What Does "Business Casual" Really Mean?
(Originally posted on LinkedIn)
Video interviews are becoming more and more popular with employers across the country. If you haven't participated in one yet, you probably will be asked to in the near future! It is a great way for each party to These days, most offices are adopting a more casual dress code for their employees. That is great news for most of us, but you may be left wondering on what to actually show up to the office wearing! You know you shouldn't show up in jeans and flip-flops (hopefully), but what does business casual really look like?
In a professional setting, it is always important to look polished and put together. Business Casual allows you to have a bit more freedom and comfort when getting dressed in the morning, while still looking professional.
What to Wear for Women
Women are lucky (depending on how you look at it) to have a wide array of options when it comes to business casual. You can choose from skirts and dresses, to pants and blouses and have about 50 options in between! It really comes down to what makes you feel your best while having fun with your wardrobe. One of my favorite combinations is a play on mens suiting: A cropped pair of slacks with a blazer and a t-shirt. Pair that with your favorite heels or even a dressed up pair of sneakers. Heels, booties, and closed toed flats are all great shoe options, but save the open toe shoes for the weekend!
Women's Wardrobe Staples:
A great pair of slacks in a neutral color
A white button-up blouse
A classic black blazer
These items are all interchangeable with just about anything you choose to pair them with!
What to Wear for Men
You may think you are more limited as a man in the workforce, but you actually have more options that you think! Nowadays, there are many different fabrics that have stretch in them that will be comfortable and will look great all day. For the bottom, choose a pair of slacks, twill, or colored chino pants. On the top, opt for a button up or a collared shirt since jackets and ties are not required for business casual attire. However, if you are tie guy, feel free to mix it up with a fun color or pattern. If you like to show up in a blazer or jacket daily, try dressing it down without the tie, and pair with a sweater or t-shirt, some colored twill pants or a cool pair of leather sneakers. Stick with a pair of nice leather shoes or dress boots, no hiking boots please fellas! Quick Tip: Keep a jacket or blazer at your desk just incase you have an unexpected meeting pop up on your calendar.
Men’s wardrobe staples:
A few pairs of neutral slacks or cotton twill pants
Long sleeve button up shirts
Leather belt in black or brown
A couple of ties
Start with these staples and start adding in more options over time!
Remember, if there is ever a time when you don't know what's appropriate to wear, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed, especially if you are starting a new position. No one will ever complain if you show up in a suit on day one!