What’s Business Attire?

Business attire refers to the appropriate clothing worn in professional settings. Here are some types:

Business Formal

This dress code, featuring tailored suits for men and elegant dresses for women, applies to formal events such as award ceremonies and special dinners. It's similar to "black tie" but is more professional and less glamorous.

Business Professional

This attire is not as formal as business formal but still calls for polished professionalism—usually through suits with dress shirts and pants for men, and button-down tops, blazers, and skirts for women. Shoes include loafers and closed-toe heels.

Business Casual

Business casual strikes a balance between professional and relaxed: Men can wear collared shirts paired with more pieces like chinos or khakis, while women can wear dresses with a cardigan or sweater.

Smart Casual

Smart casual takes things down a notch further and is a blend between more formal and everyday pieces. Think denim jeans and skirts paired with dressier shirts or tops. This attire is usually suited for activities outside the office, like informal meetings.

Casual

The most laid-back option, this attire allows for more comfortable pieces like T-shirts and jeans, casual dresses, open-toe sandals, and sneakers. What’s important is that the wearer still looks neat and presentable.

Tips for Nailing Business Attire

Tip 1: Understand the company culture.

Do you work in a creative or corporate environment? Don't be shy about asking the Human Resources Department or your new boss about the company's workwear guidelines. You can also observe how your colleagues dress and align your attire accordingly to fit the workplace.

Tip 2: Invest in the basics.

Quality suits, tailored shirts, versatile shoes—these staples form the foundation of a professional wardrobe. Gentlemen can’t go wrong with crisp collared shirts, which can be easily dressed up or down. The LBD, or "little black dress," is a closet essential for every woman.

One local brand worth checking out for timeless pieces is Bocu, which serves up minimalist fashion for both men and women.

Tip 3: Use colors strategically.

Neutral hues like navy, gray, and black are not only easy to match, but they also convey elegance and professionalism. Start with a capsule wardrobe of classic neutrals for versatility, then add pops of color through accessories for personality.

Tip 4: Make sure everything fits well.

Ill-fitting clothes can easily make you look sloppy or lazy. It pays to have your outfits tailored to fit you perfectly, enhancing your silhouette and making you look extra polished. Buy the correct sizes, especially when purchasing online.

Tip 5: Grooming matters.

Always maintain a neat and pleasant appearance by making sure you have clean, crease-free clothing, well-groomed hair, trimmed nails, and a hint of fresh cologne or perfume. Most employers see this as a reflection of your attention to detail in all aspects, including work.

Tip 6: Express your style mindfully.

Just because you must follow the office dress code doesn’t mean you have to forget about your own style. You can infuse personal flair into your wardrobe while respecting professional boundaries. Some ways to do it: spruce up your outfit with unique accessories, or accentuate your look with a bold hue, whether through your bag or footwear. For more formal settings, keep your jewelry and makeup simple and sophisticated and not too flashy.

Tip 7: Dress well even for online meetings.

A WFH setup is not an excuse to wear your loungewear to your Monday town hall. Be sure to dress appropriately even when working remotely, especially if you’re going to turn on your camera. Doing this shows that you’re committed to presenting yourself in a professional manner.

The top half of your outfit matters most, so opt for well-fitted blouses or shirts, or use a sleek blazer as a cover-up. Solid and darker colors work best on camera since they’re muted and won’t distract the viewers.

Get Dressed for Success