Let's Talk About Shoes

One suggested footwear item for the working woman includes a pair of nude shoes. Nude means that it matches your skin tone, so shop around for the correct color. If it matches your skin tone, it elongates your legs....and because they're just an extension of you, you don’t have to worry about matching your shoes with your clothes. Nude goes with everything.

Another Important Business Casual Tip is to Keep it Classic

Ultra-trendy is fun and has a place in every wardrobe

but in the world of business casual,

timeless classic pieces are usually best. 

A Nice Pair of Jeans is a MUST

A nice pair of dressy jeans is a staple item for that professional's wardrobe. They've got to be in a dark rinse or black. They are so appropriate for those casual situations like networking sessions, trainings or conferences. Pair them with a classic blazer or jacket. Finish it off with boots, ballet flats or simple pumps and you're ready for any situation.

Neutral is a Good Place to Start - Keepin' it Business Casual!

Neutral doesn't mean all tan, either. Black, gray, brown, navy, ivory, khaki and taupe are all good neutral choices. Mix and Match! Then you can easily add color with you accessories -- a great scarf, headband or belt can make a statement and show your personality.....and still be professional!

Another Closet Staple for the Professional Woman is a Dress

But, you don't need to be boring! A sheath dress, though popular and appropriate, is not your only option.  You could opt for something more interesting under a blazer or cardi -- to show a little bit of your own personality.  There are a couple of things to remember when choosing your dress, though. Don't show any cleavage; make sure it's not too short; and choose a pattern and color that's not too "wild".  

Business Casual Continued

You're getting ready to refinance your home. You've got an appointment scheduled at the bank. There are two lending specialists available. One is wearing flip flops, a t-shirt and casual pants. The other is wearing a simple skirt, blouse and pumps.

Which one seems more professional? Like it or not, in the business world, image does matter. How you dress or what you wear makes a difference. It's one of the first things your boss, co-workers and clients notice. What you wear says something about you - so you DO want to make sure you're saying the right things!

Our first tip is to keep it covered. No matter what your personal style, business casual never means "business sexy."  Skirts of an appropriate length (not mini skirts), full length pants and higher necklines are safe bets and in today's business world, dressy capris are also acceptable.

The ABC's of Dress Codes

A company's objective in establishing a business casual dress code, is to allow employees to work comfortably in their environment yet still look professional for customers, potential employees and visitors to the workplace.

Business casual dress seems to be the accepted "standard" for corporate dress code today. The problem is that it's confusing, and seems to differ from place to place.

Some casual clothing is not suitable for the office, though. Clothing that is appropriate for the beach, yoga, etc. are not appropriate choices for a professional environment.

Clothing that reveals any cleavage is absolutely inappropriate. Showing your back, chest, feet, stomach or under garments is not appropriate for a place of business -- even in a business casual setting.

Clothing should always be pressed. Wrinkles are never o.k. Torn, dirty, or fraying is unacceptable. Words, logos, terms, or pictures are too casual. Sports teams, university affiliation, and branded clothing is best left for more casual occasions...not the office.

Many offices have regular "dress down days" or casual Fridays. On these days, jeans and more casual items are allowed. 

What is Business Casual, Anyhow?

When going to the movies or grocery, you can wear what makes you happy and feels comfortable, but when it comes to work, you've got to give it a little more thought.

Right or wrong, workers tend to be judged by what they wear or how they dress. Shorts and flip flops? Too casual and inappropriate. Wearing a suit on casual Friday?  Haughty.

Both sexes can experience fashion faux pas when trying to dress for success, but women face some added risks.  Dressing for work was easy when "business suits" were the norm. It was almost like wearing a "uniform". Respectable, neat, serious - and if you were lucky a touch of style.

These days, it's a little more complicated. Business casual is the new norm it seems. But, what does that mean! Does "business casual" mean that no hose are required with your skirt or does it mean that you can wear dressy denim?

Add to that "casual Fridays" and it gets confusing! In the next series of blog entries, we're going to try to define "business casual" today. We'll look at what's acceptable in the workplace and also what should be saved for after work events.

Style, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder, but "business casual" is in the eye of your human resource director/boss. And in most cases, most companies have a particular look in mind. It's important to ask exactly what it is.