Casual work attire is a term used to describe a type of work dress code or style of dress that is slightly more casual than traditional work attire. Many employers apply this dress code to try to make their employees feel more comfortable with their jobs and have more freedom of expression through clothing choices. Although casual work clothes are casual, that doesn't mean anything can be worn.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Studying Company Policy
Step 1. Ask for specific criteria
If you are unsure about your company's policies, check with the company's human resources department. Dress more conservatively on the first day if you don't have a coworker to dress up as a reference.
Casual work attire is often used to explain the company's view of how you should dress at work. The problem is that the criteria for each company are often different. For example, one company may require you to wear work clothes, without a suit and tie, while another company may allow you to wear khakis or jeans. When you are required to wear casual work attire, it is best to ask for details. Ask if the company has an employee handbook that explains the company's casual dress policy
Step 2. Observe other employees
Look around and notice the clothes other employees are wearing; this is a good indicator of the company's criteria for casual work attire.
Step 3. Dress formally for a job interview
If you're going to a job interview and don't know what the interviewer wants you to wear, then the standard is formal work attire. Remember, it's better to dress more formally than casually.
- Those interviewing for jobs in business, banking and financial management, politics, academics, or health should wear formal work attire, unless the rules are different.
- If no clothing type is specified and the company interviewing you is outside of the sectors mentioned above, stick to casual work attire.
Method 2 of 3: Casual Work Wear for Women
Step 1. Remember, skirts and dresses are acceptable as long as the bottom hem falls to the knees
- As with men, black and gray are more formal, so they are safer.
- Avoid low cut or high slit dresses.
- Avoid dresses (in particular) and tight skirts.
- Do not wear a sundress (casual dress worn in hot weather).
Step 2. Choose pants such as khakis, corduroy pants, linen pants, or formal trousers
- Don't wear jeans unless you're allowed to. If jeans are allowed by your boss, then ripped jeans, holey jeans, and “boyfriend jeans” (loose jeans) are not desirable options.
- Neutral colors are the best choice.
Step 3. Choose different types of shirts
Women have slightly more choice in this regard than men. Choose a shirt that is conservative and not too revealing. Blouses, plain shirts, cotton shirts, sweaters, high collar shirts, vests and sleeveless shirts are acceptable.
- Shirts may or may not be tucked in, depending on the shape.
- Unusual patterns are acceptable, as long as they are not wild ones.
- The standard shirt is a monotone shirt.
- Use a collared shirt for a more formal look and a collarless shirt for a less formal look.
Step 4. Wear footwear such as leather shoes, low heels, high heels; Open toe shoes are not allowed
Avoid flip-flops, strappy sandals, and sneakers.
High heels can be used as long as it is not too flashy
Step 5. Complete the casual work attire look
Don't forget to wear socks or pantyhose / stockings to the waist (with a skirt or dress) and complete it with light jewelry and a simple handbag.
Step 6. Check the following list
Ask yourself the following series of questions if you're still not sure if your outfit is acceptable or not.
- Is wearing this outfit like going to a nightclub? The answer should be 'no.'
- Is wearing these clothes like going to sleep? The answer should be “no.”
- Is wearing this outfit like going to the garden? The answer should be 'no.'
- Is wearing this outfit like going to a costume party? The answer should be 'no.'
Method 3 of 3: Casual Work Wear for Men
Step 1. Choose a shirt that has a collar, such as a long-sleeved shirt with a button-down collar
Always tuck the shirt into the pants and pair the shirt with the appropriate belt. For casual work attire, the use of a tie is optional.
- A white shirt with a button-down collar is the most formal and also the safest choice. Unlike pants, all shirt colors are acceptable: purple, pink, yellow, blue, and red.
- Opt for shirts (and pants) made of “formal” fabrics: Cotton comes first and comes in many different types. Wool is acceptable, if it doesn't itch when worn. Wearing silk, rayon and linen shirts is not recommended.
- Choose shirts with a formal pattern: The oxford (weave pattern like basket woven), plaid, and poplin patterns are less formal, but perfectly acceptable. Twill (diagonally striped), herringbone (V-shaped) and broadcloth (tight weave) patterns are more formal and work well when worn neatly. Floral patterned shirts and other irregularly patterned shirts are considered too casual.
Step 2. Wear khakis (a thick cotton and fawn color), pantaloons, and corduroy pants
Jeans are not considered a casual work attire.
- Pleated pants and dark colors are a more formal and conservative choice. If you want to be safe, dressing more formally is less likely to make people frown than dressing casually.
- Trousers should reach the toe of the shoe, or be slightly longer.
- Pants that do not reach the shoes are considered pants above the ankles; Pants that are folded and narrowed near the feet are considered too bulging (baggy).
- Avoid pants with flashy colors like red, yellow, and purple. Trousers with an army uniform motif (camo pants) are not allowed, as are white pants – these kind of pants are a little too casual for casual work attire. Use only black, brown, gray, fawn, dark blue, and dark green pants.
Step 3. Consider pairing the shirt with a sweater or sweater vest
V-collar sweaters are good to wear if there is a collar.
- A high collar shirt can be worn with a blazer combination to make it look neat and attractive.
- If you want to wear a suit and still want to look casual, wear khakis instead of formal pants.
Step 4. Choose formal leather shoes and don't forget to wear socks
Always wear black, brown, or gray shoes. Oxfords (laced formal shoes with low heels), lace-up shoes, and loafers are standard choices.
Step 5. Study the list of things that shouldn't be worn
Avoid the following items that fortunately or sadly don't fall into the casual workwear category:
- Sneakers, strappy sandals, sandals, or other open-toed shoes.
- Casual shirts, sweaters, team sports jackets and sports socks.
- Shorts and three-quarter pants.
- Jeans.
- Trousers are so tight that it looks flashy. Tight trousers are not allowed, even for Europeans.
Tips
- Do not wear clothes that are too tight and too revealing.
- While casual work attire by various standards is less formal than formal work attire, it's important to remember that you dress for work. This means you still have to look presentable by making sure your clothes are ironed, clean, and without holes.
- Remember, casual work attire still means work attire and you have to look presentable to your bosses, clients and coworkers.
- If you have a tattoo, try to cover it up as much as possible. This doesn't mean having to wear a long sleeved shirt every day to cover up those tiny sleeves. Consider whether the tattoo is appropriate or not, depending on the size and image of the tattoo. If it's appropriate, cover it up, but don't overthink it. If other people see it, it doesn't mean the end of the world. If it's inappropriate, cover it up as much as you can when you decide.
