Guide to Business Casual for Men & Women

Back to the Office? Here's How to Dress for Success!

As many of us begin heading back into the office after a comfortable year at home or are starting a new career altogether, tons of questions spring to mind when we try to plan new office outfits. What is casual business clothing? Are jeans business casual? Can leggings be office attire? With all of these office wardrobe questions buzzing through your mind, it can be hard to concentrate on what's ahead; your actual job!

Merchology has put together this helpful Business Casual Dress Guide to ensure you shine at the office rather than keep tugging on your shirt. This guide to dressing smart casual will cover everything from "Are sneakers okay for the office?" to "What's the difference between business casual and business professional?" Merchology can help you dress sharp for every job situation to get ahead in your career this year! From day-to-day office outfits to evening business events out on the town; crisp, nice casual fashion can help you feel prepared for every outing.

Smart casual attire can elevate your daily look and help propel you into the future career that you truly want. There is, however, quite a bit of flexibility in what this style looks like depending upon the atmosphere of your specific company or industry. Your personal taste can also directly influence the business casual outfits that can work for you! Let's run through the foundation of the semi-formal workplace, a seasonal guide of dressing for the office, and the dos and don'ts of office outfits.

What Does Business Casual Mean?

Business casual is a widely used and loosely defined Western dress code used for offices and workplaces. Changing from company to company, the corporate dress code look combines professional pieces such as blazers and dress shirts with relaxed, informal wear such as slacks and skirts. Generally accepted by businesses throughout the United States starting in the 1990s, after the widespread admiration of Casual Friday, smart casual attire is now largely accepted throughout most of the western hemisphere.

Office attire is tending to skew more casual with each decade as workplaces evolve and technology allows for more flexible locations. Essentially starting with the full business suits worn in the 1950s, business casual attire has slowly become a style of clothing that is less formal but still intending to deliver a professional impression.

Why is there a Business Casual Dress Code?

The business casual dress code aims to hit a comfortable note between businesslike and relaxed. In many companies and organizations, wearing a full and fitted suit can deliver a stuffy, uptight feel. On the other hand, grass-stained jeans and flip-flops can undermine your professional efforts and prevent solid career growth.

The aim of the semi-formal office outfit is to emphasize your business focus, strengths, and personality while also prohibiting your from setting you apart in a negative way. Let your individual choices shine along with your professional endeavors by presenting a clean-cut appearance that doesn't detract from your hard work!

Business Casual Dress Guide for Men

While the style looked amazing, gone are the days of Mad Men lounge suits and formal attire. As generations grow and companies evolve, the business casual dress code policy reigns large in the office world. Also, with more corporate retreats, business conferences, and outdoor business meetings on the golf course; hitting the right note with the semi-business dress code helps employees look professional, self-assured, and comfortable all at once.

While relaxing overall, determining what exactly this corporate dress code means can be tricky. Are short sleeves business casual? Can I wear jeans to the office? Where can I buy professional, casual clothes? Here's a quick and easy breakdown of what works for dressing smart at your business and what not to wear for your first day in the corporate offices.

What Should Men Wear for Business Casual Dress Code

• Blazer - A classic way to tidy up nearly any outfit, blazers are a timeless way to create a clean-cut yet casual look for men. Choose a versatile blazer color such as navy blue, black, or grey for a chic office look with zero extra effort. Popular blazer materials include wool, cotton, polyester, and others that deliver a clean look combined with durability.
• Button-Down Shirt or Dress Shirt - Button-up shirts are a must-have in the business casual office wardrobe! Combining the clean-cut look of semi-formal attire with the light airy feel of cotton and polyblend materials; men's dress shirts are perfect for the business casual style. Employees should have white button-up dress shirts at the ready for interviews, important meetings, and daily looks.
• Slacks - Arguably, one of the toughest pieces of the overall office look is the pants of your outfit. While some companies are fine with nice, fitted denim jeans, it's a much safer bet to start your position with dress slacks or trousers. Showing clean lines and a semi-formal look, slacks are an automatic win for the laid back business look.
• Quality Sweaters - When the weather starts turning a bit chilly, warm, thick sweaters can absolutely be worn in a business style. Kick your corporate outfit up a notch by wearing a collared shirt underneath for an increasingly classy look.
• Polos - Another point in the business casual guide that largely depends upon your specific organization is wearing polo shirts in the office. Largely, especially in the warmer summer days, polo shirts can be worn in the office. It's recommended, however, to hold off on wearing your crisp polo shirt to work until you've seen the atmosphere of the company itself.
• Classic Loafers - The ideal footwear piece of the office, a pair of standard loafers are perfect to complete your day-to-day look. Invest in some smart casual shoes by purchasing a pair of brown dress shoes and black dress shoes to prepare for future outfits while looking put together.
• Leather Belt - While men and women can certainly appear professional without a belt, a classic leather belt is an accessory that will never go out of style! An added bonus to this finishing piece is that no longer will you have to pull up sagging pants or worry about a shirt coming untucked mid-meeting.

What Men Should Avoid for Business Casual:

• Scuffed or Dirty Gym Shoes - While we know that they're comfortable, please remember to leave your gym shoes at home! While clean dress sneakers can be accepted in some company cultures, the tennis shoes you've worked out in for months just won't make the cut. Dirty or smelly sneakers are not workplace accepted.
• Flip Flops - Luckily, the majority of corporate offices will be nice and air-conditioned throughout those sticky summer months, meaning leave those flip-flops at home! Some companies may offer logo branded flip flops that can be worn at work on fun days, however, largely flip flop sandals are not okay for the office.
• Well-Worn T-Shirts - No matter how much you love your favorite t-shirt, if you've enjoyed it for years it's not a fit for the business casual look. Stains, rips, and frayed hems don't project the professional look you want.
• Shorts - Unfortunately, many company dress codes don't allow shorts as it is not considered a professional look among corporations throughout most of the US. While it may acceptable for some younger start-up companies on the west coast, it's generally accepted that there are no business casual shorts.
• Graphic Shirts or Sweatshirts - It's best to remain neutral in your office clothing style in order to avoid offending anyone or feeling off-putting to others. One way to do this is to avoid t-shirts with slogans, sayings, or celebrities that could be viewed as offensive.
• Overly Baggy Pants - Even if you have the most wonderfully made, on-trend trousers or slacks available; if you're swimming in them, your look is lost.

Business Casual Dress Guide for Women

Women's clothing offers a wide variety of style options and design choices that generations of women earlier simply didn't have when it comes to their careers. No longer must women strictly wear full dresses and high heels to fit the company office dress codes. Now women can choose from a wide variety of corporate attire that fit their personality, job description, and individual style.

One of the most difficult things about all of these options, however, is knowing what to choose! Most women are wondering what's considered okay for the office including leggings, sleeveless shirts, boots, and more. Here's a quick on semi-formal fashion for women, women's business casual outfits, and what not to wear to the office for women.

What Should Women Wear for Business Casual Dress Code:

• Blazer - Perfect for polishing any professional outfit as well as keeping warm around unpredictable air conditioning, blazers are a great addition to your corporate wardrobe. By bringing clean lines to your look, blazers are efficient and chic at the same time.
• Trouser Pants - A classic look for everyone in the office, slacks or trousers provide a fantastic option for the office. Some slacks in a versatile black, blue, or grey color can be a finishing touch to any top.
• Blouses and Dress Shirts - Button-up shirts, blouses, and dress shirts bring a level of maturity and style to any office outfit. Business casual blouses for women can help present a strong, reliable aura for the corporate world while still allowing for personal style to shine through.
• Sweaters, Cardigans, and Turtleneck Sweaters - A wonderfully chic way to complete office attire looks for women, sweaters, and cardigans can be a perfect corporate mid-layer piece for the office. As fashionable and classic as they look, business cardigans or sweaters can also keep you comfortable in changing seasons and air conditioner temperatures.
• Knee-Length Dresses and Skirts - Proper dresses and skirts can be a great one-piece outfit or easy smart casual combination for the office! Cool, loose, and comfortable, midi-length dresses and skirts are ideal for the office environment.
• Flat Shoes, High Heels, Wedge Shoes, and Boots - Shoe options can be quite open for ladies in the office these days! From casual and clean-cut flats to empowering platforms and stilettos; business casual shoes for women certainly run the gamut. As long as these shoes are not too flashy, uncomfortable, or too minimalist (flip flops for example), a modern office will allow for individuals to select their favorite shoe styles.

What Should Women Avoid for Business Casual Dress:

• Flip-Flops - One of the biggest offenders on the human resources dress code is easily flip-flops. Even when dressed up elegantly, many people wonder, "Are flip-flops okay for the office?" While they may be a summertime favorite, flips flops are not business casual shoes, nor are they often allowed within the corporate workplace.
• Graphic Shirts or Sweatshirts - Remember to keep your professional self at the front of your activities at work by avoiding graphic tees or logo t-shirts at the office. Let your work be the focus of your day and keep the graphic tees at home!
• Too Tight Clothing - Allow your ideas and work efforts to flow easily by avoiding clothing or accessories that are too tight when at the office.
• Overly Revealing Clothing - Skip the pulling and shifting throughout the day by avoiding any overly revealing clothing in the workplace. If planning on going out later in the night, simply bring extra clothes to change into for a smooth day at the office!
• Shorts - While some offices may allow certain short styles in the office or give the okay for certain casual days; the majority of companies will frown upon shorts being worn in the workplace.
• Distressed Denim - As denim items such as clean-looking jean jackets or boot-cut jeans are clearly making their way into the approved business casual dress guide; there are still some items to skip. Distressed denim such as jeans with holes and rips are not clothing items meant for the workplace.
• Leggings or Yoga Pants - Unless you are wearing these items as a base layer underneath a dress or skirt, tight leggings and yoga pants are not appropriate company wear.

Gender Neutral Business Casual Dress Code

Non-Binary business casual and professional attire allow for a wide array of freedom within their pieces to showcase each individual's personal style. Choose any of the recommended interview attire and business dress codes pieces that best represent your aesthetic and individuality. Businesses encourage employees to dress in accordance with their gender identity and gender expression so they may feel their most comfortable.

Corporate Casual Dress in Summer

Choosing the perfect business casual outfits for men and women in hot weather can be tricky as the desire to remain cool is as high as the temperature! An easy way to remain corporate casual in even the most humid months is to choose natural, light fabric such as pure cotton or linen. Fabrics like these will allow you to stick with the same office outfits you love while keeping you feeling relaxed and focused.

With many companies returning to the office after months working remotely and the summer heat turning up, a lot of employees may find a more relaxed dress code policy of business casual during the summer months. While allowing for comfortable corporate attire, professional looks are still expected and required. If you have any questions about a certain outfit or clothing item, feel free to ask your Human Resources manager for their input!

Business Casual Dress in Winter

As dressing more professionally becomes easier in the often frigid winter months, keeping a classic look can still be important for the office. Business casual winter outfits for men and women can be stylish and on-point while still presenting a professional atmosphere.

As many of us have to trudge through snow or rain in our winter commutes, an easy start to a winter professional look is to bring an extra pair of in-office shoes! Once at your desk, choose to slip into daily wear office-appropriate loafers or slip-ons to avoid bringing slush and sleet with you throughout the day.

Cold drafts can come on at any moment, be sure to be prepared with an extra sweater or jacket on hand right at your desk. While full winter down jackets can be too bulky for office wear, a casual cardigan or branded pullover can hit just the perfect temperature while also striking a competent corporate look!

Custom Clothes for Office Dress Codes

Logo Branded Company Clothing

An easy way for companies to keep business casual dress codes are met while also creating a bonding piece for the employees at your office, learn more about logo branded business clothing pieces from Merchology! Add your unique corporate logo to sweaters, dress shirts, sweatshirts, and more for a one-of-a-kind employee gift or uniform the whole team will love!

Keeping custom corporate sweaters and jackets on hand can ensure that your whole office stays warm, professional, and appropriate any time of the year. Consider creating a unique corporate gift bundle by including logo-branded water bottles, notebooks, pens, and more to show your employee appreciation!