Related Posts
Business casual has shifted from button-down shirts and khakis to running shoes, jeans and T-shirts. This change has been prompted by businesses who want their team members to look neat and professional and by employees looking to be comfortable.
The trend of business casual started in the 80s and became mainstream after the rise of technology. It has continued to evolve over the years.
The history of business attire
Business casual is a casual yet professional style of dressing. In the beginning of 2000, companies started to understand the necessity for a more modern dress code. The changing economy and the rise of the internet made it possible for employees to work at home.
The casual business look has since evolved to incorporate various trends throughout the years. The rules may differ based on the industry. Certain industries, like law and finance, still require formal attire. However, other industries such as technology and creative agencies permit a more casual manner of dressing for business.
In the 1960s, suits and ties were a common sight in traditional American workplaces. The power dressing trend for women continued throughout the 1980s thanks to the popularity of shoulder pads and towering high heels (Newsweek). In the 1990s however technology ushered in a more relaxed dress code, with Casual Friday as well as Dockers.
The creation of the Dockers khaki pant created a new definition of what was considered acceptable to wear for casual business attire. https://insidemen.vn/ Levi’s issued a style guide for casual businesswear in response to the acclaim of the pants. This helped businesses shift away from suits.
Corporate Dress Code Evolution
Traditionally, corporate dress codes were firmly defined and strictly enforced. However, many companies have discovered that flexibility is the most effective way to keep and attract top talent in a changing workplace environment. By encouraging employees to feel comfortable, business casual clothing has improved productivity. The policy also permits employees to mix and mix outfits to meet their needs and reduces the cost of clothing.
A flexible dress code also is in line with remote working realities. Employees are able to concentrate on their jobs without having to worry about how they look for videoconferences. In addition, casual attire makes it easier to communicate across different cultures and time zones.
Some companies still insist that their employees wear business attire, including law firms and financial institutions. Others are trying out more casual dress codes, or informal Fridays to boost productivity and improve morale. If you’re considering the possibility of easing your company’s dress code take into consideration the preferences of your employees and the needs specific to the various roles. It’s important to clearly define what is acceptable so that your employees can contact HR should they have questions or concerns. This will decrease the chance of confusion and violations like wearing jeans that are ripped for work or wearing inappropriate shoes. This makes the process of changing your dress code much easier for both you and your team.
Casual Friday Origin
It is a little known fact that Casual Friday which is the perks at work we are all familiar with and love was first introduced in Hawaii. The change in dress code was initially designed to boost the sales of Hawaiian shirts. However, it was subsequently adopted across the country and is currently the foundation for today’s Business Casual Dress Code.
Casual days became more popular and by the mid 90s, many businesses provided it to employees as a benefit. The idea was popular with tech companies, where employees were already comfortable wearing T-shirts and jeans. With the advent of internet connectivity and the capability to work remotely, the trend accelerated.
As this workplace trend was growing, HR managers had to establish guidelines that would walk the line between professional and casual attire. Levi’s was well aware of the issue and decided to increase their brand’s recognition through an effective marketing campaign. In 1992, they developed an article on business casual wear and distributed it to the HR department of 25,000. This was a step towards saving Casual Friday, and also helped Levi’s khakis to become the standard business casual look.
While the idea of Casual Friday has evolved to be a staple of the modern workplace, it may be confusing for some employees. The requirement that employees wear clothing that causes discomfort leads to a decrease in productivity, so it’s important to set specific guidelines to ensure that employees are comfortable while also meeting the expectations of their employer. When forming guidelines for casual wear it is important to take into account the gender differences. Younger employees will likely gravitate towards more casual attire than employees of older years.
Style Trends for Business Casual Wear
With the advent of hybrid schedules, remote work and working changes in workplace styles have been observed. This shift has impacted women’s and men’s dress choices, leading to the rise of casual business attire that aren’t as formal traditional suits and tie wear.
While the more relaxed business casual dress code encourages the creation of a welcoming and inviting work environment, it still requires a certain level of professionalism. Employers who adhere to this dress code will search at employees who have dressed themselves well without crossing the line into casual wear. Avoid shirts that have cutouts, clothes that show the midriff and shorts that have excessive the cleavage. Avoid bags or jewelry that are too flashy.
A shirt that has been tailored properly and has in a solid color or neutral pattern is perfect for the business casual dress code. You can also put the sleeves rolled up for a more relaxed appearance. Men may choose to omit the tie as well.
MaryKathryn McArthur is the lead stylist at Short Story, an online retailer and personal styling service catering to women of petite size. She believes that the key to navigating a business-casual dress code is finding the “balance between formal wear and weekend wear” and still maintaining an elegant look.
