How to Make Business Casual Work for You
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How to Make Business Casual Work for You*
by Julie Foley, CIP
Your image is one of the most important contributing factors in business. When it comes to "business casual," so many people get it so wrong. According to a June 2008 CareerBuilder.com survey of nearly 2,800 U.S. companies, 35% of employers have sent home an "inappropriately dressed" worker.
What does business casual actually mean? There are a variety of definitions, given that business casual is somewhere between formal business wear and street wear.
Everyone's workplace is different and different regions have different practices. Not every business or office is the same, and dress code policies vary across the board. Business casual can also be defined differently across different industries. Get informed about company policies, and know what is "not okay" for your workplace. If you have any uncertainty, look to your supervisor or HR Department for clarification. Still, you do not just want to meet the standards of dress for your company - you want to exceed them.
Use the tips here to figure out whether business casual is right for you, and learn how to best integrate this style of dressing into your wardrobe.
Don't Be Too Casual
Some obvious clothing pieces should always be left at home. These include flip-flops, cut-offs, shorts and ripped or intentionally torn garments or beachwear. Decide to forgo any garment that is too tight or way too baggy.
Keep Covered
If you are perceived in the workplace as dressing sexy, you run the risk of not being taken seriously. When you wear a skirt, it should be at least knee- length. Hosiery is not necessarily required for business casual but is recommended if you wear a skirt. Also, while open-toed shoes allow you to show off your pedicure, they are better left for the weekend. Keep cleavage covered, as it's not appropriate for business, and save your shimmery, glitzy and glittery fabrics for evening attire.
Abandon the Banging Bangles
Sometimes trendy jewelry worn to work makes you look more like a fashion victim than a competent professional. Keep your jewelry simple and classic. If you work in a creative industry you have more flexibility. However, wearing an armful of bracelets, huge hoop earrings and a belt that is bigger than a breadbox will do nothing to advance your career.
Go Light on the Paint
Business casual does not mean so casual that you don't wear makeup at all. Women appear less put-together and can give the non-verbal message that they are tired or overwhelmed. Makeup should be natural looking, leaning toward conservative. Be sure to wear only your daytime makeup to the office.
Keep Up Your Credibility
Keep in mind my advice regarding the importance of always wearing a third piece. Your blouse and pant or skirt are the first two, and then you need one more - a jacket, a sweater, or even a big scarf or shawl. Even if you are doing a business casual look, you still want to command authority and convey credibility, so be sure to continue to include that third piece.
A Safe Bet
Three outfits that work great for business casual are a sweater set paired with a pair of casual slacks or skirt, a summer dress with a suit jacket over it, or a pair of dress pants worn with a pressed long-sleeved, buttoned solid shirt. These combinations will always help you win at business casual.
Discerning between what is appropriate and what is inappropriate for business casual may save your career. Take time to plan in advance what you will wear for those casual days. Use the tips and tools given here to help you set yourself apart from the competition and as you continue climbing the ladder of success in your industry!
Note: For HR and management who "fashion police" these issues, I have training programs designed specifically for Business Casual. Click here to find out more: www.juliefoley.net/speaking or call me: 339-222-0569
Note: Many of you may find this information very useful at your compamy or business. You may share this article provided you give me credit for it.*
With style, 
Julie
Julie Foley, CIP
The Consultant of Style
339-222-0569
"Creating Confidence, with Style"
for Individuals and Corporations since 1995;
Author of the booklet series, "What To Wear To Dress The Part"
Stay in style with Julie's e-zine, "What's In Style."
*This document is the property of The Consultant of Style
and may not be reprinted without permission. 2009
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