Dress Code Etiquette: Business Casual Attire

Offices all over the country have been slowly changing their definitions of office attire. From full three-button suits to jeans and shirts, offices all over are definitely becoming more footloose and fashion-free. Even the more conservative companies have begun adopting things like Wash Wednesday or Casual Fridays. Here is how to dress for the office to impress both the boss and that looker in the next cubicle.

Tried and Tested Options
When you are dressing for the office, the best rule of thumb is to dress using primarily classic pieces or styles, with just one or two additions on an outfit to update it. On casual days, your best bet would be to wear a casual shirt in a simple solid color and a pair of slacks. It seems awfully simple, yes, but you can not go wrong with it. Chances are also good that the boss is wearing something similar to it, and that is a good thing for you.

If you dont already have them in your closet, go out and get yourself polo shirts in two or three different colors (light blue, black and white are good ideas). They are very versatile pieces that you could pair with just about anything. Wear one with chinos and you have a casual yet office-appropriate look. Pair another one with shorts or drawstring pants and you get a great getup for the beach or the next company outing.

Pants, Slacks and Jeans
Chinos or khakis are the default pants for office casual, and you simply can not go wrong with them. Whether you wear them with a white dress shirt or a blue polo shirt, you will still end up looking very appropriate for work. Your options, however, dont stop there.

Jeans are also becoming an acceptable item to wear to work, so long as you get the right one. Office-appropriate denims are dark wash (light washes will make you look too casual), straight cut (so that your jeans will go with anything and everything) and regular fit (none of those boot cuts or, heaven forbid, skinny fits). Just get a pair that fits you like your favorite chinos, and you should be just fine fashion-wise.

Casual Meets Cubicle
Another great thing to have for those office casual days is a great sport jacket or blazer. Navy or black sport coats are a classic piece and can go with most outfits, from shorts to dress slacks. Keep one in your closet for days when the temperature drops or when you simply want to go the extra mile to impress someone at the office.

You need not stray too far from your typical office outfits if you are new to this whole idea of casual work attire. Start with a typical suit, and then change it up from a white shirt and plain tie to a patterned shirt and a more garish tie. You could begin with a subtly checked shirt combined with a college-stripe tie, and then move on from there as you get more comfortable with dressing down.

Just remember that a professional look should be your key principle when dressing up casually for the office. Dont try to make a fashion statement, but instead keep it simple, keep it classic and you should fit right in.