Business Casual Attire

There is no strict definition or common description for business casual attire. Each business has their own interpretation for business casual attire. For example, business casual attire means pressed khakis and a button-down long-sleeved shirt in some cases, while to some tech companies, it might mean dress jeans and a polo shirt.

What is the history of business casual attire and what is the general guide for a proper business casual attire?

Business Casual Attire

First of all, we must understand that business casual attire is a type of clothing that was meant to provide an opportunity to work in a more relaxed, yet still professional situation.

The origin of this business casual attire could be traced back to as early as the 1970s.

Business casual attire is a popular dress code that emerged in white-collar workplaces in Western countries in the 1970s in response to the energy crisis of that decade.

Government mandates to raise thermostat settings in office buildings led managers to authorize employees to dispense with ties and jackets that had been part of expected business attire.

Many information technology businesses (especially in Silicon Valley) are adopters of this style of dress code at the moment.

Business Casual Attire

There are differences between business casual attire for women and men.

For women, the components of the business casual attire would be:
* Khaki, corduroy, twill or cotton pants or skirts, neatly pressed clothing,
* Sweaters, twinsets, cardigans, polo/knit shirts,
* Solid colors work better than bright patterns

While for men, the components of the business casual attire are:
* Khaki, gabardine or cotton pants, neatly pressed,
* Cotton long-sleeved button-down shirts, pressed, polo shirts or knit shirts with a collar,
* Sweaters,
* Leather shoes and belt,
* Tie (optional)

Do invest in quality that will makes you look appropriate and professional on the job. Everything should be clean, well pressed, and not show wear. Even the nicest khakis after 100 washings may not be your best choice for a reception. Carefully inspect new clothes for tags, and all clothes for dangling threads, etc.

Keep in mind that business casual attire should be crisp, neat, and looks appropriate. Avoid tight or baggy clothing; business casual attire is classic rather than trendy.

In summary, business casual attire is probably one of the least understood descriptions of appropriate attire in the workplace due to the common label is subject to a wide spectrum of interpretation. It could be one of the aspect people judging you when it comes to nonverbal communication in business.

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