Stylists and designers share 7 items that will always be business casual and 6 that absolutely aren't

Cheyenne LentzApr 24, 2024, 02:23 IST

Business casual can seem like an ambiguous dress code to some, but it's pretty straightforward.Anna Zhuk/Shutterstock

Business Insider asked professional stylists and designers to share what "business casual" means.
Trousers and sweaters are work-wardrobe essentials that are always appropriate for the office.

Most people live much farther from their offices than they did before 2020. But that doesn't mean you won't come across the sometimes dreaded, often ambiguous "business casual" dress code again.

Business Insider asked two stylists and three designers to share which clothing pieces are always considered business casual and which never will be to help demystify the term.

Here's what they said.

Trousers are a wardrobe must.

Trousers are a good staple, and they come in different materials and colors. andersphoto/Shutterstock

Polo shirts offer comfort and professionalism.

Polo shirts are typically associated with golf, but they're great for business-casual events too. Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock

Chino pants strike a balance between formal and casual.

Chinos can be a comfortable option to reach for. Gareth Abraham/Shutterstock

Tailored dresses are an easy and appropriate option.

Opting for a tailored dress can help you look more professional. Alina Bitta/Shutterstock

Loafers are great for a business-casual look.

Finding comfortable and professional shoes can be hard, but loafers are a safe bet. Anna Zhuk/Shutterstock

A blazer can instantly elevate your ensemble.

If you put a blazer over a T-shirt, the whole outfit looks professional. Anna Zhuk/Shutterstock

Sweaters are always a safe bet.

Sweaters can look polished, but they'll also keep you warm in chilly office spaces. insta_photos/Shutterstock

On the other hand, flip-flops are never the right shoe choice.

Flip-flops aren't appropriate for the office, business meetings, or other business-casual events. CB 3762 Studio/Shutterstock

Graphic T-shirts can be distracting and inappropriate.

Stick to solid colors or simple patterns on T-shirts. Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

Save your distressed denim for the weekend.

Ripped jeans aren't professional-looking.MS_studio/Shutterstock

Ball caps and snapbacks are not appropriate for work.

Hats, in general, aren't needed in indoor settings — and ball caps are absolutely a no. iso100production/Shutterstock

Athleisure and workout clothes should stay in the gym.

Athleisure is an ever-popular way to dress, but don't wear it to the office. shezimanezi/Shutterstock

Crop tops don't make the cut.

Even if you pair them with more professional pieces, crop tops are still too casual. Victoria Fox/Shutterstock

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