As workplaces move toward a more casual look, it can be difficult to distinguish between business professional and business casual attire. Business professional is still the go-to for meeting with clients or investors, but business casual may be fine for an internal presentation with coworkers.
The good news is that a great pair of well-fitted black pants or tailored separates will fit most offices’ bills. Check out this workwear guide for more guidelines on smart-casual dressing.
Suit Separates
The traditional two-piece suit consists of a formal coat or jacket with matching trousers. It’s a look that’s been around for centuries and is still the preferred choice for many men when they need to dress up for a business meeting or job interview.
However, for some situations involving an ambiguous dress code, such as a networking event or a dinner party, you might need to stray from the classic two-piece suit and consider suit separates instead. Suit separates are tailored pants or blazers that don’t come as part of a set, and they’re typically less formal than a matching suit. You can wear them with a pair of khakis or premium denim to create a business casual outfit that’s still appropriate for the occasion.
The main advantage of suit separates is that you can mix and match them to create the exact outfit you need for a particular occasion. For example, if you have longer arms, you might find it impossible to fit into a nested suit with a coat and pants that are the same size. You can avoid this problem by blending suit separates with other more casual pieces, like dress chinos or regular tweed trousers.
You can also add extra flair to your suit separates by using contrasting fabrics or adding accessories like a tie, belt, or pocket square. For example, a wool-silk linen blazer with coordinating dress chinos will give you a polished and elegant look while also looking effortlessly casual. Adding a knit scarf in the same color as your blazer will further enhance the casual appearance of the ensemble.
Another benefit of suit separates is that they can be worn with other tailored pieces, such as a sports coat or tuxedo jacket. This allows you to create a versatile business-casual look that will work for a wide range of events. For example, a dark navy tuxedo jacket can be paired with a pair of slim-fit blue jeans and a simple button-down shirt for a smart yet relaxed look that’s perfect for a cocktail party or dinner.
Dress Pants or Skirts
When the dress code calls for business casual attire, a full suit is not required for both women and men. Instead, dress pants or khakis are appropriate, along with a collared shirt or sweater and either boots or dress shoes. Women can wear skirts, dresses, or pencil skirts for this attire. When shopping for professional dress pants or skirts, be sure to choose tailored and fitted styles. Avoid jeans in any shade, as they don’t meet dress casual standards. Also, stay away from pants with too much fading or tears.
When shopping for a dress shirt or blouse for a business casual outfit, it’s important to select tailored and fitted styles. Avoid oversized or baggy shirts, as they don’t meet business casual standards. Choose a blouse or shirt with a coordinating pattern or color, as this will make your look more put together. Also, choose a long-sleeved shirt that fits you well and isn’t too tight. If a jacket is necessary, opt for a sports coat rather than an extremely fancy one.
If you’re unsure of how to combine your workwear for a specific event, consider consulting an online style guide, such as Morgan Hunter. These resources provide recommendations for a variety of situations, including how to dress for meetings or interviews.
While the difference between business professional vs. business casual might seem minor, it’s vital for workers to be dressed appropriately when in a professional environment. It’s critical to keep comfort in mind, especially for industries where workers are on their feet for extended periods of time, such as warehouses or schools.
However, employees should never dress too casually, as this may come across as unprofessional. It’s always best to err on the side of formality, especially when dressing for key events or meetings. After all, you never want to give off the impression that you’re not trying hard at your job or presentation. While some might argue that business casual is more appropriate for professional settings than traditional suits, it’s still essential to dress appropriately to convey a polished image to potential clients or employers.
Dress Shirts or Blouses
Business casual attire is less formal than a suit but still requires pressed pants or khakis, a collared shirt or sweater (for men), and conservative dresses or skirts that hit at the knee or lower. It may be worn with a dress, shoes, or boots. Some workplaces allow jeans with no holes and a clean T-shirt, but you should err on the side of formality, especially during an interview or at other key events.
Business Casual includes more patterns and brighter colors than business professional, but it is important to keep your look polished and neat, not sloppy or casual. You can level up your look with a well-fitting tailored blazer or sport coat but avoid looser and casual jackets like bomber jackets. Likewise, jewelry should be minimal and classic, but stud earrings or pearls are usually safe choices. Also, make sure your nails are well-manicured and not too long.
A well-fitted, dark-colored blouse or sweater will work with business casual outfits for women. If you don’t have any blouses in your wardrobe that meet this dress code, try to find a solid-colored button-down casual dress shirt that’s soft, comfortable, and breathable enough for a long day of work. A sleeveless or short-sleeved blouse may be acceptable in some situations, but you’ll need to ask your supervisor if this is appropriate for your workplace.
Dress shirts and blouses should be fitted or have a flattering silhouette, but they shouldn’t be tight or too form-fitting. You should also choose a collared shirt with a light or medium-colored neckline and no tucks. You can find business casual shirts in many different fabrics, including cotton and polyester. Some dress shirts come with stiff, stiffened, or lapel collars, while others have more relaxed collars. Look for shirts with sleeves extending to the wrist and cuffs with two buttons. Most off-the-rack dress shirts are sized by neck circumference and arm length, but there are some that offer fuller cuts if you have a larger chest or arm size.
A quality pair of black high-waisted pants or khakis are essential for both business professional and business casual outfits. They should fit your waist and be a good length for sitting down and free of any tears or rips. If you’re unsure whether your pants or khakis are a good fit, visit your local tailor to have them altered.
Dress Shoes
While business casual attire varies from workplace to workplace, there are some guidelines that remain consistent. It typically involves a combination of dress shirts or blouses, khakis or chinos, and loafers or other leather shoes. While a tie is usually optional, a jacket is generally required. Shirts should be tailored and should not contain excessive logos or bold patterns. Pants should be dark-wash or khaki and must be free of heavy fading or distressing. Regardless of the color, pants should be tailored and not too baggy. Dress shoes can range from lace-ups to slippers, but the best choice is a classic pair of unembellished captoes. These shoes are stylish, sleek, and comfortable and are most likely to fit in with a more professional business casual look.
Sneakers are becoming more and more acceptable in some business casual settings, but they should always be clean and free of excessive wear and tear or overly casual style. In addition, sneakers should be neutral and stylish, such as a minimalist pair of leather oxfords with a minimal sole. Flats like horse-bit loafers and penny loafers may also be appropriate for business casual attire in more relaxed businesses.
While casual attire can be very professional, it is important to avoid overly casual looks, especially when meeting with external clients or customers, senior leaders, or other business associates. In general, it is better to be slightly overdressed than under-dressed in business casual environments.
It is also a good idea to avoid wearing clothing that is too short in the workplace or during job interviews, as this can be seen as unprofessional. Also, shorts or sundresses should not be worn with business casual attire, and hats are not typically acceptable (unless they are for religious or medical reasons).
If you’re not sure which kind of dress code is appropriate in your workplace, it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask. A little advanced research can help you avoid looking over or under-dressed, and it will also give you a clearer understanding of the expectations for your role within your organization.