What Not to Wear in a Business Casual Office: 10 Tips

Have you ever felt uncertain about what Business Casual means? Companies usually hold clear policies for how they want employees to dress. You can often find these policies in a supplied employee handbook. However, if you’re starting a job soon and you’re not sure of the rules, here are some general tips for what not to wear to work.

#1: Jeans

Steer clear of jeans in most Business Casual settings. That means all jeans. Blue, black, brightly colored, floral patterned, and so on.

Your company might have a Casual Day, but even then, you’ll most likely want to stick to clean, solid-wash jeans that don’t have any holes or rips.

#2: Low-Cut Shirts or Crop Tops

Both men and women should avoid low-cut shirts and crop tops in a business casual setting.

You’ll want to either avoid any shirts that scoop too low or add a camisole underneath your lower-cut tops. For button-ups, avoid having too many buttons unbuttoned, or wearing a deep V-neck shirt.

Avoid shirts with hems which ride too high up. If you have a closest of cropped tops you would like to make work for your business casual wardrobe, consider pairing them with high-waisted slacks.

#3: Hats

Avoid hats in the workplace. This includes baseball caps, wide-brimmed hats, berets, boater hats, cowboy hats, bucket hats, half hats, and so on.

Cultural or religious coverings, such as hijabs or turbans, may be acceptable in most workplaces. Hair accessories, such as hair clips, headbands, or headwraps are typically also fine. However, consider avoiding overly flashy accessories.

If you feel you must wear a hat in the workplace, due to alopecia, chemotherapy or other medically related reasons, simply clear it with your employer first.

#4: Shorts and Short Skirts

There are very few business settings where shorts are appropriate. From jean cutoffs to walking shorts, you’re better off wearing these in your free time.

Ensure your skirt is an appropriate length. If you’re not sure if your skirt will make the cut, try accessorizing with tights. With a pair of heeled boots or oxfords, you can create an in-style, coquettish, and work appropriate look.

#5: Sweatpants or Yoga Pants

Are sweatpants and yoga pants super comfy? Absolutely. Do they belong in a Business Casual work environment? Definitely not!

#6: Distracting Jewelry

You’ll most likely want to leave the chunky necklaces, bulky rings and long, dangly earrings at home. Switch them out for subtler jewelry choices in the office. Simple loops, bands, and charm necklaces are in vogue and can imbue your outfit with an air of professionalism.

If you work in a healthcare office, it may be better to forgo the jewelry altogether, since dangling jewelry can be a hazard on the job.

#7: Sports Paraphernalia

Unless your office has a specific day designated for team pride, it’s a good idea to avoid jerseys and ball caps. If you’re allowed to, show your support with a bumper sticker or a poster in your workspace instead.

#8: Any Clothing Showing an Undergarment

Avoid thin, see-through clothes. Make sure your pants are secured with a belt if beltloops are exposed. Avoid flashing any under-layers while at the office.

#9: Flip-flops, Slides, or Crocs®

Flip-flops, slides, or Crocs® are tempting if you have a long walk or work in a hot state. But you’ll want to keep these shoes away from your Business Casual office. If you need comfortable walking shoes, just make sure to switch them out for dress shoes once you get to the office door.

#10: Sky-High Heels

No matter how beautiful they are, you’ll want to avoid heels that are four inches or above. In a healthcare office or facility, it’s important to be able to move around effectively. High heels could be an unnecessary obstacle.

Are There Exceptions on What Not to Wear to Work?

Keep in mind, these tips are for business casual office settings. Different work environments have different rules and expectations. Even different business casual work environments have different rules depending in the industry. For instance, if you work in a corporate position for a sports team, your employer may be open to sports paraphernalia in the office setting.

The best way to determine what to wear is to watch what other professionals in your field wear and to emulate them. This will clue you into what is and is not generally accepted for your job.

Hopefully these ten fashion don’ts help you dress for success. Do you have other questions about office dress code? Or do you have any rules to add? Let us know in the comments. And if you want more dress code tips, watch our video on dressing for success or visit our Dress Code Pinterest board!