Definition of Office Casual Dress Code

Business Attire

An employer's goal when establishing a casual, relaxed and informal dress code is to allow employees to work in a comfortable manner in the workplace. When defining this code, terms such as casual, relaxed or informal should be well described so that the employee's attire is comfortable yet nondistracting. It is important to consider the clients served, directly or indirectly as well as the physical work environment when determining what a "casual" dress code may consist of.

Functional Casual Attire

Inappropriate casual business wear

Since some casual attire is not appropriate for office use, it is important to know what types of items may be worn. It is reasonable to say that any clothing worn to the beach, exercise club or when doing yard work would most likely be the type that should not be defined as appropriate work "casual attire" if one works in an office environment such as a law firm or stock trading firm. It is important to remember that your work attire reflects on your professionalism.

Understand the options for dress codes used for travel, interaction with clients and work-related trade of business shows

The right clothes for the right place

It is important to remember that while traveling, visiting clients and presenting at work-related trade shows, you are representing your company. Some examples of appropriate "casual" attire would be wearing something that has the logo or symbol of the company on the item of clothing. This type of attire promotes the identification of the business. All clothing should be clean and wrinkle free.

Cologne or Perfume

Beware of perfume allergies

It is important to remember that many people may have allergic reactions with certain types of chemicals used in making perfumes and colognes. These can be worn, but it is advisable to use restraint when applying them.

Dress Code for Meeting Clients

Know your clients work attire when you meet with them

Before making a business call to a potential new customer, it is wise to research the acceptable dress code they use and match your attire accordingly. This is particularly important when traveling and representing your company internationally. The term "casual" dress in other places in the world may be drastically different than that of the United States. Know the accepted customs and dress codes for business attire when traveling for business.

Common Sense

Definately not "casual" work attire

Wearing any type of revealing clothing, such as that which reveals too much cleavage, your stomach, chest, back or other areas are probably not going to pass the "casual" rule. Wearing clothes that are practical for your job responsibilities, do not contain words or pictures that might be offensive to other co-workers, that are clean and relay a positive company appearance are likely to be the definition of "casual office attire"

Warning

Fashionable business attire

No office related dress code can cover everything. When choosing what to wear on "casual" day, try to balance practical dressing along with fashion by mixing "casual" pieces with "dressy" pieces.

References

• Young Money: What's Business-Casual Attire?

Resources

• Empowerment Enterprises: Today's Business Attire