If your workplace has a business casual code, your clothes should fit properly. Although you do not need to wear a tailored suit, you should still avoid baggy or tight clothing. Remember, casual does not mean less professional. Low-top blouses and high-slit skirts are not appropriate for work. Knee-length skirts and dresses are appropriate, as are dress slacks with a dress shirt or blouse.
Check what your coworkers wear before opting for extremely casual pieces like jeans or athletic shoes. If denim is sometimes appropriate, opt for a darker wash, which will look dressier and more professional than light-wash jeans.
If your skirt falls below your knees, it’s fine to have a slit just above the knee. However, if the skirt is very long, the slit should come just to your knee, rather than above. Slits in the center-back of a skirt should not extend higher than the back of the knee. [4] X Research source
If your job requires you to do physical or manual labor, wearing dress pants is the more sensible choice.
Unlike business formal wear, it’s fine to wear bright colors in a business casual dress code, if you like them. This can be a great way to inject a little personality into your look! Cotton, silk, and fabric blends are all appropriate for tops. However, it’s best to avoid wearing velvet or any shimmery fabric, such as something you might wear to a party. If your job requires you to wear a button-down uniform shirt, wear it neatly pressed and tucked into your slacks or skirt.
Shoes should be black, navy, brown, tan, or taupe. White and pastels are typically not business appropriate. Choose shoes that fit comfortably and are easy to walk in. While your shoes shouldn’t be flashy, you do have some versatility in what you wear, so choose shoes that you feel express your personality! For instance, if your style is more feminine, you might opt for sleek pumps, but if you’re more athletic, you might opt for a nice pair of loafers.
If you discover that you’re overdressed, you can remove your tie and jacket, and you can even roll your sleeves up to your elbows to feel more at ease in a very informal setting.
Shirts do not have to be tailored but should not be baggy. Though they can be less form-fitting, you must still look professional. Do not wear shirts with logos or words on the front. Some non-professional jobs have a standard uniform that all coworkers are required to wear. While this typically includes just a uniform shirt, your shirt should still be neatly pressed, reasonably sized, and tucked into your pants.
If jeans are acceptable in your office, opt for a darker wash, which looks dressier than light denim. Wear casual but dressy shoes like loafers unless athletic shoes are commonplace in your office.
The fit of your pants can help communicate your personal style. For instance, you might choose a pair of ankle-length, slim-fitting trousers to look more modern, while you might opt for a straight-leg fit if your style is more traditional. Black, brown, navy, and khaki-colored pants are preferable, although you can wear trousers in a bolder color if you wear them with a conservative shirt. Corduroy pants are also acceptable. Although jeans are sometimes acceptable in certain industries, observe your peers and bosses to see if they are truly acceptable in your workplace. If you do wear jeans, choose a dark color over lighter or faded colors.
The jacket or sweater you choose is one of the best ways to express your personal style! For dress sweaters and cardigans, it’s best to select snug sizes. However, when you’re wearing a blazer, it’s okay if it isn’t quite as form-fitting. If you wear a V-neck sweater, it should only be deep enough to expose the collar of your dress shirt. [13] X Research source Do not wear a black suit coat or blazer, as this likely will look too formal.
Choose shoes in a conservative color like navy, black, or brown. In some situations, wearing sneakers that are specifically labeled “business casual” is also acceptable. These sneakers also tend to be brown or darkly colored. Some non-professional jobs require you to do manual or physical labor, such as stocking items in a back room. In this situation, athletic footwear may be the standard, but remember to observe your coworkers and ask your supervisors before switching to more casual shoes.
In addition, your clothing should never be too tight or too loose. Also, your undergarments should never show, including the seam lines or the hems of slips. Skirts should only have center-back slits that extend no higher than the back of your knee. These are acceptable because they allow you to walk and climb stairs more easily. However, slits designed to increase the view of your legs are not appropriate.
Longer skirts are also appropriate, but they should not be so narrow that you can’t walk comfortably, nor should they be billowing. [16] X Research source Black and dark colors are the most professional-looking choices for business formal wear.
For the most professional look, the jacket should hit at about your hips. Your slacks should fall to the tops of your shoes, and they should not be tight across your hips or thighs when you sit. Wearing a tailored blazer is also acceptable, so long as it matches your bottom wear. Suits should be made of quality fabrics such as wool, wool blends, or heavy-weight synthetics.
Choose a top that’s not sheer, tight, or low cut. The top should be made of quality fabric such as cotton, silk, or blends. Avoid velvet or shimmery fabrics you would wear to a party. While neutral tops are preferable in a business formal setting, the cut of your blouse can help you show off your personality. For instance, you might wear a structured top with a square boatneck if your style is more put-together and chic, or you might wear a flowy blouse under your suit if your style is more feminine and romantic.
Do not wear backless dresses or dresses with spaghetti straps or plunging necklines. Sleeveless, short-sleeved, and long-sleeved dresses are all acceptable. If the weather is cool, wear a coordinating jacket with your dress. Choose solid-colored neutrals, including black, ivory, camel, grey, navy, and brown.
If you do wear hose, they should be solid-colored, with no patterns. Sheer hose is the best choice, as it’s the most conservative. Dark hosiery that matches your suit and shoes is also appropriate, but avoid hosiery that’s opaque.
For the most professional look, choose shoes that are made of leather, fabric, or micro-fiber. In a business formal setting, opt for sensible shoes, and avoid anything too flashy. It is important to be able to walk comfortably in your shoes. Hobbling in uncomfortable shoes looks clumsy and unprofessional.
Work attire should be snug without being constrictive. If your clothes are too tight, they’ll be uncomfortable to work in, but if they’re too loose, they’ll look sloppy and unprofessional. Notice how your colleagues dress and use it as your standard. Try to dress at the same level as others in your workplace.
Pants cuts typically come in traditional cut, straight leg cut, or slim-fit cut. Traditional cut slacks are more relaxed from the thigh through the leg, straight cut are a little more narrow, but still fall in a straight line, and slim-fit cut pants become more narrow at the ankle. All are appropriate for business wear. Do not wear khaki or corduroy pants, as these materials are considered more casual.
If your sport coat has two buttons, only button the top button. If it has three, only button the middle button. This is not only a function of style—it facilitates movement. [24] X Research source When you sit, unbutton your jacket. If you leave it fastened, the buttons may pop off when you sit. In addition, unbuttoning your jacket will help prevent wrinkles. Some workplaces do not require you to wear a blazer or full suit. If you are uncertain, opt for a two-piece matched suit as this is the safest and most professional-looking choice.
Always tuck your shirt into your dress slacks. Avoid loud colors such as bright yellow, orange, and red. If you are uncertain of about the fit of a shirt, ask a tailor what size looks the most professional.
Avoid ties that are brightly colored or with overly elaborate designs. This can be distracting and off-putting to some. Do not tie your tie too short—the bottom should stop just above the top of your belt. Don’t worry about using fancy or special knots. Knots generally only affect the length and width of your tie. Any knot will do in a business formal setting.
Find dress shoes that are no more than 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) longer than your actual feet. Remember that dress shoes are cut differently and that your normal shoe size may not be the best fit for dress shoes. To help preserve their appearance, store your shoes in their original box when not in use. Always wear dark dress socks with your dress shoes. Never wear athletic white socks with traditional business attire.
Examples of classic pieces might include a nice pair of cufflinks, a pendant necklace, or a pair of pearl earrings. Scarves, hats, and other optional clothing should be conservative and high quality. In most industries, you’ll be expected to remove any piercings that aren’t in your ears, as well as to cover up any tattoos.
A nice leather bag or a briefcase is ideal. If you also carry a purse, keep it small and simple so as to avoid carrying two large bags. If necessary, you can put your purse in your larger bag.
Try a simple look with a little concealer or foundation, blush, a neutral, matte eyeshadow, mascara, and a little lipstick. If you have really long hair, be sure to put it in a bun or ponytail so that it does not look messy. Avoid dyeing your hair extreme colors or styling it in overly elaborate ways as this will look distracting and unprofessional. If you decide to wear cologne or perfume, only apply a little spritz to ensure it isn’t too strong.
Do not paint your nails unusual colors or paint alternate colors on each nail.
Even if you can afford an expensive, shiny gold watch with diamonds in it, work is not the right place to display it.
