How to Dress Casual Professional

Dressing in a casual professional style allows employees to work comfortably while projecting a competent, qualified demeanor. Carrying yourself in a casual, professional manner can lead to promotions and salary increases. Appearances do matter. Remember --- no dress code covers every aspect of dress. Employees must use experience and their best judgment in some instances. Consult the employee handbook, supervisor or human resources department with questions.

Things You'll Need

• Slacks such as Dockers or khaki's
• Long-sleeved button down shirts
• Polo shirts
• Sweaters
• Cardigans
• Suit jackets or sport coats
• Closed toed shoes
• Loafers
• Flats or dress heels

Instructions

1. Follow your company's guidelines on items not considered casual professional.
   Avoid clothing that is normally worn for a day at the beach, exercising, yard work, sporting events and dance clubs. Casual professional dress does not include revealing clothes, exposing the back, chest or stomach. Ensure that your clothing is clean and pressed, the seams are finished and that your clothing does not display offensive language or pictures. Logos such as sports teams or clothing brands are not considered casual professional.

2. Suggestions for pants and dresses.
   Slacks such as Dockers or khaki, cotton, corduroy, twill or wool pants qualify as casual professional dress. Wash and press pants before wearing. For women, some companies allow dressy Capri pants. Check with the human resources office or your boss before wearing these. Dresses should be at least knee length and loose fitting. Avoid strapless or sleeveless dresses.

3. Recommendations for shirts, blouses and jackets.
   Consider cotton long-sleeved button down shirts, polo shirts, sweaters or collared knit shirts for men. Casual professional for women can include sweaters, cardigans, polo shirts or a knit shirt with a sweater. Shirts and blouses should not be offensive to other employees or be too revealing. Suit jackets or sport jackets are almost always considered acceptable casual professional attire.

4. Selecting casual professional shoes.
   Acceptable casual professional shoes include loafers, dress heels, boots, flats or conservative leather shoes. Closed toed shoes of all kinds are required for manufacturing areas. Flip-flops and athletic shoes are not considered casual professional dress.

5. Wearing accessories.
   Putting on a tie is not necessary for casual professional dress. Consider wearing a tie if there is a business meeting with a client or if customers will be in the office. If you accessorize with jewelry, makeup, perfume and cologne, be sure you do it in good taste. Some employees are allergic to the chemicals in these substances so use restraint when putting them on. Head covers for religious or cultural purposes are allowed. All other hats are not considered casual professional dress.

Tips & Warnings

• Some businesses and companies declare certain days casual days or dress down days. More casual clothing such as jeans are acceptable on these days. However, make sure that your clothing is clean and not offensive to others.