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Related Reading
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 Work
Clothes: Casual Dress for Serious Work
Furnishes a practical guide to fashion, wardrobe, and style
to meet the needs of the new working environment, presenting
a casual but professional approach to clothing in the workplace.
— Ingram
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What is
Business Casual?
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Just because your company gives in to the growing trend
of "business casual" wear, it doesn't mean you
should show up for work in jammies and fuzzy slippers.
If you think business casual means just-rolled-out-of-bed-chic,
then think again. On the other hand, if you're caught
in a suit and tie, you're likely to be mistaken for a
prospective hire or a salesperson.
So what does "business casual" really mean?
Fortunately, there are some general guidelines that will
keep you from looking like you're headed back to bed.
• Aim for a
classic look. Pick solid color clothing and subtle
accessories that communicate a professional attitude
• Mix and match. Combine some of your existing
wardrobe with casual attire. Men might try mixing dress
shirts with khaki slacks and loafers, while women might
consider teaming a sweater with a skirt instead of a jacket.
• Casual not sloppy. Make sure your business
casual wear is clean, pressed and wrinkle-free.
• Focus on atmosphere. Trendy clothing, sportswear,
and loud prints are inappropriate in many offices.
• Pay attention to details. Casual pants, skirts,
and shirts should follow the same tailoring rules that
most fine clothing stores follow.
Written by Amanda Haas
Have a business casual tip?
E-mail us!
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On the Web
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Empowerment
Enterprises
What's Business Casual Attire?
Business
Casual Consulting
The Clothes Doctor
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Dressed for Success
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Banish the suit. Change into some of
these simple ideas:
For Men:
•Black, navy blue, or gray blazers or sport coats
•Button-down oxford
shirts in white, chambray
or pinstripe.
•Khakis, Dockers,
corduroys and wool or linen slacks.
•Oxfords
and loafers in brown or black.
For Women:
•Black, navy blue, gray, or neutral-colored pantsuits.
•Fitted dresses with wide straps, paired with a cardigan.
•Cotton shirts in white, chambray, or black.
•Flats or small-heeled shoes, with or without pantyhose.
Check out these fashionable clothing sites:
Banana
Republic
Barneys
Brooks
Brothers
Chadwicks
of Boston
Eddie
Bauer
Jcrew.com
Nordstrom
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Casual
Power: How to Power Up Your Nonverbal Communication &
Dress Down for Success