Business Casual Attire
After college when you get a new job, especially in the corporate world, it is essential that you revamp your wardrobe a bit. Why? Well your shorts, Bermuda pants, leggings, track pants, ganjis, spaghetti tops, bustier, and corsets, etc., are not allowed in the office. I know this is rubbish but you have to accept the business norms. You can save these clothes for weekends, holidays, and casual days. For the office, you must don some neat and tidy attire that is a general the dress code in most of the companies.
What is this Attire?
I am sure you were scared if this attire meant uniform or something. But relax, it is not a uniform. It just means that you should wear decent formal cloths. Business attire is a full-fledged three piece suit including tie and shining shoes. But a casual business dress code falls somewhere between casual and business attire. There is no specific definition for the term but most of the companies have different guidelines about what their employees should and shouldn't wear at workplace. Apart from clothes, business casual dress code includes the entire physical presentation of the employee. For example, in many companies, some bizarre hairstyle or tattoos on the visible body surfaces are not accepted. In some companies too much of make up and weird hair accessories too are not allowed. A business casual is something casual but yet very presentable in terms of professionalism.
For Women
There are various chic attires for women that helps them stay trendy yet look very elegant and professional. Women should wear cloths that do not expose too much of their assets. For example, clothes that show too much of cleavage, stomach, thighs, and back are not accepted at the work place. It doesn't mean women have to look boring. They can wear formal pants with shirts or tops that are pressed neatly. They can also go for decent sleeveless tops. Women can wear knee length formal skirts. Short skirts that look vulgar are a big no no in the office. Overall, women should avoid loud, colorful, and short dresses. Instead, they should wear formal pastel color clothes that look presentable during presentations and board meetings. This was about clothes, now let's talk about the make up and footwear. Women should wear basic minimal make up and nothing very flashy and flamboyant. The footwear should be simple. Fancy shoes, thongs, slippers or any footwear that shows up the toes are considered inappropriate at most of the work places.
For Men
Men should say a final goodbye to their baggy jeans while getting ready for the office. Instead business casual for men should include pants other than jeans, such as cotton jeans, khakis, or formal pants. They should avoid wearing oversize t-shirts, body hugging tight t-shirts, torn or crumpled clothes, etc., as it makes them look very irresponsible and unrepresentable. They can also sport different jackets. Suit jackets, blazers or sporty jackets are also included in the dress code in the workplace unless they are very flashy. Men are certainly not allowed to wear anything less than a full length pants. Men are also not allowed to use the head covering unless it is a part of some religious practice. For example, Sikh people wear turban everyday as a part of the religious ritual and it is an acceptable practice. The footwear rules are the same for men as well. They must wear formal leather shoes or casual sandals but slippers are not allowed at work places.
From the above information, it is clear that you have to use your sense of judgment when it comes to casual business attire. If you are yet to find a job then keep the above tips handy that would help you choose the right casual attire for interview. Smart casual dress code actually gives a chance to adorn a power dressing by making you feel more comfortable and confident that makes you look presentable and professional.
