- Business Insider asked professional stylist and the designer share the meaning of “business casual”.
- Pants and sweaters are Work wardrobe essentials Always suitable for the office.
- On the other hand, flip-flops and baseball caps are not appropriate for professional wear.
Most people live further away from their offices than they did before 2020. But that doesn't mean we won't encounter the sometimes scary and often ambiguous “business casual” dress code again.
To help demystify the term, Business Insider asked two stylists and three designers to share which pieces of clothing are always considered business casual and which are never. .
Here's what they said:
Pants are a wardrobe essential.
According to personal stylist and owner Monica Diaz, pants are always appropriate for work, regardless of gender. monica diaz mode.
“You can use wool in the winter and cotton in the warmer months,” she told BI.
Polo shirts offer comfort and professionalism.
According to La Peony founder and design director Melony Huber, polo shirts are nice and clean without being too complicated.
“Polo can go straight from the boardroom to a networking event, or out to dinner or golf,” the designer told BI.
She said this is a versatile top that should be on everyone's list when packing for a business casual work event.
Chino pants are the perfect balance between formal and casual.
According to Patrick Kenger, personal and celebrity stylist and image consultant at Pivot, chinos are the perfect medium between casual and formal.
Diaz also promoted simple pants, saying they should fit well (not too big) and be in a neutral color (black, blue, brown, or tan).
A custom dress is an easy and suitable option.
According to Kenger, tailored dresses are widely considered to be a good choice for business-casual environments.
“Choose a style that isn't too tight or revealing. Consider pairing it with a blazer or cardigan to add warmth and sophistication,” he tells BI. Ta.
Loafers are perfect for business casual style.
Shoes may seem especially difficult when it comes to putting together a business casual look, but Kenger said loafers are a pretty safe option.
Choose leather or suede options in neutral colors.
A blazer instantly elevates your ensemble.
According to Kenger, a fitted blazer adds a touch of class to any business-casual outfit.
“Tailoring is a good choice here, and it's also good to invest in pieces in neutral colors like navy, black and charcoal gray for maximum comfort,” the designer told BI.
Sweaters are always safe.
Sweaters have been a go-to item for professionals for decades, Hoover said. Plus, it's comfortable and perfect for layering.
“We recommend a fitted sweater that's not too baggy or too big, otherwise it will look a little too casual, like loungewear,” the designer told BI.
On the other hand, flip-flops are never the right shoe choice.
According to Vetted founder and fashion designer Jamie Lewin, casual sandals like flip-flops or slides are never considered business casual.
Consider more formal footwear options, such as loafers or ballet flats, that can provide comparable comfort without sacrificing style.
Graphic T-shirts can be distracting and inappropriate.
T-shirts with graphics or slogans are often seen as distracting, says Britt Barkwell, designer and co-founder of T. LINE.
“I never want my clothing choices to start a conversation,” she told BI.
Instead, if you're looking for comfort, Lewin recommended pairing a plain round or V-neck T-shirt with a blazer.
Save the distressed denim for the weekend.
According to Barkwell, oversized or distressed denim should not be worn to work. Instead, wash it for a better fit.
Mr. Huber recommended classic dark wash denim with no embellishments.
Ball caps and snapbacks are not suitable for work.
Avoid wearing baseball caps in office environments.
“A business environment, even business casual, is a time to take off your hat,” Hoover told BI.
Please keep athletic wear and training wear in the gym.
Athleisure should never be worn to the office, Lewin says, and workout-friendly clothes should be reserved for the gym or errands.
Hoover recommended finding comfortable slacks or dark jeans and layering by replacing your sports bra and tank top with a camisole.
Crop tops don't work.
Crop tops may be trendy, but they're too casual for a professional setting.
Instead, kenger We recommend wearing a tailored sleeveless blouse or a lightweight shell tank under a blazer.
