1 of 9

Write now Article Tools

The key to appropriate business casual attire is to understand your company's definition of "business casual". When my current company allows us a business casual day, they are giving permission to wear jeans. At one place of business, it meant shorts!

If a company has a written dress code policy, half your work is done, once you've read it. If not, pay attention at your interview to your interviewer's attire, as well as what everyone else is wearing. If you are interviewing away from the company, it is totally appropriate to ask if there is a dress code. The interviewer will be happy to fill you in.

To many companies, business casual means you don't need a two-piece suit, stockings and heels. In others, khakis are standard. The trick is to always err on the conservative side. Deviating from the norm will give the impression that you are not a team player. As a consultant, I work at many job sites for lengthy periods of time. The on-site boss is my boss during that time period. When she's female, I wear the type of clothing she wears. But I never "dress over" her. I do not show up in wool Perry Ellis suits when she's wearing Lee Casuals every day. Just make sure your Lee Casuals fit you well, are not frayed stained or wrinkled, and your tops match them.

This does not mean that you have to be a clone of your coworkers. You can individualize your wardrobe by adding accessories, such as scarves and blazers. Since casual clothes are mass-produced, you risk the chance of walking into work wearing the exact outfit as a coworker. Unless you work in a fashion-oriented business, this can be an embarrassing situation. To individualize, and avoid that problem, skip the cookie cutter department stores at the mall and find shops that offer lesser known brands, or find your outfits on-line. If your budget will break under the strain, consider consignment stores and discount outlets. You may get last year's fashion. But you'll find labels and styles that you won't see in the limited department store collections.

In keeping with the conservative theme, sleeveless is generally not considered appropriate. Neither is cleavage. That includes obvious cleavage even if it's covered. Save that for Happy Hour. Avoid trendy touches as well, such as cargo pants. That little pocket on the side of your leg for your cell phone, gives the impression that you are headed out for a night of bar-hopping and has no place in your corporate day. And if your slacks have rivets, or have double seams down the leg, they are considered by many companies to be jeans, regardless of the fabric.

It should go without saying that spandex should remain at home. But I have seen women wear it to work. Most of these women have no business wearing spandex in public under any circumstances. And in the cases where shorts are allowed, I wouldn't advise wearing them if you want to be taken seriously.

Shoes should be selected carefully. Trendy casual shoes and boots are for weekends. Wear comfortable, but subdued, flats, loafers, sandals or clogs. Sneakers and jellies are not appropriate in most business casual settings. Save the flip-flops for the beach.

In summary, keep your attire similar to your coworkers, within the boundaries of your company's dress code, well-fitting and clean, and you'll be properly dressed.

Learn more about this author, Liz McGuire.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Business casual tips for women?
We want to hear your view. Write now!