there are many occasions when business casual dress shirts and slacks would not necessarily be appropriate. The key is to know what is acceptable and what is not. Try to avoid putting your logo on anything, since this could easily be considered the same thing as branding. With a little research and some common sense, you can ensure that your outfits always have that professional edge.
