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When applying for a new job, only a fortunate few are likely to get through to the initial interview stage, and those that do are given an opportunity to truly make their mark. They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so there's clearly a need to dress correctly. One of the complexities around this, however, is deciding what's correct and what isn't. This will often vary from one organisation to another, so what may seem totally appropriate for one interview could be completely wrong for the other. And even if you're successful with the application, what do you then wear on a day-to-day basis? This could all depend on the company culture, of course.
Business casual was created mainly by men, women and individuals from various gender identities who wanted to make sure everyone could dress casually without making them feel uncomfortable. It seems its roots can be traced back to California's Silicon Valley in the 1980s. It was a way for businesses to show employees they were cool and inclusive. This style of clothing is still popular today because it allows people to wear what they want without feeling out of place or uncomfortable.
Now an accepted workplace dress code, business casual can have many definitions. It usually includes outfits such as a traditional suit and tie for a man, or a trouser suit for a woman. These suits are less formal than the original business attire, but still look professional, orderly and appropriate in an office setting. Therefore, business casual dress is less formal, yet still maintains a certain level of formality. The problem for many people is understanding what is meant by a guideline that is frequently open to ambiguity. Falling foul of a dress code in the workplace is not something any of us wants to do, of course.
Business casual allows people to feel comfortable while, should they wish, keeping up with the latest trends. This more casual dress code saves employees time and money because they do not need to spend as much on more formal suits. Generally, if the individual employee feels more comfortable within the working environment, he or she is likely to be more productive. And of course, a happier workforce makes for better morale for the whole team.
While a more business casual attire requirement is open to interpretation, there are some general standards that just about every company would agree to. For men, tops can mean the likes of polos, button-downs or collared shirts. Sweater vests, also known as tank tops or sleeveless jumpers are fine in the cooler weather, as are crew-neck and V-neck sweaters. Usually, these items tend to be of a solid colour, and won't clash with other items of clothing.
Trousers, slacks or good-quality jeans are usually fine, again as long as they don't create a colour clash. Footwear is important, so avoid wearing open-toed shoes or sandals unless the requirements are particularly casual. Brogues, dress shoes and the like are usually a good choice, but if the company allows trainers or sneakers avoid wearing ones that are dirty or scuffed. As always, this will all depend on the company's interpretation of what makes a good business casual outfit for men.
When it comes to accessories, wristwatches, briefcases and smart hats will usually be accepted. If wearing a belt, matching it to your shoes will help you look smarter. And as for general clothing materials, think in terms of cottons, silks and perhaps denim if allowed. Khakis, chinos and corduroys are all seen as good examples of what's permitted when there is a business casual dress code. And of course, if you are ever in any doubt, be sure to speak to the HR department for a clearer classification.
A business casual dress code for women will, again, differ from one workplace to another. Usually, it would help if you wear a top and bottoms that match, as it helps to make you look professional. A blazer or cardigan goes well with a sleeveless blouse. Capris can go with a variety of tops as well. Your shoes would often tend to be comfortable flats or heels. Many offices prefer closed-toe shoes, like ballet pumps or loafers, while others allow you to wear sandals or perhaps peep-toe classic shoes. Appropriate shoe height tends to be less than three inches, although again this is for the company's own dress code to specify.
Typically, dresses should be knee length, though some companies allow dresses to be slightly above the knees. You can pair dresses up with a cardigan, jacket or blazer, especially if the dress was sleeveless. As far as colours are concerned, it would be seen as unprofessional if your outfit features a strong colour clash, and although solid colours are preferred for men, for women, this isn't as important a consideration. Choosing matching - or at least non-clashing - accessories such as bags, scarves and jewellery is a plus.
If you prefer to wear a top and skirt combination, knee-length skirts are usually in keeping with the business professional look. Other good clothing choices include khaki pants, dark jeans, a collared shirt, and perhaps a leather belt. Dress pants of a neutral colour are popular with people attending job interviews or just for general day-to-day working. In many instances, the more casual environment will often have a more relaxed attitude to its business dress code.
For both men and women, there are some things to strongly avoid. Chief among them is perhaps badly wrinkled clothing. If your attire looks unnecessarily unkempt and dishevelled, it may be seen as an unwanted reflection of the company itself, and this is even more inappropriate if you work in a customer-facing department. Remember, at all times, the way you look will be interpreted by someone somewhere as a statement on the company culture.
Another big no-no would usually be outlandishly bright colours, especially on main items of clothing such as tops, jackets and dresses. Hot pink, neon yellow and the like are perhaps best left to situations outside of the office environment. There are some workplaces, perhaps, where this would be more acceptable, but in the corporate world, it would generally be seen as unnecessarily loud. Professional dress options are more likely to be accepted.
It's easy to get bogged down with worries about what's suitable and what isn't. Your line manager or HR department will usually be able to make the necessary clarifications, but as a genal rule, it wouldn't be right to wear a t-shirt, shorts and sandals or a sundress in the office. And going to the other side of the extreme, a traditional business suit, the type of clothing that was once a requirement in so many workplace environments of the past, would be deemed too formal for business casual.
Overly formal clothing such as tuxedos and long dresses are usually wholly inappropriate for offices that require the business casual approach. Such outfits may be suitable for gala evenings and awards ceremonies, but they wouldn't be right for work. The same applies to overly shiny shoes you usually only wear at a wedding.
There are plenty of more gender-neutral clothing choices to wear for a business casual look, including sweaters, polo shirts and other tops with neutral colours and relatively muted shades. Slacks, khakis and traditional trousers are also a good idea, and can be paired with tops to create an impressive, business-like look for men, women and individuals from various gender identities. Again, closed-toe shoes, loafers, boots, shoes made of canvas or leather and good quality trainers can all be added to the ensemble for maximum effect.
Business casual as a standard will usually also include the way clothing is worn, in addition to the actual garments that are deemed acceptable. Your outfit shouldn't be stained, for example, and shouldn't feature holes, such as the holes you see in distressed jeans. If your outfit is seen as too tight-fitting, or indeed too loose, it may be seen as inappropriate to wear. Backless tops are also inadvisable, as are low-cut tops that, put simply, are too revealing.
Those who are starting a new job are particularly liable to inadvertently get things wrong. Don't assume that because someone dresses casually, they are therefore free to do whatever they please. Dress appropriately. For example, if you are interviewing for a position as a receptionist, it wouldn't be wise to arrive dressed as though you were going to a party. Your outfit should reflect your professional image.
When preparing for an interview and you are unsure about how to dress for it, ask someone who works there. Be sure to check out the dress code for the workplace. You may be surprised by what you learn. Maintaining consistency means wearing the same type of clothing every day. Even though it may seem like a hassle, it is important to dress professionally. You need to make sure that you are dressed appropriately for any occasion. In addition, you want to make sure that you do not look unprofessional by showing up to work in dirty clothing.
Dress up a little for the in-person meetings, but save the casual attire for the remote workday. Wear something that matches your usual attire, but also consider your audience. Also, more and more people are working remotely and relying on platforms such as Zoom and Teams for interviews and business meetings. Always be aware of cameras and what they may capture. Have a jacket handy so you can change quickly if necessary.
Business casual dress code should be defined by context. In customer-facing roles, the emphasis lies on the need for business attire. One of the reasons for so many misconceptions about the definition of business casual is the fact that different companies operate to different standards. Unfortunately, for the employee, this occasionally leads to getting things wrong, especially if that individual is a relatively new addition to the team.
There's often a thin line between your personal self-image and the image your company may want to project. As a rule, it would normally be better to dress more formally than informally, but the overriding principle should remain the same: if you get things wrong at any time, ask what was incorrect and don't make that mistake again. Nobody expects you to understand everything from the day you start in a new job. As long as you learn from errors nobody is likely to take too much of an offence.
If you're still unsure about business casual wear and which casual pieces might be OK to use, it's best to think in terms of not being too casual. If you have to err on the side of caution, stick to no more than one casual garment for each outfit. Unless your company operates a casual Friday system, avoid wearing that outlandish pair of Hawaiian shorts you always take on holiday. More classic, remember, is usually going to be better than more trendy.
It's also worth noting, however, that you should be dressing in outfits that sit well with the industry sector in which you're working. Is your company at the cutting edge of fashion and catering to a younger clientele? Do you work in an uber-trendy digital media agency? Or is your employer a relatively conservative law firm with prestigious offices in the centre of the city? Choosing outfits that are coherent with your company's image is going to be a must in many industries.
Throughout the corporate world, personal appearance and presentation remain some of the most important factors in employability and career advancement. While casual attire is gaining acceptance in an increasing number of modern business settings, the lack of a clear-cut definition about what constitutes business casual can be perplexing. Asking repeatedly about the dress code may seem a bit of an ordeal, but it's preferable to getting the mood of the workplace entirely wrong.
The corporate world is changing, and the way we work is changing with it. A business casual dress code gives you more freedom to dress comfortably, but always be aware of the need to get things right. A shirt with a collar is generally better than one without, and jeans, usually plain, dark and smart, are usually thought to be good. The most important thing to remember, however, is that you should never be afraid to seek guidance.
Are you ready to leave a lasting impression with your polished business casual look and attire? At Michael Page, we have a selection of career opportunities available for you. Register with us today to unlock your career potential. With a diverse range of positions and personalised support, we are your guiding partner on your path to success. Don't miss out on the chance to take your career to new heights. Set up a job alert for instant updates on exciting new roles, and begin your journey with Michael Page.
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