Casual Apparel in the Workplace: Tips and Tricks

1. When going for a job interview it's preferred to dress conservatively. If you think about it, it actually makes sense because being over-dressed is always better than under-dressing, more importantly so if you are not sure about the company's expectations or policies regarding clothing in the workplace.
   
2. Observe what your co-workers wear on casual-dress days and always request a copy of the dress code policy.
   

However, Avoid wearing: 

• Sandals/flip-flops

• T-shirts or tanktops

• Dresses of innappropriate length or with slits

• Shorts or miniskirts

• Hats

Source: Jowett, C. (June 16, 2011). How To Dress For Career Success: Tips From Image Expert Erin Miller. In Talent Egg. Retrieved June 7, 2013, from http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2011/06/16/how-to-dress-for-career-success-tips-from-image-expert-erin-miller/.

Picture source: http://www.tarleton.edu/careerservices/documents/2011-2012/WhatToWear.png

In this video tutorial, image expert and long-time recruiter Erin Miller explains a number of options in each style for both men and women. Each outfit was carefully selected for students and new grads by Erin from Banana Republic's Bloor Street store in downtown Toronto.

Do you have any other Trips and Tricks for clothing casually in the workplace? Please share your thoughts/opinions in the comment box below. 

Business objective in forming a casual dress code

"What is the objective?", you might ask. Well, basically a business's objective in constructing a casual dress code is to allow their employees to work cordially in the workplace.Employees need to develop a professional image for themselves, the customers and community visitors. In addition, you can say that Business Casual is the standard for this dress code.

However, not all casual clothing is suitable for the workplace; there are some measures that one could take to ensure what is appropriate to wear in the workplace. For instance, a professional representation of one's self is different from clothing for beach, factory work and sports competitions. Needless to say, apparel that exposes too much skin is not appropriate for a place of business. In a casual workplace environment, one's apparel must be ironed and buttoned-down properly; torn, dirty or wrinkled cloths are neither acceptable nor appreciated.

Source: Heathfield, S. M.. (n.d). A Relaxed, Casual Dress Code. In Forward Thinking Human Resources Info Serving Employers and Employees Since 2000. Retrieved June 4, 2013, from http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/dress_casual.htm.

Picture source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxQZPe5byQ-EMdDBDUwXT22t7Uo_fh8DlhQeguXGLgsCr3L6gkKbrhyphenhyphenuByVmjkwQI3cR-PwFISXbAe3oCM0mn4V_h13Vxq0RcGjwj5EhxBwkKls-IUzZEoYjXZ4NEcoPzUgxmxm9-JQ_t/s400/Business+Casual+1.jpg

What do you think? Do you agree with this Business Objective? Please share your thoughts/opinions on the comment box below.