This guide outlines the difference between business casual vs business professional attire, with items you can include for each.
We’ve all heard the saying ‘dress for success’ and it applies to many situations. Whether it’s a job interview, professional event or party, your appearance is important. But with the changing trends, and the increasing acceptance of ‘business casual’ some of us still struggle to get it right.
While it seems simple for men to dress for business, women can just as easily match the standard — and you don’t need to empty your wallet on a corporate wardrobe. Of course the situation determines what you wear; however to keep it simple and safe: dress conservatively.
“Wall Street Journal” columnist Christina Binkley notes that the term “business casual vs business professional” is sometimes misunderstood, causing employees to wear inappropriate clothing. In general, business casual attire is a relaxed version of business formal attire. For men, this means wearing a golf shirt with khaki pants, or no tie. In some office settings, business casual involves wearing khaki or dress pants with a less formal jacket over a dress shirt.
Casual business for women presents more options and also pitfalls. Casual khakis with a T-shirt and cardigan ensemble or conservative skirt and blouse qualify as business casual. Jeans are acceptable in some offices with this type of attire, and pantyhose are optional. Business casual dress code offices generally provide more flexibility for footwear for both men and women, making loafers and casual shoes more acceptable. However, you should never mistake this style for a weekend or completely casual look. The clothes that you would wear to a barbecue in your garden or to be in your house, is possibly too informal for an office in which you must present yourself with confidence.
General style tips for business casual vs business professional
No matter what style is used in your office, there are certain principles that help you maintain a neat and professional image at all times. Even casual clothes should be clean, ironed, and in good condition – save frayed hems and stained pants for gardening on the weekend. Buy good quality shoes and keep them in good condition, and keep your accessories small and tasteful. Do not distract your colleagues with fashionable objects, or very flashy or tight clothing. Women need to wear appropriate underwear: wear an ecru or white bra under your white shirts, and never wear clothing that reveals what you are wearing underneath.
Unless you wear a uniform, the clothes you choose to go to work have serious consequences for your professional image and your career. If you work in a conservative field like a bank or law firm, it may be obvious that you need to dress formal every day. If your company or department is more informal, it can be more difficult to determine what you should wear. Familiarizing yourself with the most common styles of dressing in the business world will help you avoid sending the wrong message to co-workers and clients.
Business casual vs business professional dressing
So what are the main rules and differences between business casual vs business professional attire? Here are our favourite tips on putting an outfit together for each standard.
Business Casual
The business casual outfit is simple to put together and is worn in most office environments. Starting from the bottom, flat shoes or small and medium heels can be worn. Save the sky-high stilettos and Lady Gaga platforms for the weekend. In cases that are not “most office environments” such as the shared office, workspace, or workbase as they can be called, the dress code will differ greatly from professional dress to rather casual dress, as there is no specified dress code.
A skirt, trousers or khaki pants can be worn, however the skirt should be no shorter than where your fingertips end when your arms are by your sides. A neat shirt can be dressed up with a suit jacket or cardigan.
If you’re attending an interview or event in summer, wear your cardigan or suit jacket in the waiting area and take it off once in the room if it’s too warm. Colours and patterns are acceptable for business casual dress, but keep them fairly subdued. You don’t want to look like you’re auditioning for a clown act.
Professional
The professional outfit is usually a suit or business dress. For medical professionals, it is best to avoid wearing scrubs or casual clothing to an interview, even though you won’t be dressing professionally everyday for work, you need to for your interview.
A suit can be viewed as a business uniform, as it is a set piece — which simplifies your wardrobe choices. Yes, suits are the most expensive items you will buy, but they are a good long-term investment.
Suits should be solid colours like black or navy, and with minimal or no stripes so mix and matching in the future is easy. Some muted colours are also acceptable, but stay away from bright hues … again, you don’t want to look like Ronald McDonald.
For shoes, low heels are acceptable but if you are not comfortable wearing any heels, neat flats can still make the outfit work. Your jacket should match or enhance pants, slacks or dress.
General tips for any business situation
Here are our favourite tips to complete your professional look whether business casual vs business professional dressing.
- It may seem obvious but make sure your outfit is wrinkle and lint free.
- Also check any buttons or zips on your outfit are done up.
- Grooming is important for both men and women.
- Hair should be clean, neat and avoid the “messy” look.
- Accessories can be worn, but kept to being minimal and simple. And generally one is enough.
- Nail polish should not be loud but kept to solid or neutral colours.
- Perfume is refreshing when worn correctly, the smell should be subtle and not overwhelming when you walk into a room.
- When selecting a shirt or blouse, avoid lettering or graphics.
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