Casual Dress

The objective of the company in establishing a casual dress code is to enable employees to project a professional business-like image while experiencing the advantage of being more comfortable with casual and relaxed clothing. It is however necessary that casual clothing upholds professionalism.

Casual dress in business places should not be too revealing and just because the workplace allows a business casual dress code, clothing that you might wear to the beach, exercise or to run errands aren’t suitable for the business casual workplace. Common sense should allow employees to assume that shorts, low-cut shirts, halter or tube tops, ratty jeans, denim, spandex, jeans , team log shirts, sweat suits, warm up suits , provocative and revealing  clothing of any kind and T-shirts to be saved for a picnic at the beach.

Just how casual one can dress depends of course on the type of institution one is working for. For example, jeans, sneakers and flip flops are becoming more popular and widely acceptable in the tech savvy, internet age of companies where face to face interaction with clients is very rare. It has been proven by successful companies like Microsoft, that casual dress code and work environment can be productive and provide optimum results for the company. However, this attire is believed to be inappropriate in a more formal corporate setting.

Casual dress for women; Skirts and dresses are acceptable as long as the hem falls past the knees, Discretion is the better of valor, try to avoid from cuts that are distracting. Avoid dresses; specifically skirts, that are more skin-tight. Looser fittings do not necessarily mean classless. Female staff should opt for pants such as khakis, corduroy pants, linen pants or dress pants. A nice pantsuit paired with a beautiful blouse is about as timeless as you can get for women’s business casual. If jeans are allowed by the employer, distressed jeans, jeans with holes are not amongst the desirable choices. 

Neutral colors are best. Regarding shirts, women have a few more options as compared to their men counter parts. Blouses, plain shirts, sweaters, turtlenecks, vests and sleeveless shirts are all acceptable. The shirts can be tucked –in or un-tucked depending on the type, unusual patterns would do ok as long as they are not wild. The standard however, is the monotone shirt. A collar can be used for a more formal look while a collarless shirt would do for a less formal look. In footwear, leather shoes, flat trouser shoes, high heels and open toed shoes are good, flip flops and sneakers should be avoided. To complete the business casual look, dress with socks or pantyhose (with skirts or dresses) and accessorize with a bit of light jewellery and a simple hand bag. By following these tips one is set to go to work in a casual yet presentable style.