How to dress business-casual

Fashion is constantly evolving, and as a result men and women alike have a wide range of styling options for various occasions or environments. The business-casual look is all the rage these days, both in the office and elsewhere, and the key to achieving this look is to be comfortable while still maintaining a professional appearance.

Get the Look shows you how. Perhaps you can pick up a few essentials at Fashion’s Night Out.

Source: www.ehow.com

For women:

1. Ask your human resources department for official guidelines. Business casual means different things at different companies — in a large corporation, it may mean slacks or a business skirt; while at a smaller company, it may mean a cotton sweater and a floral skirt.

2. Before you go casual, check your daily planner to make sure you have no meetings that require formal business attire.

3. Select clean, wrinkle-free clothes.

4. Wear a good-quality blouse or knit shirt. Include a casual blazer or cardigan if appropriate.

5. Don pressed khakis or other slacks, or a dress or skirt. If the dress is sleeveless, wear a blazer or cardigan over it. Check your company’s policy before you decide to wear jeans to work.

6. Wear shoes that are comfortable and appropriate for your outfit. Funky platform athletic shoes or strappy sandals might be formal enough for some companies; however, it’s more typical to wear closed-toe leather shoes. Avoid worn-out shoes.

7.Keep the make-up light, allowing your natural beauty shine through.

8.Accessorise with a silk scarf, classic bracelet or brooch to give your casual outfit a polished look.

For men:

1 Ask stated before, it is important to ask your human resources department for official guidelines as business casual means different things at different companies — in a large corporation, it may mean a sport coat with a tie; at a smaller company, it may mean khakis and a polo shirt.

2 Before you go casual, check your daily planner to make sure you don’t have any meetings that require formal business attire.

3 Select clean, pressed and wrinkle-free clothes. Your outfit should communicate professionalism.

4 Wear a collared shirt (dress shirt) with an undershirt. You can break up the oxford shirt monotony by wearing a linen or flannel shirt or one with a band collar. Knitted shirts and polo shirts are also generally acceptable. A casual sport coat is appropriate.

5 Wear khakis, chinos, corduroys or other non-denim slacks. Check your company’s policy before you decide to wear jeans to work.

6 Be sure to wear a belt, and have it match the colour of your shoes.

7 Wear socks that match the colour of your pants – leave white socks or tube socks in your gym bag.

8 Choose oxfords, loafers, rubber-soled leather shoes or boots for a casual day. Wingtips are often too formal. Worn-out shoes, sandals or athletic shoes don’t make the grade.