How the Modern Woman Makes Business Casual Happen

Joanne Tombrakos recently reflected in a Forbes Magazine article that her attitudes towards business casual changed as she moved up in seniority in her company. Climbing the corporate ladder often gives the climber the feeling that they should be able to express their personal lives more through their clothing. As someone who is artistically inclined and work as a corporate temp for 5 years of college, I caught on pretty quick to what she was getting at about what is and is not correct concerning business casual.

Business Casual Is Just Another Costume

Whether or not you are in the corporate world, it is always handy to know about the business casual costume option in America. You may want to make an impression on your child's school teacher or use a neutral kind of clothing style to show social respect.

For example, a person asked to appear at a cultural event that they are not familiar with may want to dress up for the occasion. In America, business casual is about being dressed up without being overdressed. However, like a Halloween costume, business casual is a specific uniform.

No Matter What, You Are At Work And Not At The Gym

The first piece of advice that one should follow is that flirty and strapping things are still out. While we may be blurring the lines of what business casual means, we do have a defined idea of what it is not. Other items to avoid are exercise clothing, flip flops and yoga pants.

There Is A Business Casual Uniform For Men And Women

Khakis and golf shirts are always going to be business casual standbys. However, most people feel that these are unbearable uniforms to wear on a regular basis. For women looking to break out of the business casual blues, there are many helpful books and suggestions that will help you to transform your wardrobe around an accepted business casual theme.

Your Business Casual Safety Item Is A Jacket

One rule of thumb is to always wear a jacket. A simple blazer or cover-up can go far to give something that is a bit too much in the personality department a nice professional final touch. The other rule of thumb is to control how many patterns and colors you're working with.

Learn About Neutrals And Use Them As Much As Possible

In general, you should always have a pallet of neutrals that are complemented by one bold color. Overall, a lot can be learned by observing the other staff members and those that are in management. One of the main problems that management has is how to define business casual for the rest of the group.

When In Doubt, Consult Business Casual Professionals

Managers that are not fashion inclined need to consult a local department store. Not only will a helpful store manager be able to tell you about the upcoming trends, but they can also help style the workers in your office. When you establish your office or firm with an accepted fashion retailer, you can refer any employees or friends that need business casual fashion help to the shop.

Before you know it, your favorite retail store will feel like they are one of your team. Call me a biased corporate worker and artist, but visually speaking, sound business casual advice from a local retailer is the key to your entire company's presentation.

Resources:

Forbes Magazine - Cracking the Code On Business Casual