Top 10 Business Casual Tips & Advice
By Noel Wu, Wardrobe Consultant & Designer

 

1. Take a good look around you!  What kind of business or industry are you in (a corporate, communicator or creative environment)?  What expectations do your clients have? How do the movers and shakers dress?  The secret is to always dress in the top 20% of your peers (people at your job level) and industry.

2. Maintain Consistency -- Remember, your business casual wear should be only one step down from your standard business wear. Do not wear suits one day, then jeans the next. Be certain that your Monday to Thursday look, does not vary too drastically on Friday.

3. Be on a ‘caution’ that the fact is women have a tougher time with credibility when dressed in a casual manner. This is especially true whether you are younger or older, shorter or slighter, taller or heavier. My golden advice is to always go back to the basics / classics that represent the elegant end of casual attire by wearing a jacket or vest with coordinating bottoms.  That will give you more presence – remember, ‘Simplicity Speaks Elegance’.

4. I said, “Casual” NOT “Sloppy”!  This is ‘huge’ – your clothes should always be well pressed, clean and wrinkle free.  Always inspect the details of your clothes before wearing, repair or replace the ones that are showing signs of wear and tear.  Guess what, the more casual your dress is – the more important this particular tip is.

5. Denims / Jeans – be on a look out!  If one of your business casual choices is denims, always choose the dark ones over the lights, and make certain that they are in good condition. (Over the years, denims have become a major concern among employers. Since people make so many poor denim choices, many company dress codes prohibit them).  Avoid (particularly) those sand washing, holes or fraying permitted denims (see below for the recommended fits).

6. Stay away from anything that is too tight, too short, too bare or too provoking.  This area is one that is easily overlooked and faces serious and costly consequences.  Be extra cautious that you're not guilty, since this is the single most significant talked about subject with companies with whom I have worked!

7. Properness – here use common sense - anything intended for the gym, the beach or a night club is never proper as business attire.

8. Footwear –  no flipflops, strappy sandals or bare legs with short skirts.  Do not make the mistake of wearing loafers without stocking or hose!  It works better in Hollywood or on Sunset Boulevard.  I would avoid wearing white sneakers since they show wear and tear very quickly.  In my opinion, they just don’t belong in your business wear ,even on a casual Friday.  If you still want to wear them, choose darker ones.

9. Perfect fitting clothes are the ones that have been altered or made for you.  Clothes that fit poorly give a sloppy impression.  Casual attire does not mean they don’t have to fit well.  Make sure that all your casual business attire has been altered to fit you.

10. Respect your clients or customers by dressing appropriately to meet or greet them.  Always keep in mind who you are presenting yourself to or meeting by dressing for the proper setting.  The way you dress should automatically gain your clients trust and credibility.  If you find yourself apologizing to your visitors or clients about how you are dressed, then you are not dressing properly.  Worst of all (by doing so), you are not showing respect to them.

Remember, your casual wear is only one tiny part of your success.  For complete proper wardrobe tips, I invite you to take some time to visit the rest of my site for more valuable tips on etiquette, dining, networking and image or better yet, sign up for my free e-newsletter to stay informed on your favorite subject - wardrobes. Learn more at www.NoelWu.com

Who Is Noel Wu? “ …… I have about 2 decades of experience as a wardrobe consultant and a designer in assisting prominent professionals, many of whom include famous public figures and celebrities. My expertise is in designing custom clothing to fit any body shape, based on careful body measurements and specifications (pattern) assessment. I also provide my clients with advice on fabric choice, color coordination, dressing for appropriate age and occasions. I value perfect fitting and quality of fabric when it comes to high-end couture fashion and design.