The blurred lines of business professional and business casual. Okay, so we’re fully aware that dress codes aren’t going anywhere no matter what the dress code is. We now know what business formal is and for some of us, that it even exists. If you missed that chat check out “How To: Business Formal vs. Business Professional“. I even did a little business formal preview REEL on TheLuxeDocs Instagram. Now it’s time to throw my fave into the mix, business casual!
Unlike with business formal, business casual isn’t so set in stone. The blurred lines of business professional and business casual run deep. One of my theories for that is because originally business casual didn’t exist. There was business formal then business professional crept onto the scene with not too much change, and that was it. The closest equivalent to today’s business casual that existed in the past was limited to one day a week, and was actually casual, “Casual Fridays,” when you could wear jeans. And jeans are a no- no for anything beginning with the word business: business formal, business professional, business casual. But like I said, that’s just my theory.
Business casual can actually very easily get mixed up with business professional. I attribute this to the more modern and chic business wear available these days. A rule of thumb or tip I use to separate the two is that business professional is considered suit separates. So, if there’s a way to distinguish one from the other, where does the confusion come in you ask. Well, let me introduce you to the wonderful world of perception while we explore the blurred lines of business professional and business casual.
If business professional is suit separates, that means any skirt or slacks combo, right? Or does suit separates just consist of an actual suit piece? That’s what makes it all so confusing. There are 4 basic articles of clothing that can make up a woman’s suit, also known as the “suit separates” we’re referring to when discussing business professional. These include the suit jacket, skirt, slacks, and dress. Each of these can be worn without any of the others (keep in mind, when worn together they put you in the category of business formal). Because a suit separate can be sold as a standalone piece and doesn’t just consist of pieces designed to go together to form a suit (even though I tend to see more suits sold by the piece anyway), you may think that any standalone piece can be considered business professional. Perception makes this all so difficult because there aren’t enough specifics on how to classify the various pieces.
Let’s get into it! The blurred lines of business professional and business casual. There’s no straightforward definitions to separate the two, my rule of thumb doesn’t add much clarity, and the evolving business styles and fashion make it even harder. So, there won’t be an easy-to-read chart this go round.
Slacks
Slacks are probably the easiest to get right even though this category can get to be very diverse. These can be purchased separately or together in a suit combination. When worn as a separate, depending on the top they’re worn with, the outfit can be considered business professional or business casual. A dressier blouse would easily classify it as business professional, while a solid color fitted t-shirt with a cardigan on top may better fall under the business casual category. But there are no set-in stone rules that put the latter combo in the business casual category. Technically it’s a suit separate (the slacks) combo, which is our rule of thumb for business professional, right? Oh, but it doesn’t stop there. There are the different styles of slacks to be considered. Slacks can come full length, cropped, straight leg, and belled. Full length is always more professional than cropped, however in my opinion, cropped are still appropriate in a business professional environment. There are no rules that say your ankles can’t be out. If that was the case, skirts and dresses wouldn’t be allowed. However, cropped would be a no for a traditional business formal environment. And yes, I did mention earlier, that slacks are probably the easiest to get right.
Dresses & Skirts
Dresses and skirts are always professional as long as they’re not too short, right? Well, this is where it gets a little tricky, but at least we’re aware of appropriate length. By the way, the appropriate length doesn’t change in business casual. You may just get away with it more in a business casual environment. A typical (not high end) skirt suit or suit separate is made of wool. Does this mean that only skirts made in that material are considered business professional? Does the material, style, or amount of stretch in a dress or skirt determine how professional a dress is. In my opinion, yes. How so you ask. A basic cotton dress with stretch (meaning its fitted), as opposed to a skirt made of wool, could be worn in a business casual setting paired with a sweater or blazer. The same goes for a basic cotton skirt with stretch. No matter what top you pair with it, because of the material and the fit of the skirt, the combo would better fit in the business casual category. Some women are curvier than others so their traditional suit skirts and dresses are more fitted than others, but fit along with material do matter.
Tops
Tops are pretty simple. They aren’t a suit separate, but unless you’re wearing a dress, you’re going to need a top. When speaking of them individually, generally, the dressier tops fall under business professional and the more casual under business casual. However, those basic fitted t-shirts (long or short sleeve) are an essential no matter what category. They pair well with high waist pants and can always be thrown under those suits.
Business Casual Definites
So, the blurred lines of business professional and business casual run deep, but some things remain clear. Anything too far from traditional (further than cropped pants) will fall into business casual. And yes ladies, this includes the wide leg pants we dress up so well, those leggings that are just the right material to pull off as long as we have on a decent blouse, and the perfect material joggers (slacks and pants style) that we can dress up or down and even make work for the workplace… Or is that just me lol. The key words here are “pull off” and “make work.” When you’re doing those things its not right lol. But that’s why there’s a place for them in business casual. But I’m the queen of “making it work.” One day at work, I threw some of my colleagues all the way off because I fooled them with one of my fave fits, a pair of joggers and a button down. Both pieces were the same shade blue (I love a monochromatic look) and the blouse a button-down satin material. My colleague thought I was dressed up and busted out laughing when she was coming up from tying her shoes because she noticed the Adidas sign on my pants. My boyfriend always says, “You love to fake dress up.” LOL
I know it still may be a little confusing even after all of that, but you learn as you go. I’m just here to hopefully give you some clarity and show you that you can enjoy doing it. Check out the Werk Wear page. It’ll show you some of the basics, must-haves, and examples of what’s what and how blurred the lines can get as I update it.
Some people may find it miniscule, but first impressions are lasting impressions, so why not make em’ worth their while. And remember…
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