The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tips to keep you looking sharp in the modern workplace.
The only constant is change, and that is particularly true when it comes to what you wear to the office. The days of the power suits and business heels are mostly gone, save for a few industries. The umbrella term for their sartorial replacement is business casual, which is clothing intended to be more laid back and comfortable but still professional.
Adhering to a dress code can show that you’re putting in a good-faith effort to abide by the company’s culture and be part of the team at large.
The problem is that business casual attire can be interpreted differently. For example, jeans might be allowed if paired with a button-down shirt and blazer at one company, while at another, denim is a no-no.
For anyone starting a new job with a business casual dress code, you definitely don’t want to make a poor first impression by being too casual. For the first couple of weeks, err on the side of professional caution if you’re just not sure if a particular outfit is appropriate. You know how it’s common practice to dress a little more formally for an interview? That same mentality won’t get you in trouble once you’re officially on board, but if you go the other way, it could reflect poorly on you. (If your gut has you questioning whether or not to wear something, you should probably opt for a different outfit.)
What is business casual?
If there aren’t any explicit rules written down regarding the dress code, stick to the common understanding of business casual: professional clothes that aren’t as formal as the traditional suitand-tie outfit.
Examples of business casual for women
■ Slacks
■ Blouses and button-front shirts
■ Crewneck sweaters
■ Blazers
■ Dresses and skirts that hit around the knee
Examples of business casual for men
■ Button-front shirts
■ Chinos
■ Sweaters
■ Blazers
Business casual attire should:
■ Fit properly. Too tight? Too frumpy? Get yourself to a tailor.
■ Not reveal too much skin. Some skin isn’t likely to be an issue (examples: V-neck blouse, sleeveless dress). Use your judgment.
■ Avoid loud patterns. An exception can be made for those in artistic or creative industries. However, it’s wise to save the parrot-print Hawaiian shirt in your closet for the beach and barbecue.
■ Always be in good condition. Stains, wrinkles, holes, and worn patches are automatic disqualifiers.
Are jeans business casual?
It depends. If jeans are part of the business casual dress code, they should be darker washes, free of holes and fraying, and be neither too tight or too baggy. A pair of good quality jeans paired with a blouse and a blazer is a business casual staple in many companies.
Not sure which items of business casual clothing makes the cut in your company? There are a handful of ways to figure out the boundaries on your own.
How to dress for your workplace
1. Take a cue from the type of workplace you’re stepping into. Is it a creative environment with an open layout, vibrant décor and local artwork, or is it a more traditional business setting where executives sit at mahogany desks, and meetings take place in a conference room?
2. Consider what type of company it is. Chances are a law or financial services firm might be more formal-leaning while a marketing or tech startup is usually more toward the business casual end. There are always exceptions, of course, but these are considerations to keep in mind.
3. Read the room. During your hiring and onboarding process, observe what others wear on a typical workday. Are most men wearing shirts and ties with leather shoes, or are polos, khakis, and loafers a more common look? For the women, do slacks with cardigan sweater sets and flats reign supreme, or do you see a lot of dresses, blazers and pumps?
You don’t necessarily have to copy someone else’s style, but staying in the general fashion vicinity is a smart idea.
All of this being said, you should be prepared to dress to impress. Even in very casual environments, there might be times when you might be asked to dress more formally, such as if there is an important client visiting. Have at least one extra dressy work outfit in your closet just in case.