Professional Business Attire What kind of professional clothing style should you wear for what kind of occasion?

Professional attire is what you wear in professional situations. You may decide how to dress, depending on the type of office you work in, an interview or a meeting. There are different levels of business dress, from "casual" to "formal". Depending on the setting, you can decide which business dress code is appropriate. Let's take a closer look at the different types of business attire, examples of clothing types and the occasions for which they are appropriate.

Types of business attire

The following are the most common types of business attire:

1. Casual

Casual business attire is a type of informal attire that is worn not only in most business settings, but also in many settings outside of work. If you work in an informal office where other people wear T-shirts, jeans and open-toed shoes, you might wear casual clothing. You should avoid wearing casual clothes in front of clients and in interviews, even if everyone in the office is casual.

Casual Wear

Casual Wear for Women

Casual wear for women includes t-shirts, blouses, and sweaters. Bottoms may include jeans, shorts, or skorts. Casual shoes include sneakers, heels or sandals.

Men's Casual Wear

Men's casual wear may include T-shirts, button-down shirts, or top sweaters. Bottoms may include jeans, khaki pants or shorts. Casual shoes include sneakers, loafers or sandals.

2. Funky Casual

Funky Casual is another form of casual business attire with a fashionable twist. If you wear fashionable casual, you may be able to wear more fashionable clothes. This business dress code is suitable for more flexible offices, including informal settings. You may also choose to wear trendy casual clothes for an interview in an informal office. This way, you can maintain a clean, professional appearance and convey that you care about your appearance while conforming to their informal dress code.

Funky Casual Wear

Casual Wear for Women

Funky casual wear for women may include sports jackets, dresses, sweaters, pants, skirts, blouses, heels, flats, jewelry, and scarves.

Casual Wear for Men

Smart casual wear for men includes sports jackets, ties, khakis, button down shirts, polos, formal shoes, boots, clean sneakers and belts.

3. Business Casual Wear

Business casual wear is a common type of clothing worn in many offices. While many classic business staples are used in business casual clothing, casual elements such as khakis are also included. Business casual is suitable for many interviews, client meetings and office environments. Because it's not very casual or formal, it's often an appropriate way to dress if you're unsure about the environment.

Business Casual for Women

For business casual, women can wear pencil skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, pants, khakis, sports jackets and sweaters. They can accessorize with simple jewelry and belts. Shoes can include flats, loafers, mules, boots or heels.

Men's Business Casual Wear

For business casual, men can wear pants, slacks, khakis, button-downs, polo or sport coats. Jackets and ties are optional but can be used for accessories. Business casual shoes include loafers, fashion sneakers (leather or canvas), oxfords or boots.

4. Business Professionals

Business professional attire is a traditional form of clothing used in more conservative settings or in companies with strict dress codes. You might wear business attire in industries such as accounting, banking, finance, government, or law. Your clothes should be particularly appropriate for your profession.

Business Professionals

Women Business Professionals

When dressing for business professionals, women should wear neat dresses, skirts, or slacks. Tops should include neat button down shirts or shirts with sport jackets. Business professional shoes include classic heels no longer than 3 inches, loafers or neat flats. Women can accessorize with minimal jewelry and belts.

Male Business Professionals

When dressing for business professionals, men should wear a dark (gray, navy) suit and tie. Ties should be simple, avoiding bright colors or busy patterns. Men should wear a shirt with buttons (preferably white or light blue) and a belt. Pair them with professional close-toed shoes such as oxfords or loafers.

5. Business etiquette

Business etiquette is reserved for the most formal occasions, such as award ceremonies, special dinners, benefits or other important evening events. Business etiquette is similar to "black tie" but should be reserved to maintain professionalism.

Business etiquette

Business etiquette for women

For formal business occasions, women may wear dark pants suits, skirt suits, or suits. In some cases, a long evening gown may be appropriate. Shoe options include formal flats, heels, oxfords or loafers. Minimalist jewelry may be appropriate.

Business etiquette for men

In formal business situations, men may wear something similar to a "business professional" - a dark suit and tie. In this case, a black suit with a light-colored shirt is appropriate. Wear clean-lined oxfords or loafers. If you choose a black suit, do not wear brown shoes. Wear a belt, tie clip or small cufflinks.

6. Unisex Professional Attire

There are several ways to dress and varying degrees of etiquette that don't fit the gender binary in the workplace.

You can dress gender-neutral elements up or down depending on what you're wearing. For casual wear, jeans, sweaters, and shirts are good choices. For shoes, you can opt for funky sneakers, sandals or loafers. For a more formal form of dress code, you can opt for baggy pants, pants or neat chinos. Top choices include sweaters, button-downs or shirts with cardigans. Shoes might include loafers, oxfords or stylish lace-ups.

The trouser suit is a great choice for any formal occasion. They can be worn with flat or micro-heeled oxfords or loafers.