What Is Business Casual Wear?
Many offices have business-casual dress policies, but the term "business casual" engenders much confusion for some people when they are getting dressed. Can a spaghetti-strap tank top and miniskirt be appropriate for the office? What about a comfy pair of old sneakers? What exactly is business-casual wear?
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History
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Business-casual dress gained popularity in the 1990s, when high-tech companies run by young people decided that suits went against their workplace ethos. Many traditional corporations began to follow their lead, first instituting "casual Fridays" and then switching to business-casual wear full-time. In the late 2000s, a backlash against sloppy dress and confusing dress codes led some companies to abandon business casual and return to formal business attire, especially for employees in positions that require frequent meetings with external clients or vendors. However, many companies still allow business-casual dress.
Function
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The goals of switching from traditional business dress to business-casual wear are twofold: improve worker morale and make management seem more approachable. Allowing business-casual clothing leads to higher morale because employees will be more comfortable and have to spend less money on suits, pantyhose and dry-cleaning. Having everyone wear khakis and a golf shirt is supposed to flatten the perception of hierarchy within the traditional hierarchical corporate structure (rather than having the boss in a custom-tailored suit, while the worker bees wear suits they bought off the rack).
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Women's Clothing
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Acceptable business-casual clothing for women is neat and conservative. Shoulders and cleavage should not be on display. A sweater set and patterned skirt to the knee are appropriate, as are a pair of pressed black trousers and a cotton blouse or thin sweater. Jewelry can be colorful, but should not impede work performance (such as a heavy, noisy charm bracelet). As for shoes, flip-flops are never acceptable office attire. Some offices have a closed-shoe policy, but if yours doesn't, you still shouldn't wear strappy sandals. Try mules or slingbacks, which can be cute but still professional looking.
Men's Clothing
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Appropriate business-casual wear for men is simple: pressed chinos and a collared shirt. The chinos can be dark or light; dark pants look slightly more formal. The shirt can be either a golf shirt or button-front shirt, in a solid color or patterned. The shirt is usually worn open at the neck, without a tie. A jacket is usually not worn, but a sports jacket can be a handsome addition, especially if you have an important meeting. Loafers or casual lace-ups like leather oxfords complete the look. If you usually wear dark (navy, black or dark gray) trousers, wear black shoes; if you prefer light-colored chinos, wear brown shoes. Keep them in good condition (and polished, if necessary).
Warning
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Employees often abuse casual-dress policies. Naked midriffs and backs are always inappropriate in even the most casual office, even if the outfit is neat and expensive Conversely, slouchy yoga pants and a T-shirt are not acceptable, even though your body is fully covered, because they look too messy. Men sometimes equate casual with sloppy, and so while their clothing choices may be appropriate, the wrinkles and stains are not. Business-casual wear is not a relaxing of standards so much as a changing of them.
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