How to Dress Business Casual: Men

Many businesses allow somewhat casual attire at least once a week,
but dress codes vary. Here are some guidelines for dressing business casual,
which is a notch below business formal.

men

 

  • Ask your human resources department for official guidelines. Business casual means different things at different companies. At a large corporation, it may mean a sport coat with a tie; at a smaller company, it may mean khakis and a polo shirt.
  • Before you go casual, check your daily planner to make sure you do not have any meetings that require formal business attire.
  • Select clean, pressed and wrinkle-free clothes. Your outfit should communicate professionalism.
  • Wear a collared shirt with an undershirt. You can break up the oxford shirt monotony by wearing a linen or flannel shirt or one with a band collar.
  • Knitted shirts and polo shirts are also generally acceptable. A casual sport coat is appropriate.
  • Wear khakis, chinos, corduroys or other nondenim slacks. Check your company's policy before you decide to wear jeans to work. Be sure to wear a belt, and have it match the color of your shoes.
  • Wear socks that match the color of your pants - leave white socks or tube socks in your gym bag.
  • Limit visible body piercings to your ears. Cover any tattoos or other forms of body art with clothing.
  • Choose oxfords, loafers, or rubber-soled leather shoes or boots for casual day. Wingtips are often too formal. Worn-out shoes, sandals or athletic shoes do not make the grade.

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Tips:

  • Observe what others are wearing to get an idea of what is acceptable, if your company has no written guidelines.
  • Your casual-day outfit should be formal enough that you can throw on a sport coat and meet a client.