The Business of Casual

It’s finally warm outside: no more scraping ice off your windshield in the morning and no more selecting footwear based on the tread quality of the sole. So with the warm weather comes a new challenge: dressing appropriately for business environments.
Business Casual has been around for several years now and it seems to be no less confusing to business executives and administrators than ever. And, warmer weather adds to the margin for error.
So let’s review what the experts say about what is appropriately business casual and, more importantly perhaps, what is not.
First of all, any workplace attire should prepare you for an unplanned meeting with the CEO. You know, the guy whose job you want some day?
For guys, this means lots of separates worn smartly. Breaking down a suit adds the casual, but remember your shirt must always be collared, so no t-shirt with a jacket thrown on top. A tailored jacket, docker style pants and a coordinating print shirt would work. Carry a book bag (leather if you can afford it), not a backpack and not an old school briefcase.
The navy jacket has been around since your Dad called it a sports coat. Call it what you will, it will always be in style and can add panache to everything from jeans to dress pants. Keep it trim—with high armholes and slim sleeves that reveal just a bit of shirt cuff. That means no to double breasted, no to baggy and long.
Another staple is a v neck sweater, fine cotton for spring/summer and cashmere for winter. Worn over a shirt, it says business. Keep it a solid neutral and no, please don’t wear it alone.. eww.
Shoes can take a great outfit down the wrong path in a hurry. No pun intended (ok maybe it was – ha). So, do I need to say no running shoes? Even if they’re dark in colour .. no no no. Instead, get a pair of leather tie up shoes in black and then a couple of slightly more casual pairs in canvas or suede.
So that’s a start. I’ll do a future column for the ladies, but in the meantime, remember to keep the business in casual.