What does 'Casual Apparel in the Workplace' mean?

Think about it. What is casual clothing? First, you need to be sure of what exactly casual means as an employee, especially when the casual apparel policy is adopted in the work place. Most companies or workplaces, while desiring to make their employees feel more comfortable, also want to maintain a quality of professionalism. So, it is likely that casual does not mean coming to work in your pajamas and a cartoon graphic T-shirt. Typically, it means dressing smartly in comfortable clothes. For both men and women, clothing should be clean and pressed and your overall appearance should be attractive.

Casual apparel for men in the workplace may include pants in dark or neutral colors, buttoned-down shirts, French cuff shirts or sweaters paired with leather shoes. On the other hand, for women, pants or skirts are appropriate in dark or neutral colors, ensuring that they are not too short, tight or free flowing. Blouses and sweaters are appropriately paired combinations, but make sure no cleavage is showing. Pair the outfit with flats or heels, taking care that the shoe is more classic than trendy.

Nowadays, casual apparel is becoming more of a standard in the workplace rather than more of a formal attire, such as a business suit. Businesses are recognizing the advantages of allowing casual apparel for their employees. It is evident that employees appreciate the trend toward less formality in the workplace, as it is more budget friendly and comfortable. However, this trend should be dealt with vigilance, meaning- dressing in a manner that is comfortable, yet professional.

Source: Parus, B. (2000, Novemeber 6). Employee morale improves with casual dress code. . Retrieved from http://accounting.smartpros.com/x26280.xml

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In this video, Executive Coach Valerie Sokolosky speaks about how to dress casually in the workplace; dressing in a manner that is comfortable, yet professional.

What does 'Casual Apparel in the Workplace' mean to you? Please share your thoughts/opinions in the comment box below.