Summing up business casual

By Brian Maynor

 

Business Casual.  Relaxed Professional.  Casual Fridays.

What was intended to be a loosening of formality has become the bane of professional dressing for everyone from HR to employees.   No one seems to know what it means, how to interpret it appropriately or what to do when it isn’t working.

Formal attire, professional attire, interview attire and Sunday/church attire create ubiquitous images for most of us, because we can visualize it.  We understand what elements it requires, what is acceptable and what the overall image is supposed to look like.  The same cannot be said for business casual.  Everyone has a different idea, interpretation and vision of what that looks like, and trying to make it more specific only compounds the problem.

Add to that the variations of suits, ties, dresses, blouses and shirts, shoes and pants there are to choose from and you can be overwhelmed trying to identify and understand the subtle differences between professional, business casual and just plain casual.

Instead of breaking down business casual into specifics, here are some generalizations based on gender that should help remove some of the guesswork pin down a constantly moving target, and create a ‘big picture’ image we can tweak based on age, personal style and business expectations:

1.   Men

a. Shirts.  This is probably the most important part of a business casual look because it drives the overall image.  The cut, color palette, texture and design elements can be used individually or in combination and give your outfit a completely different look.  If you feel comfortable in a solid white or blue cotton oxford try a blue checked or textured white one with a shorter cut-away collar.  Changing one or two elements is a good way to build your comfort level while experimenting, just be sure to keep the fit tailored and trim.

b. Blazers.  As alternatives to suit jackets, blazers are an easy way to dress up just about any look.  The variety of fabrics, color combinations and details available make them easy options, but that can also make them limited.  As statement pieces, it is hard to stretch their versatility.  If you are on a limited budget, opt for blazers that are a darker single color instead of a patterned or complementary colored one.

c. Ties.  Ties can work just as well with casual looks as they do with formal ones, and inject some personality into your look.  Changing the style, color, pattern, texture and print of your tie can give even a basic white or blue shirt a casual makeover.  This is also a great way to dress up chinos on warmer days when you don’t want to wear a blazer.

d. Pants.  Solid, dark jeans may be good in social situations, but in the office chinos are about as casual as you should go.  The same rules apply.  They should be a solid color, free from holes, rips or tears and fitted.  Chinos also give you more color options to play with than dress trousers as well as shirt and shoe combinations.

e. Shoes.  There are a lot of options when it comes to casual shoes, but there are also some hard lines.  Tennis shoes, sandals and flip-flops are never appropriate in an office.  When it comes to distressing, my general rule of thumb is to always balance it with the dressiness of the shoe style.  That means the dressier the shoe the more distressing it can have, but the more casual the shoe the more pristine it should look.

2.    Women

a. Blouses.  Women definitely have a lot more options when it comes to tops, which can make finding the right ones more difficult.  As a rule, it’s better to keep your upper body more professional than casual, but you can still incorporate various colors, textures, prints and patterns.  When it comes to sleeve length you have options, but having some sleeve is always more polished than sleeveless.

b. Blazers and cardigans.  The same general rules apply for women as they do men here.  These additions are a quick, easy way to add depth, texture and signature style to any look, just be sure that the fabric and styling match your outfit.

c. Skirts and dresses.  It is hard to go wrong with the color, print and style of skirts and dresses; it’s the fit, size and length that tend to cause the issues.  The length should still be closer to your knee than your thigh, the fabric should be substantial or layered over a slip, and it should never expose more of your chest than it covers.  It is possible to transition flimsy, strappy dresses to the office with layering both over and underneath; it’s just more effort and work than most people want.

d. Trousers.  While most women either love them, or hate them, they offer a lot of versatility when it comes to blending business casual and personal style.  If they fit in the waist the legs can be wide, skinny, cropped, or rolled up depending on your mood or personal taste.  Just like with men, chinos are easy options as well as choosing various colors, prints, textures and patterns.

e. Shoes.  Few things can change, make or break your look faster than your shoes.  Just like for men, there are a lot of options available with only a few hard and fast rules.  While flip-flops and tennis shoes are still never appropriate, there is leeway when it comes to how much of your foot is visible.  While peep toes and sling backs are generally acceptable, strappy sandals and heels are not.  Another general rule is to choose a dressier shoe when in doubt, or when your outfit is a bit more casual than business.

Most people aren’t intentionally dressing poorly, they simply don’t understand the concept.  They know what business and casual means independently, but putting them together is when things go awry.  If you your current choices aren’t working change them, and keep changing them until you find the perfect fit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.