It’s Business (Casual) Time

Posted on April 23, 2008
Filed Under Culture, Style U | By Nikki Martinez

You’ve landed your dream summer internship or that corporate job that’s going to take you straight to the top. But not wearing that. Before your first day, make sure you have deciphered the dress code. Business attire, like your old private school uni, eliminates the guess work because it means suit, tie, collared shirt, and very little else. Casual usually allows for jeans, t-shirts, and walking shoes. But what about the in-between?

Wall Street Journal On Style columnist Christina Binkley’s article, “Business Casual: All Business, Never Casual”, quotes an image consultant as saying that business casual is “the black hole of style”. It’s tricky to figure out what is appropriate because the word ‘casual’ means different things to everyone. As a general rule, if you are at a corporate office, don’t stray too far from business attire. For guys, invest in a few pairs of dark slacks that you can wear with collared shirts and dress shoes. For a little extra comfort and a slightly dressed-down approach, look for ones that a little stretch (or, ask the store lady).

Ladies have more options, thus more questions abound. Can I wear a dress? How can I wear denim? Knee-length skirts that aren’t too snug, dress pants, collared shirts, low-heeled pumps are all safe bets. Crew neck or v-neck blouses, non-summer dresses, boots and flats are usually appropriate, but stay conservative, which means refrain from too-strappy sandals and plunging necklines. If you get the green light for denim, make sure it’s pressed and clean.

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2 Responses to “It’s Business (Casual) Time”

  1. Nikki Martinez on April 23rd, 2008 2:42 pm

    The first photo is a good business-casual look because the staples are there - slacks and blazer - but they aren’t coordinating, so it still has a casual feel. The sweater underneath is appropriate because it’s still fairly conservative. Also, the overall look is still polished and clean-cut.

    The second look is definitely a more liberal interpretation of business-casual. First, I wouldn’t recommend wearing all white to work, or ever, in fact. Even in pieces, it’s not very professional. The blazer may work for an after-hours, outdoor get-together, maybe paired with a casual shoe and pastel, collared shirt. Otherwise, save this ensemble for the weekends.

  2. Jon on April 23rd, 2008 11:19 pm

    nikki can you review these ensembles? thanks
    http://www.worldofstock.com/closeups/PWO1872.php
    http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1191/1215327802_b9f2ea511f.jpg

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