You have made it through the interview process, been offered the job and happily agreed the terms and signed the contract. You have received all the details about your new job and what’s expected from you and it’s only then that you spot the dreaded phrase: “dress: business casual”. What on earth does that mean? How do you know what constitutes ‘business casual’ and how do you avoid creating the wrong impression on your first day before you’ve even begun work? Let the popular women’s fashion online company VGOFashion.com help you define just what ‘business casual’ is, helping to avoid any sartorial slip-ups at work.
Although ‘business casual’ is a vague term that can be interpreted in many ways, there are certain guidelines that most organisations agree upon within its parameters. As long as you follow these guidelines you will be seen as conforming to the dress code, retain your professionalism and still look stylish.
Firstly, a full business suit with a jacket - is optional. Women’s work wear is easier in this regard than men’s: a woman’s business suit can more easily be dressed up or down. You can still look business-like in a full suit without looking too formal by teaming the suit with a dressed down top and relaxed accessories. Alternatively, you can wear the skirt or trousers of the suit with a smarter top but no jacket and still be very much ‘business casual’.
Secondly, there is the fact that ‘business casual’ opens up far more possibilities than formal office attire. With ‘business casual’, skirts or trousers are fine; sweaters and blouses with no jackets are fine – even smart T-shirts can make the grade; no hosiery with skirts is fine, etc. There are less rules about what must be worn, which gives you more scope to be creative in your dressing, but the golden rule here is to always look smart and professional, and pull together the look with accessories.
Finally, while ‘business casual’ allows more freedom than strictly formal suited business attire, there are still definitely no-go areas. In 99% of companies, trainers and denim are only for dress-down days, when truly casual clothes are allowed, not ‘business casual’. Similarly, any rips, tears or distressed garments are frowned upon, as are clothes that are too revealing.
Follow those basic three guidelines (optional full suit; mix and match your outfits while staying smart; remember what is off-limits) and you are far more likely to be safely ‘business casual’. Another way to help you navigate the ‘business casual’ world is by bookmarking VGOFashion.com; this fashion online shop has a huge range of mix and match separates, both apparel and accessories, that fall within the smart but stylish remit.
VGO Fashion is a great place to buy fashion online for a ‘business casual’ work environment thanks to a continually updated range of beautiful smart/casual women’s clothes of fantastic quality and value. Take a browse through the latest selection and get fashion shopping for your business casual work wardrobe in the knowledge that you’ll be both smart enough for work and casual enough to look stylish. Visit www.vgofashion.com.
Editor’s Note: VGO Fashion is represented by the digital marketing specialists and SEO provider Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.
