Business Casual vs. Formal Style at Work

Workplace dress code is one of the factors that build the corporate culture and something that should not be overlooked neither by the company, nor by the employees. The two most accepted styles at work are formal and business casual.

Business Casual

Business casual dress code stands somewhere between traditional professional attire and relaxed attire, that is still appropriate for an office environment. It is offering more comfort and flexibility to the employees, while still maintaining a polished appearance. Usually, each company has established guidelines and flexibility to the appropriate dress code, but here are some general dos and don’ts you can follow when in doubt.

Dos:

• Dress neatly: Clean, wrinkle-free and well-fitted clothing.
• Choose professional essentials: Button-down shirts, chinos, blouses, tailored pants.
• Pick polished footwear: Loafers, Oxfords, flats or low heels.
• Add subtle accessories: Belt, watch, minimal jewelry.
• Layer with a blazer or cardigan: This is not a necessity, but it is a simple way to elevate your look.

Don’ts:

• Don’t be too casual: Avoid ripped jeans, flip-flops, shorts, hoodies and any type of sportswear.
• Avoid ill-fitted clothes: Too tight or too baggy looks unprofessional.
• Don’t overdo accessories and makeup: Keep it simple and professional.
• Avoid too revealing skirts or dresses: Stick to knee length or slightly above the knee for a polished, professional appearance.

Formal Style

Formal style in the workplace is all about presenting a professional image. It is often required for important meetings, corporate events, or industries like law and finance. A formal dress code typically involves tailored clothing, conservative colors and accessories, ensuring a professional and respectful appearance.

Dos:

• Wear tailored clothing: Ensure suits, shirts, and pants are well-fitted for a sharp, polished look.
• Stick to classic colors: Navy, black, charcoal gray, and white.
• Opt for a suit: Men should wear a suit with a tie, and women can wear a business suit or a formal dress.
• Choose polished footwear: Leather dress shoes for men (Oxfords, Brogues) and closed-toe heels or flats for women.
• Ensure skirts/dresses are professional length: Knee-length or slightly below for a formal and appropriate look.

Don’ts:

• Avoid ill-fitted clothing: Too loose or too tight clothing can look unprofessional.
• Don’t wear casual footwear: Avoid sneakers, sandals, flip-flops and overly casual footwear
• Stay away from overly flashy or bright colors: Neon colors and loud patterns are not generally associated with formal dress code.
• Avoid casual fabrics: Steer clear of fabrics like denim, linen, or cotton in formal settings.

Choosing between business casual and formal attire depends on your company’s culture, the industry, and the occasion. Both dress codes offer ways to present yourself professionally, with business casual providing comfort and flexibility, while formal style maintains a more traditional, authoritative look. Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance between professionalism and personal comfort – because when you feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing, it reflects in your performance and interactions.

by Nadezhda Bakardzhieva, Associate Professional, Talent Acquisition