Here's How to Dress Business Casual
When you first hear the words “business” and “casual” together, you may wonder how professional clothing can be considered informal. But a lot of work situations require a clean, semi-casual look. Custom business casual attire includes the clothes you can count on for a regular day at work. This method of dress strikes a careful balance between clean, modest clothing; comfort; and somewhat formal elements.
Business casual is not flashy or loud. It is a perfect combination of professional yet comfortable clothing that can put you in a productive mindset and give you more confidence. Whether you’re making your first entrance into a corporate career, going to a job interview, or simply feel curious about what business casual is, this guide is for you.
Focus on a Clean Appearance
To dress well in the business casual style, modesty and neatness are key. If your complete outfit looks a little sloppy, then you should reconsider the ensemble. This may mean ironing a shirt, finding a custom company work blouse that has a modest neckline, or putting on pants that fit properly. Follow your instincts before you head out the door. Are you representing yourself and your company correctly? Would your boss and associates be proud of standing next to you while you're dressed in this way? Does your outfit boost your confidence and put you in a productive mood? If you feel as if you are ready for work, then you are most likely heading in the right direction.
Take it From the Top
Business casual tops for men and women follow one main rule: sensibility. Does your top make you look clean and focused? Common go-to tops are polos, work blouses, blazers, vests, suit coats, cardigans, and knit shirts. It’s also common to ditch the tie and wear a button-down shirt with an open collar. Tucking in your shirt will also heighten your appearance and show that you’re intentional about looking professional.
When selecting custom business casual shirts, pick high-quality materials, sensible colors, and patterns that are not distracting. Avoid any top that is going to derail a colleague’s focus. Avoid slogans, crop tops, tacky images, sequins, spandex, and bright colors such as neon. By dressing well, you can attract the right kind of attention and make a good first impression.
Build from the Bottom Up
Bottoms such as khakis and slacks are typical choices for custom business casual pants. Skirts are also great options, but they must be knee-length or lower. Make sure that these bottoms are tailored to fit your body, and that they are not too tight or too loose. The same rule about colors and patterns for tops applies to your bottoms. This is not the time to wear your favorite pair of Christmas leggings. Though it will be a great hit at the next holiday party, your coworkers — and your career — will appreciate your selecting pants or skirts that enhance the value of your top.
Walk a Mile in These Shoes
Your shoes complete the outfit, so choose a pair that ties everything together. Your bright green St. Patrick’s Day loafers are going to be too distracting. Instead, switch them out for a more sensible pair of leather shoes. Ladies, the same concept applies to your footwear. Sky-high heels are perfect for a girls’ night out, but they are not practical for your upcoming business meeting. Consider opting for a low-heeled pair of black pumps or short boots for a tidy look.
When to Jump in the Jeans Pool
If your business casual environment can accommodate jeans, stay away from any style that is too casual. This means that you should avoid jeans with rips, stains, or holes, as well as cropped jeans, light-colored jeans, or shorts. Skinny jeans and jeggings are also to be set aside for another day if they are too tight.
So what jeans can you wear? Dark wash pants that are not too tight, like relaxed-fit jeans for men or a subtle bootcut for women, can be integrated with a business casual outfit. However, be sure to dress up your jeans so that they look professional. This can mean that you wear work polo shirts, blouse, shirt and tie, sweater and polo, or other formal top combinations. What matters is that you create a balance that offsets any informality that the jeans would normally impose.
What tops, bottoms and shoes do you want to mix and match for your next business casual outfit?