Fashion & Style: Business-casual is in the eye of the boss

Style may be in the eye of the beholder, but “business casual” is in the eye of the boss. If ever there were a time to be concerned with appearances, it’s during working hours and days. Fair or not, employees, bosses and co-workers tend to be judged by what they wear. Looking after your appearance may not be explicitly stated in your job description, but it’s an expectation. Like it or not, in the business world, image matters, and clothing is a big component of that. In fact, it’s one of the first things clients, co-workers and interviewers notice. It says something. Business casual clothes continue to pose a challenge for many women that are serious about climbing the corporate ladder. “Casual” implies laid back or not serious. However an office environment means business so, how can one strike a balance between the two without bruising one side? Keeping in mind that you are being judged whether it is a regular workday day or a casual Friday. When dressing for a casual workday it is sensible to stick close to your normal business attire. Wear well made and well maintained clothing, here the rule of the thumb is to ‘keep it covered’. No matter what your style, ‘business casual’ pretty much never means “business sexy.” Long skirts, long pants and higher necklines are safe bets. Knee-length skirts are fine, too. Wear belts with skirts and pants. Shirts with collars convey competence. Dresses and skirts should reach your knee area. Save your cute trendy clothes for non business or social occasions. The less skin showing the better .If you wear jeans, forget the low rises. Dark pressed jeans are better in the workplace. It’s also sensible to keep it classic, very trendy attires are more of a weekend thing. In business-casual land, traditional is best. This is not to say you shouldn’t be stylish. A pair of wide-leg dress pants can be as chic as a pair of skinny jeans. There are, of course, grey areas and exceptions to the rules, and most of them have to do with the industry you’re dressing for. If you’re heading to an ad agency, trendy is perfectly acceptable. Last but not least, you should know that an outfit without accessories is like plain vanilla ice cream too serious to be taken seriously. Accessories are a must for professionals, but they should also be in line with the image you want to project in your office. Sleek, sophisticated and elegant are all good places to start. Distracting or outrageous may need some rethinking. martin.bishop18@yahoo.com