When it comes business casual dressing, there are more questions than answers. There’s no specific definition of what business casual is but the easiest way to define it is by imagining what you would get if you combined what you would wear to the office and what you would wear while running errands. It’s meant to be appropriate while being slightly more comfortable but you still have to use your best judgment for the environment in which you will wear the business casual attire to.

While we can’t help with every place you need to wear business casual attire to, here are some general rules that will work for any business casual occasion.

Sportswear is not allowed. Hats, sneakers (slip-ons too), and sweatpants should be avoided when dressing BC. There is such a thing as too casual and these pieces will definitely make the look inappropriate.

You need at least 1 dressy piece. Whether it’s trousers, a blazer, or a pencil skirt, it’s important to keep the business in BC present. You can wear more than 1 dressy piece, like trousers and a blazer, for example, and wear a loose solid colored t-shirt underneath.
Stay away from denim. Denim is basically the poster child for casual but it’s also too casual for the work place. Stay with the dressier options like blends, silk, cotton, etc.

Hide your toes. Generally, open-toe shoes aren’t ideal for business attire and the same should be carried in to BC. Stick with shoes where your toes are hidden (unless it’s summer) for proper shoe code.

Stick with neutral colors. Although you’ll be wearing more casual attire, you still have to consider where you’re dressing for. Avoid wearing metallics, loud prints, and loud colors as this will deviate the attention from work to what you’re wearing.
 
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