The Best Newsletter Anywhere Join , subscribers and get a daily digest of news, articles, and more. She specializes in lifestyle writing and creative nonfiction. Read Full Bio ». Recently Popular. LifeSavvy is focused on a single goal: helping you make the most informed purchases possible. Want to know more? Here are the details of how to dress appropriately for any occasion:. Casual dress code refers to clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet clean and professional.
A dressy casual dress code is a versatile balance between formal and casual. This is the ideal choice for networking or socializing after work, fundraisers, or dinner at a nice restaurant. A semi-formal dress code is best described as being more formal than what you would wear to an office, but slightly less formal than what you would wear to a formal event.
A business formal dress code is characterized by a suit jacket with matching pants or a skirt. The darker the suit, the more formal. There are seasonal variations as well as matching accessories to personalize your look, but they should not be a distraction in any way.
Casual business attire is pretty ambiguous, but generally means slacks, khakis, or a skirt with a dress shirt, blouse or polo. Dresses and seasonal sport coats fall into this dress code as well.
Read more about business casual dress codes. Black tie attire is slightly less formal than white tie, but it is more formal than business attire. It is the most common formal dress code for events such as weddings, proms, formal dinners, and theatre. Do not wear jeans or shorts. Athletic socks are also a no-no. The following will help you solidify good standing in a new position:. Look Before You Leap: If you are new to a job, avoid dressing like you're heading to a picnic until you understand the company standards.
It's wiser to dress on the conservative side rather than showing up underdressed. Check with HR or a colleague to determine what exactly business casual means for your company.
During job interviews, it's always best to opt for the more formal version of business casual. Even if you show up and your interviewer is clad in shorts or a short skirt, that doesn't mean it would be appropriate for you to dress that way.
During a job interview, you want to make a good impression, and part of that is dressing professionally. Here are outfits you shouldn't wear to a job interview , regardless of the dress code.
Maintain Consistency : If you wear professional and conservative outfits Monday through Thursday, don't show up Friday looking unrecognizable in ragged shorts and a concert t-shirt.
That's true even if your office has "casual Fridays," when dressing down a bit is appropriate. While it's acceptable at many companies to wear jeans, for instance, you should opt for your best jeans, not a pair with stains or ripped cuffs. Your outfit should always be formal enough even on casual Fridays that you can comfortably attend an unexpected meeting with your boss or client.
No matter what kind of company you work for, maintaining a consistent image helps to establish trust and credibility with you as an employee. Consider Your Calendar : If you're meeting with clients or scheduling a business lunch, dress on the conservative side out of respect for the people you're meeting with.
Save the casual comfort for a time when you'll be in the office all day. When the dress code is business casual, it's not appropriate to wear your favorite old t-shirt, ripped jeans, ratty sneakers, or flip-flops.
Remember the "business" part of business casual, and leave your old comfortable clothes at home: outfits should still be clean, pressed, and fit properly. Men do not have the option to skip shaving or to go without a belt.
Women should not wear anything that's too tight, flowing, short, or low cut. Make sure that bra straps aren't visible. And it's a good idea to keep makeup natural and low-key. What do you wear when there's no dress code at all, and almost anything goes? How casual is too casual?
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