Dressing for Success

“A company sets a dress code in order to project a professional image to customers, community visitors and potential employees.”

So, what is Business Casual or Smart Casualas defined by Wikipedia. “Click Above”

• Lets break down the word “Casual” (circa 1852). Its from the Middle French casual, Late Latin casualis, and Latin casus, all meaning: “subject to, resulting from, or occurring by chance; unpremeditated; offhand: a casual remark”.

• Other common meanings are: being without ceremony or formality; relaxed; showing little interest, or concern; nonchalant; lenient; permissive; not close or intimate.

• Casual also can mean occurring at irregular or infrequent intervals and is used to refer to a migratory worker (“casual labor”), and in Military terms an officer or enlisted person awaiting assignment or transportation to a unit.

I am going to break down Casual into 3 categories:

Men

1. Business – Corporate Casual: One level below the business suit and tie. This can consist of a suit, sports jacket, sweater with the option of a tie. This would also be appropriate wear to a company party (retirement or holiday, etc..). You may have brought the look down a notch but it still says your are there for business.
2. Golf Course – A lot of business is done on the golf course and you must dress accordingly. Dress slacks (preferably), chinos (pressed and clean), sport shirt (mocked turtle neck) or knit polo, a golf vest and clean golf shoes (soft spikes). Most golf course have a dress code which include, collared shirts and may include no shorts for men. To be sure you are prepared, call ahead.
3. Casual Friday – You are still at work and your appearance is just as important as the job you perform (believe that). This can be tricky….. Some companies allow jeans to be worn on Casual Friday, if so make sure that they fit correctly, meaning not baggy or low cut waist. Polo or button down shirt, slacks or chinos (please make sure they are pressed), slip on casual dress shoes or clean athletic shoes (make sure they are laced up with white laces).

Women

1. Business- Corporate Casual: One level below the formal business suit (jacket and skirt/pants). This can consistof a sweater set, knee lenght skirt, small and simple purse.  Keep the make up natural looking and top it off with a mid heel coordinating shoe.
2. Golf Course- Ladies your oppurtunity to close the deal may be on the golf course, so make sure your appearance don’t hinder this.  Comfort is the key.  A nice pair of chinos (long or capris), knit polo, golf vest and clean golf shoes (soft spikes).
3. Casual Friday -  If your company allow jeans, please make sure they are not skin tight. A knit top, casual pants, and a pair of slip on casual dress shoes.

The most important fact of these categories is to remember that you want to still portray a professional and well put together image.