“The biggest mistake people make is being underdressed for the office,” says image consultant and fashion stylist Amanda Sanders. We wholeheartedly agree. In today’s increasingly casual world, it can be difficult to understand what each workplace dress code means. With Sanders’ expertise, we’ve compiled a guide to office attire that’s perfect in a pinch. And it matters, too. “People will tend to take you much more seriously if you are dressed better,” Sanders says.
Business Professional
Business professional is the most formal of office dress codes. An easy way to avoid being underdressed, Sanders says, is to choose darker, more structured attire. For women, this means fitted blazers, along with dresses and skirts which should not rise above the knee. Dresses should never be strapless or spaghetti strapped. Men should wear a suit with button-down shirts that are ironed and tucked in. Women should always skip rhinestones and glitter.
Business Casual
Business casual can sound tricky, but it’s really about the way you style an outfit that renders it more on the formal or casual side. For example, if you’re going to wear jeans, they should be dark or black and dressed up with a blazer, Sanders says. Business casual can also be a sweater or button-down worn with slacks and no blazer. Skirts and dresses should be knee-length and pants should be neutral in tone and tailored.
Smart Casual
Smart casual is the least formal of the three, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t rules. “If you are wearing jeans, they can be a bit brighter in color and never frayed or worn with holes,” Sanders says. “Smart” sneakers, as Sanders calls them, are okay here, but they should be clean and stylish, never be gym or tennis shoes and not worn down. Like business casual, shirts should be ironed and tucked in and can be paired with jeans. You can also mix in pieces in a variety of colors and styles, although you should avoid loud prints and excessively bright colors. No graphic T-shirts and no flip-flops. The goal is always to look clean and pulled together.
