The Casual Side to the Workplace Dress Code

"The secret of great style is to feel good in what you wear."

Inès de La Fressange, Parisian Chic

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It seems like business casual is one of those terms that is left up to interpretation. Nowadays, it’s as if everybody just wants to be comfortable in their office outfit. “We live in a culture where comfort clothing is what people strive for,” said Courtney Claiborne, a human resources expert.

According to an article published on fitsmallbusiness.com business casual can be a combination of things for both men and women. For women, a “skirt or slacks paired with a button-down blouse. A simple sheath dress can also be worn. Shoes should ideally be closed-toe, but women can wear open-toe shoes with heels. For men, the basics include a long-sleeved button-down shirt, pants, socks and dress shoes.”

Even though this is what the status quo has been, we are taught that these characteristics make up the term business casual. “There is a certain level of professionalism that you have to exude. You kind of figure out what fits for you when it comes to business casual,” said Courtney Claiborne.

A research study conducted in 2001 by Timothy Franz and Norton Steven D. from St. Johns Fisher College discussed business casual dress policies. Their research involves the development of a questionnaire that examines the type of attire acceptable in today’s work environment for both men and women. The study found both men and women preferred the casual side to the dress code in the work place.

Rick Bragg, a writer for the New York Times wrote an article that suggested, "When compared to traditional business attire, dressing casually instills a sense of togetherness in organizations. ... Clothing manufacturers like Levi Strauss, which happens to make casual clothes, say it is the business dress of the future."

Something that all of these have in common is the fact that you should be comfortable in any environment you go into. “Figure out what fits for you when it comes to business casual. ... if you're going into an environment that isn’t comfortable for you because you have to wear a stuffy suit, then that position might not be a good fit for you,” said Courtney Claiborne.