How to Dress Business Casual in your Workplace

How to Dress Business Casual in your Workplace

Lets say you wore a short skirt and low-cut dress to work, will this get you attention? Probably. However will it be the right kind of attention. Probably NOT. If you want the right type of attention then the above picture is the kind of clothes you want to wear to your workplace. Dressing appropriately is essential for entering the work place. Now some companies may have a casual dress day, most of the time this day will be Friday, this does not mean to wear short short and open toe shoes. We will look into possible casual wear that is appropriate for the workplace!

According to Susan M. Heathfield from About.com, "No dress code can cover all contingencies so employees must exert a certain amount of judgment in their choice of clothing to wear to work". Here are some suggestions she gives on what type of clothes to wear for these casual days;

Bottoms - Slacks, Pants, and Suit Pants

Slacks that are similar to Dockers and other makers of cotton or synthetic material pants, wool pants, flannel pants,dressy capris, and nice looking dress synthetic pants are acceptable.  

Tops - Shirts, Tops, Blouses, and Jackets

Casual shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, tops, golf-type shirts, and turtlenecks are acceptable attire for work. Most suit jackets or sport jackets are also acceptable attire for the office, if they violate none of the listed guidelines. 

Others - Skirts, Dresses, and Skirted Suits

Casual dresses and skirts, and skirts that are split at or below the knee are acceptable. Dress and skirt length should be at a length at which you can sit comfortably in public.

Footwear - Shoes and Footwear

Conservative athletic or walking shoes, loafers, clogs, sneakers, boots, flats, dress heels, and leather deck-type shoes are acceptable for work. Wearing no stockings is acceptable in warm weather. 

Jewelry, Makeup, Perfume, and Cologne

Should be in good taste, with limited visible body piercing. Remember, that some employees are allergic to the chemicals in perfumes and make-up, so wear these substances with restraint.

So overall this is excellent advice, if you would like to read more by Susan click HERE! Ultimately you may use your judgement depending on what your workplace asks of you, however the above mentioned will help you make informed and appropriate decisions. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself - 

What is the casual work policy for my workplace?

Who can I ask about this policy?

Are there "casual work days" at my office?

These are just some of the many questions you should be asking yourself!

Thanks for reading!

Amber