What exactly does business casual dress mean?

Question

This may seem a little silly. I just got a temp job, and they say my dress is business casual, so what type of clothing would that be?

Answer 1

you don't have to have on a suit but still dress nice. no tee shirts, no shirts with any words on them. sandels are ok but no sneakers. capris, short sleeves, maybe a tank depending on how it's cut with some nice pants.

Answer 2

Each company is different...I say go in in a little more than business casual and see what everyone else is wearing, then tone it down to what others are wearing. At my office, business casual is things such as dockers and collared shirts or nice but not frilly blouses. So slacks, skirts at the knees, no opened toed shoes...you get the idea.

Answer 3

Neat but no ties. Depending on what you see other people wearing there-it could even be khakis. Cotton shirts-not too colorful. Our casual Fridays even allow jeans if they're clean and dont have holes. The temp agency really should provide a list of what would be acceptable.

Answer 4

It varries from one company to another. But the underlying standard for a woman is - nothing too revealing, pants or skirts are acceptable, tops should not be cropped nor low cut. Shoes are what you are comfortable in - just not flip flops. I work for a bevarage/sports related corporation and we have permission to wear blue jeans on Fridays. Other days the men must wear ties. Yet the environment is business casual. For now - stick to basic knee length skirts and conservative tops. If you are more comfortable in pants, that's fine. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Examples of business-casual dress code are:

FOR WOMEN: capris/long shorts are acceptable as casual dress and regular dress if they are "tailored" and of a dress pant material (usually not denim or heavy cotton) or a tennis shirt and trousers.

FOR MEN: a combination of collared shirt (perhaps a tennis shirt instead of a dress shirt) and cotton trousers (such as khakis), shoes (such as loafers and sandals) with or without socks is generally acceptable.

Neckties are generally not part of business casual dress. The acceptability of shorts and jeans is variable and many organizations frown upon them as too casual, but will accept men who wear jeans with a sportcoat.

Answer 6

You appear to be a woman. i am a man. I am also an executive. Dress with style. nice pants or a knee+ length skirt. Nothing too tight. A nice sweater, or nice button up collared top. If you would like to add a jacket, very nice. Nice dress shoes, not stilettos... lol, just a nice pair of shoes, not opened toed.
Hope that helps.

Answer 7

No three piece suit necessary - not even a jacket, but a man should wear dress pants and long sleeved shirt . Women can wear slacks and sweater or shirt - no need for overly stuffy clothes, but it also means no jeans, sweats, etc. Usually no denim at all, not even a skirt.

Answer 8

I have heard it termed as having a chance meeting with a CEO and looking professional for that once a year or so opportunity......the following is from Career Services at Virginia Tech:

Specifics for women's business casual
Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you would wear it to a club, you probably shouldn't wear it in a business environment. Also, most attire worn on televison is not appropriate for business environments. Don't be deluded.
Pants / skirts:
Women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should be tight. Fabrics should be crisp; colors should generally be solid; navy, black, gray, brown and khaki are always safe bets. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored; neither extreme of tight or flowing. If you are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt, observe well-dressed women in your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc.
Skirt length and slits:
Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered. If your skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. A very long skirt should not be slit to above the knee. Generally slits in the center back of a skirt — to facilitate walking a stair climbing — are acceptable. Slits to facilitate a view of your legs are not appropriate for business purposes. Slips should not be visible.
Shirt / sweaters:
In addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women. Cotton, silk, and blends are appropriate. Velvets and shimmery fabrics suitable for parties are not appropriate. Fit should not be tight. Cleavage is not appropriate to business and job search occasions.
Jewelry / accessories:
Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is creative, you may have more flexibility than someone pursuing a conservative industry.
Cosmetics:
Keep makeup conservative and natural looking. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries.
Shoes:
Should be leather or fabric / microfiber. Appropriate colors are black, navy and brown (to coordinate with your other attire and accessories); white and pastels are not appropriate. For the most conservative look, toes should be covered. Sandals which are neither extremely dressy or extremely casual might be appropriate. Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky heels and platforms are not apropriate. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling around a job fair in shoes that are pinching your feet does not convey a professional image.
Hose:
Not essential for business casual, but are recommended if your skirt is knee length (rather than calf length) and in more formal environments such as hotels.
Purse / bag:
If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, or carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. A structured bag tends to look more professional that something soft or floppy. Purse/bag color should coordinate with your shoes. A briefcase is certainly not necessary for most business casual events. Leather, microfiber and fine wovens are appropriate. Canvas and straw are not appropriate.

Answer 9

I would say it means smart but not too business like. eg no suits perhaps casual trousers with a nice shirt or top. Simple and elegant. No frills. Just stylish.

Answer 10

It means no jeans and t-shirts or anything that you would wear for really casual clothing. The dress usually requires dress pants and shirts, but no ties. For women it can be skirts, blouses, dresses, or dress pants and shirts. Or better t-shirts.
Nothing with names or pictures on them.
No sneakers, open-toed sandals, or flip-flops.

Answer 11

you can wear a khacki skirt with a nice blouse and low heels. You won't go wrong with that. It never hurts to look alittle nicer than everyone else. Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.