Top 10 Business Casual Tips for Success

Guidelines vary by area and by industry. Some companies have adopted business casual throughout the week while others provide the perk on Fridays. Here are some general guidelines that apply across the board.

1. Consider your industry
Are you in a corporate, communicator or creative environment? Dress in the top 25% of your peers and industry.

2.Consistency
Business casual should only be one step down from standard business wear. Your Monday to Thursday look should not vary drastically on Friday.

3. A cautionfor women
Women have a tougher time with credibility when dressed in a casual manner. This is especially true if you are younger, shorter or slighter. Stick to the more elegant end of casual by wearing a jacket or vest with coordinating bottoms.

4. Casual does not mean sloppy
Clothes should be well pressed or wrinkle free. Repair / replace clothing that is showing signs of wear.

5. Jeans - the make or break item
If jeans are part of your business casual options, select dark over light, and ensure they are like new. No sand washing, holes or fraying permitted. The suggested fit is relaxed.

6. Avoid anything too tight, too short, too bare
Need we say more!

7. Appropriateness
Anything intended for the gym, the beach or a night club is not appropriate for business.

8. Invest in alterations
Just like standard business attire, casual business clothing should be altered to fit.

9. Footwear
No flipflops, strappy sandals or bare legs with short skirts. Bare feet with loafers belong on Calvin Klein models only.

10. Meet customer expectations
Your schedule should help you determine how to dress on any given day. If your position involves public contact, dress to generate client trust and credibility.