Business Casual Dress Code Explained: What to Wear to Work

Business casual is the most common dress code in American offices — and the most misunderstood. Here's exactly what it means and how to nail it.

What Business Casual Actually Is

More formal than casual, less formal than business professional. No jeans, no T-shirts, no sneakers (usually). Think: you could walk into a client meeting without embarrassment.

Women's Business Casual

• Tailored trousers or pencil skirt + blouse
• Midi dress or wrap dress + cardigan
• Dark jeans + blazer + heels or loafers
• Chinos + fitted knit top

Men's Business Casual

• Chinos + Oxford or button-down + loafers
• Dark jeans + blazer + dress shirt
• Khakis + polo shirt + leather shoes
• Dress pants + sweater + oxford shoes

What to Avoid

• Athletic wear or yoga pants
• Distressed or light-wash jeans
• Graphic tees or hoodies
• Flip flops or athletic sneakers
• Overly revealing clothing

The Business Casual Cheat Code

When unsure: add a blazer. A blazer over almost anything elevates it into business casual territory.

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