Dress Code: The Art of Business Casual
Business casual is one of the most dreaded forms of dress code because it is so tricky to get right. If you don't get it right, you could end up looking far too stuffy or way too relaxed for an environment. This careful blend of casual yet professional can be tricky, but you don't have to dread getting ready for work every day. These tips will help you to navigate challenging office dress codes and find a business casual style that works for you. The Basics of Dressing in Business Casual Before we get into all of the details, it's a good idea to look at the basic definition of this dress code. Business casual can vary quite a bit depending on where you live and work. Some workplaces may define business casual as jeans and a polo shirt while others include blazers and chinos in their business casual standard. Though the specific definition can vary, business casual is essentially just a relaxed form of business clothes. Almost everyone agrees that the bare minimum for counting as business casual is trousers, a shirt with a collar, and shoes that are not sandals. Slightly more mature versions of business casual can include chinos, slacks, blazers, sweaters, and nice accessories. Your basic goal should be to look put together, tidy, and well-groomed. Essential Pieces in a Business Casual Wardrobe Almost every good business casual wardrobe contains the same basic categories. You can stick to neutrals like blue, grey, brown, olive, and tan for easy matching, or you can brighten things up with pops of color. With these key pieces, you can easily create a versatile and functional business casual wardrobe. Chinos: Chinos are one step up from jeans on the dressiness level, and they are typically a thick, twill fabric made into a trouser style. These versatile pants can be worn with everything from tee-shirts to blazers. Chinos can look