Business casual has become one of the hottest topics in the office lately. From Instagram to Facebook, everyone seems to be obsessed with this new dress code. But what exactly does it mean? Do you need to wear slacks and a collared shirt? How about shoes? And most importantly, where should you hang your outfit to show that you have business sense? We’ll answer all your pressing questions and more. Business casual is a term used to describe clothing that is worn for professional purposes as opposed to informal wear - so from now on, never leave the house without it again! It also means that you can ditch formalwear for everyday wear and carry a similar look from day-to-day instead. Business casual is anything from khaki chinos to white button-downs that will make you feel somewhat professional but not so obviously so as not to stand out too much.
What is business casual?
The term “business casual” is used to describe the type of attire worn to business meetings, meetings with clients, and any professional event where you want to look professional, but not too formal. The general rule of thumb is that you should wear business casual attire if you want to look professional and suitable for the occasion, but you also don’t want to look too stiff and uptight.
Types of Business Casual
- White Collar: The most common type of business casual is a white collared shirt, paired with khaki or navy blue slacks. You can also wear a collared shirt with a pair of dark denim if you don’t want to go all the way with the white-collar look. White-collar attire is appropriate for any kind of business occasion where you want to look professional and a little bit formal, but you don’t want to look too stiff and uptight. - Blue Collar: Similar to white collars, blue collars also refer to a shirt paired with a suit or a pair of slacks and a jacket. However, the difference between a white-collar and a blue-collar is that the former is more formal while the latter is more casual. You can pair a blue-collar look with a pair of khaki or navy blue pants, as well as a polo shirt or a white polo shirt. You can also go for a red or blue tie to add a little color to your outfit. - Grey Collar: Grey collars are also referred to as business casual, but unlike the above two, they are a little bit more dressy than your standard khaki slacks and a button-down shirt. Grey collars are appropriate for more formal occasions like client meetings or when you want to look more put together.
When is business casual appropriate?
Business casual is appropriate for most occasions, whether it’s a casual work lunch, a meet-and-greet with a new client, or a casual happy hour with your close colleagues. There is no set dress code for a business casual, so make sure you choose your attire based on the occasion and your style.
In what situations should you wear a suit and tie?
If you are attending a formal event like a wedding, a meeting with the CEO of your company, or a business trip to a client’s city, then you need to wear a suit and tie. And not just any suit and tie, but one that is made of luxurious fabrics like wool or silk. And as for footwear, leather oxfords or a lace-up wingtip shoe would be appropriate. A suit and tie are worn in situations where you want to convey authority and respect, so you mustn’t just wear any old suit or tie. You want to pick something that will make you feel confident and ready to take on the challenges of the day.
Tips for wearing a suit and tie in the office
- Get dressed in the morning. Studies show that the earlier you get dressed, the more likely you are to stay dressed throughout the day. So make sure that you have your office suite ready for when you step foot in the door. - Don’t wear a suit just to wear a suit. Yes, a suit is a powerful thing, but it’s also a piece of clothing and you want to make sure you are rocking it. As the old saying goes, a suit isn’t just a suit, it’s a suit and a tie. - Pick the right shoes. Yes, they are important even while you are wearing a suit and tie. You want to pick shoes that are appropriate for the situation or that match the rest of the outfit. - Accessorize. - You can wear a watch that matches the rest of your outfit or a pair of cufflinks that add a little bit of flair to your look. Make sure the rest of the outfit meshes with your accessories.
Conclusion
Business casual attire is a type of informal wear, which mainly refers to a collared shirt and a pair of slacks or similar trousers. Ties are also common accessories for business casual attire, but you can wear them with almost any outfit. When it comes to wearing business casual, you simply need to pick out an outfit according to your style and the occasion. For example, if you want to look professional and suitable for the occasion but you don’t want to look too stiff and uptight, you can wear a white collared shirt, khaki or navy blue slacks, and a pair of shoes. Business casual attire can help you feel more presentable and confident when you’re out in the world meeting new people and attending important business and social events.