Write an article based on this "Avoid the "Business Casual Don'ts". Know the definite "Office Casual Do's": Choose the right bottoms. Select a few jackets or sweaters. Consider wearing dresses (for women). Pick the right shoes."
This is less formal and casual than traditional business guidelines. Unfortunately, it is often poorly defined and can be greatly different from one business to another. For instance, one business will be fine with Hawaiian print shirts with collars, while another will consider it too casual despite the collar. However, in general, the following are usually frowned upon: Jeans: especially ones with tears, stains, patches, or embellishments such as studs. (Although a more detailed discussion on blue jeans in the workplace is below). Tank tops: especially spaghetti-strap styles. Shorts: Sometimes more tailored styles are acceptable--such as ones that resemble full length khakis, but shorter. Athletic styles are usually not OK. Informal T-shirts: Usually collared polo-type T-shirts are acceptable, or ones with shaping. If in doubt, do not go with any graphic images on your shirts. Shirts usually should not have elements which could be controversial or unacceptable--such as references to alcohol, sex, or violence. Avoid novelty T-shirts, (such as ones with cartoon characters) as this may come off as immature. Mini-skirts: Skirts should be no higher than about two inches above the knee. Plunging neckline: Be sure your V-neck shirt is not revealing too much, or your blouse buttoned too low. Keep it clean and tidy. Never come into work with clothes that are dirty, stained, ripped, or wrinkled (the one exception for wrinkled may be if that is part of the look, such as a seersucker shirt or crinkle cotton skirt). For men and women alike, business casual typically consists of a clean, pressed button-up shirt and a pair of neutral (such as khaki) slacks. Look for styles such as: Polo-style shirts: This collared shirt is the quintessential "office casual" choice for both men and women. Usually it will be available in a solid or striped. It can sometimes be found with a geometric pattern. Oxford-style shirt: This is acceptable in formal office clothing as well - a well-tailored shirt always looks good whether with khakis or a business suit. Tailored T-shirt: Some workplaces are fine with T-shirt style tops, as long as they are not informal T-shirts. For instance, a T-shirt with a classic scoop or crew neckline on a woman. Product shirts. In an office-casual workplace, often shirts given to you by your company or products that your company sells are acceptable. For instance, if you work at a company that sells outdoor equipment, wearing your company's shirts may be acceptable. But be careful--just because your company sells tank tops may not make it OK to wear tanks tops to your accounting job! Find a few pairs of black, navy blue, khaki, or brown pants. In "office casual" the pants are usually cotton and can be a little more "relaxed" than those found in formal offices. Woman can wear skirts into the mixed in the same aforementioned color palette. Avoid patterns if you are unsure on what looks professional. There are great, classic patterns such as pinstripe that look great on pants, but it is easy to make a mistake. Generally avoid wearing white pants or a skirt. While entirely appropriate, these items can stain easy...if you spill your tea you may be out of luck. A patterned skirt can be appropriate for women. Try a small floral or geometric print. It will inevitably get chilly, so make sure you have the right items for cold weather. Men can choose to wear a cardigan, sweater, or sports coat over the top of their button up shirt for a smart look. Women can wear layered sweaters, cardigans, and structured jackets and blazers to good effect. When desired/necessary, a pashmina or cashmere scarf can be worn for added warmth and style. Dresses are sometimes appropriate in a business casual setting, so long as they follow a few basic guidelines. Dresses should be knee-length or longer, expose no skin below the collarbone, and mostly cover the shoulders. Small patterns and solid colors work best, and can be accessorized for added visual interest. Throw on a cardigan or matching jacket for layering in cooler weather. Business casual offices vary widely in shoe choice, based on the type of environment. Some good guidelines: Close-toed shoes. Sandals are usually a no-no. Flip-flops are a definite "no". Women can wear flats or heels, but they must be in good condition and quality. In general, stick to neutral colored shoes and stay away from bold patterns. Be careful of really, really casual shoes. Even if it is closed-toe, some shoes usually do not belong in a professional environment. For example, high top Converse sneakers are best left to teenagers. The classic "Croc" shoe is much too casual for most professional workplaces.