Article: In a business casual environment, a suit is not necessary. Dress slacks or chinos are acceptable along with a button down or polo shirt, belt, and dress shoes. Keep in mind this is not a casual look, but a more flexible and relaxed version of business formal attire. Startups and creative agencies typically have a more lax environment and dress code. Tech companies and government jobs usually abide by business casual dress code. Dress pants will give you a more professional look while chinos give off a more relaxed vibe. Dark colors such as navy and gray stain less easily although lighter colors are preferable for the warmer months of the year. Pants such as denim jeans and cargo pants should never be worn. Pants should fit perfectly around the waist with no need for a belt to hold them up. They should sit around the high hipbone area, or even slightly higher. This outfit makes for an easy and dependable business casual look, and takes the place of a jacket. Neutral sweater colors like brown, black, and navy are a good choice because they match well most shirt colors, including white. Turn your look a little more professional by wearing darker dress pants or gray chinos. Ties are typically not part of the business casual look but can add a little more style while giving off a dressier business casual appearance. If you do decide to wear a tie, have a little fun with it. Once again, it is better to overdress than be underprepared. You can always remove your tie prior to your interview if you feel that you are overdressed. Alternatively, you can skip wearing a tie and dress up your look by wearing a blazer or jacket. This is a nice professional look that allows for flexibility and comfort. Navy blue jackets match numerous shirt colors and work with gray slacks, chinos, and lighter color dress pants.

What is a summary?
Trade in the suit for a more relaxed look. Stick to dress pants or chinos. Layer a sweater with a button down shirt. Add a nice finish to your outfit with a tie. Ditch the tie for a blazer or jacket.