Business Casual for Women

Business casual is a term used to describe a type of office dress code or clothing style that is a little more casual than traditional business wear. Many employers adopt this dress code in an effort to allow employees to feel more comfortable on the job and to have more freedom of expression through their choice of attire. Although business casual is casual, it also doesn't mean that anything goes.

1 Remember that skirts and dresses are acceptable as long as the hem falls just above the knees.

As with men, black and grey are more formal, making for a safer bet.

Avoid low-cut dresses or those with high slits.

Avoid office dresses (especially) and skirts that are more skin-tight.

No sundresses.

2 Opt for pants such as khakis, corduroy pants, linen pants or dress pants.

No jeans, unless otherwise noted. If jeans are allowed by your employer, distressed jeans, jeans with holes, and "boyfriend" jeans are not desirable choices.

Neutral colors are best.

3 Choose from a variety of shirts. Women have a few more options in this department than the men. Opt for conservative and not too revealing. Blouses, plain shirts, cotton shirts, sweaters, turtlenecks, vests, sheath dress, and sleeveless shirts are all acceptable.

Tucked-in or untucked can both go, depending on the shirt.

Unusual patterns are acceptable, as long as they are not wild. The standard, however, is a monotone shirt.

Use a collar for a more formal look, and collarless shirts for a less formal look.

4 Try footwear such as leather shoes, flat trouser shoes, high heels; no open toed shoes. Avoid flip flops, sandals and sneakers.

Heels are okay, so long as they aren't too conspicuous.

5 Complete the business casual look. Remember dress socks or pantyhose (with skirts or dresses) and tastefully accessorize with light jewelry and a simple purse.

6 Check the list. Ask yourself the following set of questions if you're still not sure whether your outfit is acceptable.

Would I wear this clubbing? The answer should be 'no.'

Would I wear this to sleep? The answer should be 'no.'

Would I wear this to do yard work? The answer should be 'no.'

Would I wear this to a costume party? The answer should be 'no.'