Does your job have a business casual dress code? Well, you aren't alone. Business casual has become an increasingly popular style for the modern workforce. In fact, employees often follow this dress code even when it's not required. While there are certain benefits to business casual attire -- ease of use, simplicity, comfort, etc. -- it's important that you choose the right clothes and accessories. Unfortunately, many men are guilty of making one or more of the following mistakes when dressing for business casual. By avoiding these mistakes with your outfits, you'll create a more attractive, cohesive outfit that's perfectly aligned with the business casual dress code.
#1) Distressed Denim
Distressed denim jeans are a popular alternative to traditional denim jeans. As the name suggests, they feature a distressed look that's characterized by frayed, worn patches of fabric. While there's nothing wrong with wearing denim jeans as part of a business casual outfit, you should avoid distressed denim jeans. They are simply too casual for this attire, and wearing them will bring down the overall aesthetics of your outfit.
#2) A Single Color
When choosing your business casual clothes, be sure to include at least two colors in your outfit. What's wrong with wearing a single color? If your outfit only consists of a single color, it will create the appearance of a one-piece jumpsuit -- and that's not particularly flattering. To prevent this from happening, choose an outfit that has at least two, preferably three, colors in it. Of course, you'll want to choose colors that match or flow cohesively with each other. If you're wearing a black blazer, for instance, avoid garments and accessories with brown. Because black and brown clash with each other, they shouldn't be worn together. Instead, choose a similar dark color, such as navy, to wear with a black blazer.
#3) Not Tucking In Shirt
Just because it's business casual doesn't necessarily mean that you can leave your shirt untucked. If your shirt isn't tucked into your trousers at the waist, it creates a messy appearance that does you no justice. Regardless of what clothes you wear, always tuck your shirt into your trousers. Otherwise, you won't be able to achieve a true business casual outfit. And if you have trouble keeping your shirt tucked into your trousers, consider using the military tuck. Developed by the U.S. military, this tucking techniques allows for a higher level of security by holding the edges of your shirt in place.
#4) Sneakers
There's a time and place for wearing sneakers, and the workplace isn't one of them. Even if your company has a business casual dress code, you should still avoid wearing sneakers or other athletic shoes. Like distressed denim, these shoes are simply too casual for the modern workplace. Rather than wearing sneakers, consider a slightly more formal style of footwear. Some popular footwear choices for business casual include Oxfords, chukka boots, Derbies, Monk shoes, Brogue shoes and Chelsea boots. These are just a few options from which to choose. There are dozens of other shoes that are appropriate for business casual attire. Just remember to avoid wearing sneakers or athletic shoes to work.
#5) Wearing a Bow Tie
Another business casual fashion mistake to avoid is wearing a bow tie. Don't get me wrong: A bow tie is an attractive, stylish accessory that can enhance your appearance. The problem with them, however, is that they are too formal for business casual. Bow ties are commonly worn in conjunction with a tuxedo, which is the most formal type of outfit for men. Unless you're attending a black tie event, it's best to avoid wearing a bow tie. You can still wear a neck tie with business casual, but you should leave off the bow tie.
#6) Wrinkled Clothes
Don't make the mistake of wrinkled clothes as part of your business casual attire. You probably don't specifically choose clothes that are wrinkled. Rather, you may overlook the need for ironing or pressing them before wearing them. Wrinkled clothes, however, look messy, unkempt and unflattering. Sure, it takes a little more time and effort to de-wrinkle your clothes, but doing so is essential to creating a business casual look. So, always de-wrinkle your clothes before wearing them. Assuming the fabric is iron-safe, you can smooth out wrinkles using a steam iron. Alternatively, take your clothes to the local dry cleaners. Not only will dry cleaning eliminate wrinkles, but it also removes stains while cleaning the fabric in the process.
#7) Too Many Accessories
There's nothing wrong with wearing accessories as part of your business casual outfit, but you should keep them to a minimum. Aside from a wedding band, for example, you really should be wearing any other jewelry. The only other accessories that are appropriate for business casual attire are wristwatches and cufflinks (if necessary). Keep your accessories to a minimum to ensure that your outfit is appropriate for the modern workplace.
#8) Overlooking Suits
While most commonly worn for formal attire, a suit can also be worn for business casual attire. When wearing a suit for business casual, the key thing to remember is that you want it somewhat casual yet still formal. Not wearing a necktie, for example, can turn an otherwise formal suit into the perfect business casual suit. Another idea is to wear a blazer instead of a suit jacket. Blazers are more formal, making them ideal for this dress code.
Business casual has become a leading dress code used in the offices and workplaces of thousands of companies. It's not too casual, nor is it too formal. As a result, it's the perfect dress code for companies and their workers to follow. However, you should avoid making these mistakes when dressing for business casual.
