What is Business-Casual Dress for Men?
Does
business-casual allow jeans? Oh, no!
It does not. You may think it
does, but you must be confused. Most men
don’t understand what is meant by “business-casual”.
You may want
to be as casual as you think is allowable.
However, there really is no leeway.
A certain standard is expected if the dress code is business casual
attire for an office or event. The problem
is that “business-casual” has a different definition from office to office.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Business Casual
If a guy is
dressing for business, his look should be one appropriate for business
purposes. He should project an image
that is professional and at the same time enjoy attire that is more
casual. He should not only appear
groomed, but he should also give a neat appearance.
The way to
achieve this look is to dress down a business outfit instead of dressing up a
casual outfit. You’re not going to a bar
or barbeque. Think of it this way: Business
casual is dressing a suit outfit down.
White collar
workers do not usually dress in formal attire.
Actually, less than 9 percent do.
However, there are times when a guy would
dress conservatively. For instance, a
job interview or professions such as engineering or finance would require a
more formal look including dark suits, button down, starched shirts,
traditionalist ties and dark socks and leather shoes. You should also make sure you are properly
groomed, and, by all means, remove earrings and neatly groom facial hair. Clothes should be wrinkle free and
clean. Always go with the choice of a
shirt with a collar. If you are in doubt
about the dress code of a company, go with the look that is more formal.
Are you
still confused? If so, maybe the
following guidelines will help.
Business Casual Guidelines
For the best
way to judge for yourself, visit the office and take a look around. How is everyone dressed? This is especially important if you've never
been there before. If you’re not sure of
exactly how they will expect you to dress in this office, it is better to beoverdressed than underdressed. Being overdressed is a sure way to look
professional.
· First of all,
just as with the formal look, clothes must be clean and free of wrinkles.
· Business casual
means no jeans, T—shirts and sneakers.
These are simply too casual for business casual.
·
Every outfit includes a shirt of some kind. For business casual, long-sleeved dress
shirts are the most appropriate. It’s a good idea to avoid polo shirts since
they will certainly be considered too casual. An Oxford, white, pastel, or subtle patterned
like pinstripes or gingham shirts are best.
Leave the top one or two buttons open, but never more than two. If you’re wearing a tie, you, of course,
would button the buttons. By the way,
another good idea is to keep a tie in your desk drawer. This allows you to button up and put the tie
on for an unexpected, last minute meeting. Horrors! Don’t forget to tuck your shirt in.
