How to Define the 'Office Casual' Look for Employees

What Is Casual Office Wear?

Casual office wear, also known as business casual, is a dress code that encourages a relaxed yet professional appearance. This typically includes khakis or slacks, button-down shirts or blouses, and smart shoes. While less formal than traditional business attire, it excludes overly casual clothing and still maintains a professional image while also allowing for comfort and personal expression.

Whether you’re an employee trying to decipher what exactly you can wear with a “casual” office dress code or an employer determining what exactly offering this benefit means, it’s important to become familiar with what makes the cut of a casual office wardrobe.

As casual office attire becomes the rule, rather than the exception, HR managers and marketing managers can embrace this trend by:

• Updating their dress code policy to allow for more leniency
• Providing employees with work-appropriate casual custom corporate apparel

Read on for more tips on how to redefine the workplace dress code and find ideas on how to use this new trend to your company’s marketing advantage.

How to Explain the Office-Casual Look to Employees

While comfort is important, office casual doesn't mean rolling out of bed and showing up to work—it simply means a suit, tie, or heels isn't necessary. No matter how laid-back an office environment is, an employee's wardrobe should always remain professional and appropriate. Talking about “office casual wear” might be confusing to employees at first, since office casual wear is not, well, office wear… or casual wear.

What is the difference between office wear and casual wear?

Office wear and casual wear differ in their formality and appropriateness for professional settings. Office wear, also known as business attire, typically includes suits, dress shirts, ties, and formal shoes for men, or suits, blouses, skirts or slacks, and formal shoes for women. On the other hand, casual wear is intended to be relaxed and comfortable. It includes items like jeans, t-shirts, and hoodies. While office wear projects a professional image, casual wear is more suitable for informal, relaxed situations.

Communicate workplace expectations to employees with a detailed and comprehensive office or virtual dress code that leaves no one guessing. For example, a smart office-casual look for men and women can include:

• Slacks or khakis
• Dark jeans
• Blazers or sport coats
• Short- or long-sleeve button-down shirts or blouses
• High-quality t-shirts in solid colors
• Fashion scarves
• Clean footwear—open-toed shoes and sneakers are typically appropriate

Too-casual looks to avoid include:

• Jeans with rips or tears, even if they're intentional
• Flip flops
• Branded apparel, like sportswear
• Hooded sweatshirts
• Short skirts or shorts of any kind
• Exercise clothing or loungewear

Does office-casual ever include jeans?

Yes, office-casual can sometimes include jeans, but this largely depends on each individual company's dress code. Here’s where your definition of “office-casual” comes in – make sure to anticipate this question from employees and include your response in the company dress code! Dark-washed or black jeans without rips or tears can be appropriate for a casual office environment. However, they are normally paired with a more formal top and shoes to maintain a professional appearance.

Is it OK to wear sneakers for business casual?

Yes, it can be acceptable to wear sneakers in a business casual setting, but they should be clean and in good condition. Opt for minimalist, low-profile sneakers in neutral colors like black, white, or grey. It's best to avoid bright colors, flashy designs, or athletic sneakers. However, office dress codes can vary widely, so make sure that any guidelines about sneakers are included in your company’s official dress code policy.

Help Your Employees Look the Part

As we redefine office casual, take advantage of the marketing opportunities that exist by giving your employees branded corporate apparel to sport at home and in the office. This is a great way to show employee appreciation and help keep it simple to think of ideas to wear at work. Some ideas include: