What Is Business Casual Attire?

Business casual focuses more on dressing down professional clothes than dressing up casual clothes. Companies may define business casual differently, and while there is no universal standard, common best practices still guide this office dress code. “41% of workers in the U.S. wear business casual,” according to a Gallup poll.

The Washington Center provides helpful examples of business professional, business casual, smart casual, and casual dress codes. Professional dress codes are the most formal, while casual dress codes are the least formal. Smart casual falls in between casual and business casual.

Business casual focuses on a comfortable, relaxed, conservative, neutral and polished look where employees have the freedom to express some creativity. Whether you are a new hire or an employer writing a dress code policy for the employee handbook, here is business casual explained.

Inclusive Language

Many outdated dress codes specify separate requirements for women and men. Today, gender-specific clothing and grooming requirements should be avoided. Instead, focus on gender-neutral language and articles of clothing that can apply to anyone. If you have an outdated code describing gender-specific stereotypes or other exclusionary language, take the time to update it with inclusive language and examples.

Ensure that your word choice respects gender, race, ethnicity and religion. Follow the Crown Act, which seeks to ban hair discrimination. While the federal act has not been passed, it has been passed in 25 states. “Hair below X length should be tied back for safety reasons is a good gender neutral policy example that avoids dictating hair length or style,” said Power to Fly.

What To Wear 

All clothing should be in good condition, well-fitting, wrinkle-free and modest. Aim for subtle colors and patterns without graphics or sayings. Choose tops that cover the shoulders and skirts or dresses that are knee-length or longer.

Tops

There are many options for business casual tops with ample flexibility for any season.  Short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops may be layered with cardigans, blazers or jackets. Select tops with a modest neckline that covers the shoulders and stomach.

• Blazers, sports coats and jackets
• Cardigans
• Sweaters
• Turtlenecks
• Henleys
• Polo shirts
• Button-down shirts
• Collared shirts
• Blouses

Bottoms

Choose well-fitting business casual pants or skirts that are neutral and can easily pair with a variety of tops. Pants may be cuffed or rolled.

• Khakis
• Chinos
• Corduroys
• Slacks
• Dress trousers
• Skirts or dresses (at least knee-length)

The Question of Jeans

Some companies may permit dark-washed jeans as appropriate business casual attire while others may not. Choose jeans without distressing, logos, designs, or too much stretch.

Shoes

Choose comfortable closed-toe dress shoes, including loafers, flats, heels and boots. Select leather or suede sneakers in white or neutral dark colors that look more like dress shoes than athletic shoes. Ensure that shoes are clean and well-maintained. Wear neutral dress socks with appropriate shoes and avoid white socks.

Accessories

Select modest accessories including belts, jewelry and scarves. Choose jewelry that will be quiet with movement and will not catch on things. Avoid most hats, except for cultural or religious head coverings.

Industry Variations

With so many industry variations, it is essential to clearly define your dress code with as much detail and examples as possible to specify how it applies to your company culture and industry. Some industries, like finance, are naturally more conservative while others, like fashion, are more expressive. Industries such as service and medical often require uniforms. Classroom educators may have more flexibility in what they can wear, especially during spirit days or class trips.

Indeed suggests that, “in a creative agency setting, such as advertising, it may be acceptable to add a bit of creative flair to your attire with a pop of color, or a patterned tie or shirt.”

Remote workers

Dress codes may not apply to remote workers, except during external video calls and in-person meetings. Decide if dress codes apply to internal video calls.

What Not to Wear

Avoid clothing that is revealing, overly tight, worn-out, torn, ripped, wrinkled, baggy or ill-fitting. Anything that gives off the appearance of being messy or sloppy should be avoided. Do not wear clothing that is intended for exercising, sports events, going to the beach, attending nightclubs or lounging at home.

• Graphic tees
• Shorts
• Short skirts or dresses
• Distressed jeans
• Sweats
• Athletic wear
• Beach wear
• Lounge wear
• Pajamas
• Tank tops
• Cold shoulder tops
• Crop tops
• Low-cut tops
• Noisy jewelry
• Loud colors and prints
• Hats
• Flip flops
• Athletic shoes
• Open-toed shoes

Exceptions

Exceptions may be made to the dress code for Casual Friday or depending on the weather. Work events may have different dress codes.

Casual Friday

Employees can wear clothes that are more casual and relaxed than other work days on a dress-down day, also known as Casual Friday. Clothing should still be work-appropriate and mostly avoid the list of do-not-wear items. Employees can wear jeans and athletic shoes on Casual Friday. Bolder colors and graphic tees that are not offensive may be allowed.

Weather

In summer, the workplace may permit professional open-toed shoes or professional sleeveless shirts. In inclement weather, rain and snow boots may be permitted.

It will be easier for employees to make smart clothing decisions when work dress code policies are detailed and clearly explained. With a well-written business casual dress code, employees will know the expectations, feel included and have the freedom to express themselves.