The first time I was introduced to wearing professional business attire was during my sophomore year of high school. I used to be part of an after-school banking class where we learned the basics of how to count money and be a successful teller. We even had the opportunity to intern at a bank for high school credit, which I thought was pretty cool. I remember there was one day where my teacher had each of us come dressed in our professional attire and had us walk in front of the classroom. She pointed out the "do's" and "don'ts" of our outfit.
She would tell us:
Don't wear shiny or baggy pants
Don't wear blouses that are see through or show cleavage
Don't wear open-toed shoes or tennis shoes
Don't look like you just rolled out of bed
Do look clean cut/shaven
Do wear a collared shirt/polo/blouse
Do wear close-toed shoes
Do look presentable
It was a nerve-wrecking but helpful experience.
As a young professional, it's important to know what to wear to work because it tells employers who you are and demonstrates to them that you are serious about what you are doing. Whether you are working for a non-profit agency or in a corporate business setting, there's always a "go to" style required.
At the moment, I'm currently working for a social service agency so I always hear the term "business casual" around the office. What exactly is business casual? Is it more business-y than casual?
A had a few co-workers and friends shared with me what business casual means to them, and their looks are shown, here.
Name: Hayley
Where you work: Non-profit agency
What does business casual mean to you?
Appropriate work attire but comfortable. [Something] nice enough to wear to work, nothing fancy.
Where do you usually shop?
Old Navy
What is your "Go To" outfit?
I would say my outfit gets better as the week progresses. I usually wear some comfy slacks that are stretchy, a patterned, sheer, or solid colored blouse, flats, and a tote bag.
Name: Aly
Where you work: Non-profit agency
What does business casual mean to you?
Clothing that you can wear that is presentable at a meeting. Something that versatile, you can wear out and at the office
Do you think there is a lot of confusion when people think about what business casual is?
Yes, because there are different perception of what it means. It may mean more casual or more formal for some.
Where do you usually shop?
Ideally at Gap or Banana Republic. If I am on a budget I shop at Old Navy and/or Target.
What is your "Go To" outfit?
I choose my outfit depending on the shoes I'm wearing. I like Old Navy pixie pants, button down shirts and sweaters. Depending on the type of job or environment you're working in, such as with preschool age kids and/or families, dresses and skirts are not ideal.
Name: Sebastian
Where you work: Bank of America
What does business casual mean to you?
To me business casual means tie and jacket optional. You have some leeway to have a little fun with the pants, pocket square, and maybe even throw in a vest. At the same time, you should still have on some nice dress shoes and tucked in dress shirt to give off the business vibe.
What is your "Go To" outfit?
An outfit you could wear to the office and your local bar after without having to go home to change.
Do you think there is a lot of confusion when people think about what business casual is?
I think business casual gets confusing based on the industry you are in. Business casual might be a bit different for someone who works in Wall Street as opposed to someone who works in the tech/app industry. Jeans and a blazer might be considered business casual in the tech industry but not so much in the finance industry.
Name: Fatima (yours truly)
Where you work: Social Service
What does business casual mean to you?
An outfit that makes you feel and look professional in and out of the office.
What is your "Go To" outfit?
I usually stick with dark colored pants since they match well with anything. I accompany that with a colorful blouse and a solid or multicolored cardigan!
Where do you usually shop?
I like shopping at Target, H&M, Goodwill, and DSW.
Share your business casual outfit and what it means to you!
*(top photo) photo credit- Google
From LA, With Luv
Fati <3
