Guide to Proper Business Casual Attire
One of the most commonly employed dress codes in America is known as “business casual.” Business casual dress is typically embodied by a mixture of formal and low-key wardrobe elements, and can be both comfortable and attractive when pulled-off correctly. That said, those who have never had to dress for a business casual office often don’t know where to begin when it comes to dressing for work. Fortunately, business casual dress doesn’t need to be difficult to understand, especially if you take the following tips into consideration.
Start With the Right Pants
One of the biggest questions that those who are not used to business casual dress is in regard to what type of pants should be worn. There are actually a few options when it comes to choosing pants, all of which can be effective in the right situation. Slacks can be worn, for example, although they are typically reserved for client meetings or other, similar occasions. Otherwise, many people choose to wear khakis, which embody the business casual model. Khakis are quite versatile, as they come in a variety of different colors and can be paired with many types of shirts. Some offices will even allow jeans as part of a business casual ensemble; especially those where clients do not regularly come by. If you do decide to wear jeans to the office, stick to dark denim whenever possible.
Dress Shirts and Sweaters
Once you’ve got your pants figured out, it’s time to start thinking about what type of shirt to wear to a business casual office. Dress shirts can be very attractive in such a case, and come in enough different styles and colors to make them easy to pair with khakis, jeans or slacks. Dress shirts are especially effective for when clients come by, in which case it’s important to connote as much professionalism as possible. During the colder months of the year, you may want to consider wearing a sweater over your dress shirt. Wool sweaters will not only serve to keep you warm, but are generally considered to be a good fit for business casual environments. Avoid “loud” sweaters, sticking instead with those which are solid in color.
When to Wear a Tie
Many people don’t realize that ties can actually fit nicely into a business casual office, especially during certain situations. When meeting with a client, for example, wearing a tie with your dress shirt is almost always a good idea. Choosing the right tie for this type of environment doesn’t have to be hard, so long as you remember to stay away from extremely formal ties (avoid black), as well as those which are excessively “busy.” While ties may be suitable for wear during client meetings, they are typically not necessary for a typical day at the office. That said, you may want to make a daily routine out of wearing a tie, especially if you feel comfortable with this type of dress. Ties not only connote professionalism, but can help to boost one’s confidence throughout the day as well.
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