| Business dress code, Smart Casual, Business Casual, | | | | hair is brushed and tidy and your nails are clean and a |
| Dress down. We are often requested to dress to a | | | | suitable length. Be pleasant to be around; ensure |
| certain dress code at work but it’s not always | | | | impeccable personal hygiene |
| clearly defined and can leave us somewhat confused. | | | | Avoid dressing as if you are going on a night out. An |
| So let’s unravel the one dress code that gives | | | | over-the-top outfit is not acceptable in the |
| us the biggest headache! | | | | workplace. The workplace is not the place to show |
| As an Image Consultant, I am frequently asked for | | | | too much cleavage or a lot of leg. |
| advice on the Business Casual dress code. Many | | | | Clothes need to rest and be freshened, change all |
| women I meet are comfortable with putting | | | | your clothes and shoes daily. Make sure your clothes |
| together the formal (Business Dress), dress code | | | | are well maintained including using the iron on them! |
| where we know we should be in tailored outfits or | | | | So let’s put this into practice; here are some tips |
| suits. Similarly, a charity dress down day provides us | | | | on how to create acceptable Business Casual outfits; |
| with no real challenges as all the boundaries have | | | | - you can do away with the formal suit |
| been removed for that day. | | | | and opt co-ordinating separates |
| However, when it comes to Business Casual, so | | | | - tailored trousers or a skirt teamed with |
| many of us find it challenging to put this look | | | | a jacket or shirt |
| together. I can tell you that Business Casual means | | | | - knitwear such as a cardigan or wrap top |
| less formal than Business Dress. But it does not mean | | | | would be great with tailored trousers or skirt |
| untidy or scruffy or casual. | | | | - Skirts must be of a respectable length |
| So here are some golden rules: | | | | - a cap, short or three quarter length |
| Make sure you adhere to all the elements of being | | | | sleeve dress is acceptable. Ensure the dress is the |
| well dressed; clothes which suit your colouring and | | | | appropriate length |
| body shape. Your clothing must be current and | | | | - you can wear less formal shoes but not |
| suitable for your business environment. | | | | trainers or flip flop type sandals. Shoes must have a |
| We must still wear make-up suitable for a day time. | | | | closed toe |
| Wearing make-up is a wonderful enhancement to our | | | | Next time you have an instruction to dress Business |
| features but also shows that you are good at time | | | | Casual you know what to do! If you think the men in |
| management as you take the time to apply it every | | | | your workplace need some guidance, why not check |
| morning. | | | | out one of my other articles; “Business Casual |
| Good Grooming is absolutely essential. Ensure your | | | | for Men”. |