Renu Dalal-Jain
is a certified image consultant and owner of
Flair Consulting
in Philadelphia, PA. She is a graduate of The Image Maker Inc. School and a member of the Association of Image Consultants International. Before returning to her first love of fashion and style, Renu completed her graduate studies with Honors, in International Marketing, and worked in the pharmaceutical market research industry. Renu has also worked in the Indian fashion industry in India as a model, fashion show choreographer and clothing designer.
What Exactly is Business Casual??
Tips for dressing for success in a casual office environment.
This article is for a reader
(Please keep the questions coming to me at: renu@flairconsulting.com
and I will post answers in my column!!) who asked me what kind of clothes she should wear in a more casual office environment.
As an image consultant, I really hate the words "business casual" - because if it's business, it really isn't casual - your work is your livelihood after all, and should be taken seriously. Twenty years ago, it was easy to understand what was acceptable and what wasn't in the workplace.
The dark blue or black suit with a white shirt and a tie for men, or a scarf for women was the standard uniform in the corporate world. Today, more casual dress codes mean that you have more choices in what to wear - which also means that it's easy to make mistakes.
My tips for dressing for success in a casual office environment are:
1. Don't wear jeans. Notice I didn't say, "don't wear denim". A tailored denim jacket in a dark wash is very appropriate with a pair of chinos (also known as khakis) or slacks, and a good-quality t-shirt underneath. Denim trousers in a dark blue or gray wash, with no whiskers or fading, are also appropriate with a dressy blouse or button-down
shirft, and matching belt and shoes or boots. However, your favorite pair of Levis are NOT acceptable in the workplace.
2. Cargo pants are NOT chinos. If your khaki pants have more than four pockets, they are cargo pants and they are great for hunting, fishing or hiking. They are not appropriate for a meeting with your boss.
3. Don't show your toes. A lot of people wear sandals to work, which, in my opinion, are entirely too casual for the office environment. Would you wear your bathing suit to work? Then why wear the sandals that go with your bathing suit to work? For men, sandals are a definite no-no, and for women, the most I would recommend is a pair of peep-toed pumps.
4. Whatever you wear to the gym does not belong in the office – this means t-shirts without collars, sneakers, track suits, sweatshirts, or white socks. Just don't do it!
Women need to be extra careful about their wardrobe in the workplace – it is easy to lose the perception of your power and professionalism, so here are some tips just for ladies:
5. Don't wear sleeveless shirts to work (unless it's a shell underneath a jacket).
6. Bright or noticeably chipped nail polish is distracting.
7. Jewelry that jingles, chimes or makes any sort of noise is also distracting.
8. Short skirts or shorts are appropriate at parties or at home, but never at work.
9. “Cute” attire like flowery dresses, overalls and barrettes are
disempowering.
10. Pierced ears with no earrings look unfinished. Wear a pair of discreet studs at all times.
Here are some things you CAN wear in a relaxed office environment:
* Microfiber blend or wool crepe pants
*Cotton pants, chinos, Dockers, corduroys
* Tailored silk or cotton skirts at knee-length
* Dark denim blazer or trousers
* Pullover sweaters in cotton, wool or silk
* Cotton shirts in bolder colors and patterns
* Knit shirts
* Short sleeved shirts (with collars)
* Vests
* Leather shoes, boots, flats and low heels, with heavier, more textured soles
* Leather, woven or fabric belts
* Fabric shoes such as canvas, velvet or tweed
The most important thing to remember is that your appearance will play a significant role in your success in the corporate world, and if you're not sure of what to wear, dress up. As I always say, "No one ever got fired for wearing a suit".
