Defining Business Casual Style
What to Wear or Avoid Wearing at Work, Interview or Job Fair
Aug 4, 2009
Business casual dress can change from industry to industry, but it is essential for professionals to understand what is considered appropriate in order to make the best impression possible and to avoid possibly offending an employer or host.
The Career Services department of Virginia Tech University provides a good understanding of how business casual is generally defined for men and women.
Women's Business Casual
For women, both skirts and pants are appropriate for business casual environments. Pants should be tailored and skirts should be no shorter than knee length when standing and thighs should be covered when sitting. The slit of a skirt should facilitate walking and stair climbing and should not be solely for showing the legs. Skirts and pants should not be too flowy or too tight; crisp and tailored is the key.
Comfortable yet appropriate shoes are also vitally important. Shoes should be a neutral color to match the outfit and accessories, and according to Virginia Tech University, pastels and white shoes are not appropriate. Comfort is also necessary, especially if the event or environment requires a lot of standing or walking. However, athletic shoes, flip flops, and strappy sandals are not appropriate.
Accessories should be kept minimal and on the conservative side, depending on the industry and the event. Watches, jewelry, and bags should be clean and polished but should also be in very good shape and not show signs of wear and tear.
Men's Business Casual
For men, business casual style usually encompasses a pair of dress pants and a long sleeved dress shirt in a conservative color or pattern. Ties are not a necessity, but Virginia Tech says that when in doubt, overdressing can be a compliment to your host or employer and a tie should be worn, just in case.
Shirts should be long sleeved and tucked in. For more casual situations, polo shirts or short sleeves may be appropriate.
Shoes should be worn with socks that are at least mid-calf in length so that legs don't show when sitting. Socks should be dark in color and match the color palette of the outfit.
Facial hair and jewelry are also important to watch. Facial hair should be well kept and in accordance with what seems to be the norm for the industry. As for jewelry, a conservative watch can be worn, but earrings and necklaces should be avoided, especially in more conservative professions.
Business casual does not have to be a mystery, but knowing how to dress for various professional situations can have an impact on how a candidate or employer is represented. Dressing appropriately is an important part of showing a candidate or employee's knowledge of a professional and business culture.
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