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4 Levels ofBusiness Attire
4 Levels ofBusiness Attire
1 Basic Casual
2 Basic Business
3 Business Casual
4 Business Professional
There was once a time when every professional, no matter his or her industry, put on a suit each morning.
But today, there are so many interpretations of formal and business casual that it can be easy to look sloppy or over-dressed if you're not aware of the environment.
Sylvie di Giusto, author of The Image of Leadership, explains her +1/-1 rule:
“You can always dress one level higher, and it can even work to your advantage if you want to rise through the ranks. Jumping two levels higher will frankly make you look overdressed. The only time you should dress one level down (at the office level) is on casual Fridays.”
Basic CasualDressing casually in the workplace can be a tricky endeavor. When choosing a casual outfit for either an extremely laid-back environment or Casual Friday, it is important to remember to be modest, clean and have the right fit.
It is also very important to know when to dress basic casual. If you are unsure of the environment, never dress basic casual. Likewise, if you are unsure if your outfit is appropriate, go ahead and assume that it is not and step it up a little.
Basic CasualMen – DOs Women – DOs
• Collared polo or button-down shirts
• Nice, fitted, dark jeans or woven khakis
• Nice, clean, updated sneakers or casual loafers
• Modest blouses, sweaters or tops
• Dark or colored, fitted jeans
• Modest dresses or skirts• Heels or flats
Men – DON’Ts Women – DON’Ts
• Don’t wear anything wrinkled, dirty, soiled or spotted
• Don’t wear t-shirts• Don’t wear sloppy, ill-
fitting clothing
• Don’t show cleavage• Don’t wear skirts more
than 3 inches above the knee
• Don’t wear heels over 4 inches
• Don’t wear sneakers
Basic BusinessBasic business attire is most professionals’ everyday wardrobe. The word to keep in mind for this level of dress is minimalism for both men and women.
Men can keep comfortable in slacks and button-downs and women can also keep comfortable with fitted (not tight) slacks or skirts and a nice blouse.
Since this is a more laid-back attire, there are not many rules, however, you always want to remember to not look flashy or sloppy.
Basic BusinessMen – DOs Women – DOs
• Button-down shirts or nice sweaters
• Nice slacks• Polished Loafers or
Oxfords
• Modest blouses, sweaters or tops
• Tailored skirts or dress pants
• Modest, more tailored dresses
• Heels or flats
Men – DON’Ts Women – DON’Ts
• Don’t wear anything wrinkled, soiled, or oversized
• Don’t wear jeans• Don’t wear ill-fitting
clothing
• Don’t show cleavage• Don’t wear skirts more
than 3 inches above the knee
• Don’t wear heels over 4 inches
• Don’t wear jeans
Business CasualIn a business casual environment, you always want to make sure that you are not too overdressed or underdressed. In most places, companies prefer employees to wear jackets and ties (for men) with every outfit to give a more professional feel. Even though a jacket and tie might be preferred, it is better to wear separates rather than full suits. For example, for men, sport coats and trousers are traditional. Stay more neutral with your trousers and jackets and show your personality with your shirt and tie, or maybe even with fun socks. Make sure, however, that if you have bright colors for your shirt or tie, tone one of them down with a neutral to balance them out.For women, a pop of color is fine and a good way to show personality. Let that be the focal point, and tone everything else down with a neutral. Also, be careful not to wear jewelry that is too chunky or conspicuous.
Business CasualMen – DOs Women – DOs
• Button-down shirts• Jackets (neutral colors)• Tie or Bowtie• Nice slacks• Polished Loafers or
Oxfords
• Modest blouses or sweaters
• Tailored skirts or dress pants
• Modest, more tailored dresses
• Jackets• Heels or flats• Pop of color is
encouraged
Men – DON’Ts Women – DON’Ts
• Don’t wear anything wrinkled, soiled, or oversized
• Don’t be too fashion-forward
• Don’t wear jeans
• Don’t show cleavage• Don’t wear skirts more
than 3 inches above the knee
• Don’t wear heels over 4 inches
• Don’t wear jeans• Don’t wear chunky
jewelry
Business ProfessionalWhen dressing business professional, the most important thing to remember is to think understated. Neutral colors are a must. However, men can have little bright pops of color in solid or small patterned ties. Likewise, women can have pops of color as well.
For men and women, suits are the most preferred attire. It is extremely important that suits are tailored. As always, make sure your belt color matches your shoes and never button more than the top button of your jacket.
For women, stay modest and understated, it is acceptable to have a little more fun when it comes to shoes like shown above, just keep them neutral colors and not too high. Also, limit amount of accessories and jewelry.
Business Professional
Men – DOs Women – DOs
• Dark – colored suits• White dress shirt• Conservative tie (solid or
small print)• Shined, tied dress shoes
• Modest blouses or dress shirts
• Neutral – colored suits (pant or skirt)
• Modest, more tailored dresses
• Heels or flats• Pop of color
Men – DON’Ts Women – DON’Ts
• Don’t wear anything wrinkled, soiled or oversized
• Don’t be too fashion-forward
• Don’t wear jeans• Don’t button more than
the top button of a jacket
• Don’t show cleavage• Don’t wear skirts more
than 3 inches above the knee
• Don’t wear heels over 4 inches
• Don’t wear jeans• Don’t wear too many or
large accessories/jewelry
About the Author
Lauren MalcolmMarketing Manager
Lauren Malcolm is the Marketing Manager of The Frontier Group, one of the leading management consulting practices in Atlanta and Charlotte.
Lauren is responsible for inbound and outbound marketing programs, email marketing, website development, copy development and PR. Prior to working with The Frontier Group, Lauren interned for PM Publicidad, a Hispanic advertising agency in Atlanta, and for J&L Marketing, a promotional marketing firm based out of Louisville, KY.
In addition to her responsibilities at The Frontier Group, Lauren volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Association and is active with the Alpharetta Presbyterian church through mission trips. Lauren holds a BS from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville.
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