When it comes to dressing properly for various internship and job opportunities, it may seem overwhelming. There are different variations of dress code keywords that sound too similar to choose between. What is the difference between business casual, business formal and professional clothing?
Luckily, there are key variations in building outfits to align with each of these options.
Business casual is a form of business wear that ties in more informal pieces, including jeans and cardigans, while still appearing professional enough for the workplace.
Workplaces have evolved a great deal over the past few years in terms of working from home rather than in an office and dress code. However, this doesn’t mean that you should wear just anything from your closet.
Business casual involves a relaxed version of a formal business outfit. It’s important to consider the specific work environment you will find yourself in when choosing clothing options.
There is a fine line that discerns comfortability and professionalism. Anything from neutral-colored slacks to fitted button-down shirts to knee-length skirts and blazers or cardigans exemplify a business casual approach.
The good news is jeans are also often considered an acceptable option for a business casual wardrobe, as long as they are a dark or medium wash, are in good condition — with no rips — and reach your ankles.
Business formal, also commonly referred to as professional attire, is significantly more traditional than business casual.
A business formal wardrobe is more strict when it comes to choices in what to wear and different variations of outfits are seen less. Unfortunately, there is little room for personality to be revealed through your business formal outfit choice. Business formal attire is most often seen in work environments that have a strict and professional dress code.
Dressing in a professional manner that aligns with business formal wear involves a matching or two-piece suit, as well as pantsuits and skirt suits.
The keyword to this expectation of clothing is conventional. Opt for muted and dark colors — including grey, navy, black and brown — within outfit structures that complement each other.
Pantsuits that involve these ashen colors often portray a sense of confidence and boldness in the workplace, particularly for women. Even if business formal is the general attire, there are still ways to exuberate confidence and personality beyond an outfit.
Whether business casual or business formal is implemented in the workplace, there are a few specifics to avoid.
Clothing that fits poorly should be avoided within any work setting. Appropriate lengths and fit of clothing is a key factor in appearing professional in either setting.
When dressing in a business casual outfit, it’s crucial to make sure clothing items will not appear too casual and Graphic T-shirts should be avoided entirely.
Distressed or torn jeans are an important item to avoid. Dark wash jeans are typically acceptable in a business casual setting, but avoiding a distressed or ripped appearance is important.
One last thing to avoid are tank tops and dresses with thin straps. It is best to wear items that have sleeves in the workplace, as it is often preferred.
When it comes to business wear, there is often a distinct binary separation between wardrobe choices. It’s important to discuss options for gender non-conforming people who may work a summer internship or participate in future office work.
Androgynous outfits, which combine both masculine and feminine traits, assist in comfortability for many, especially for people who don’t conform to the socially perceived binaries of male and female. Outfit examples that represent androgyny can combine an approach of blazers, slacks, close-toed shoes and sweaters.
There is also a wide variety of shoe options to choose from when putting together either a business casual or business formal outfit.
The Doc Marten Loafers are a good example of an androgynous shoe that looks professional enough to wear for a business casual outfit. More tradiitional men's loafers can also be purchased from companies like Men’s Warehouse.
In terms of women's shoe options, there are countless choices depending on whether someone is looking for flats, heels or loafers.
A perfect pair of black flats from Steve Madden would pair nicely with any form of business casual or business formal. To add a platform or a pair of heels to a professional outfit, there is a quality pair of Mary Jane’s from Steve Madden.
Shopping for workwear can be an experience that is difficult to navigate. There can be a wide variety of brands to choose from, but it’s also important to consider sustainability in clothing purchases.
When it comes to clothing suitable for work, a small variety of sustainable pieces helps to ensure less consumption from unethical branding.
Quince is a sustainable clothing brand that offers options for the workplace and is also an affordable option, with clothing ranging from $15-$100.
The brand uses organic materials and ships all of their products in environmentally conscious packaging. Costs are kept low by avoiding supply chain practices and instead, the company ships clothing directly from their factories, where they employ people with livable wages, to the homes of their customers.
Another brand, Universal Standard, implements a few sustainable practices, but also offers the widest variety of sizing when it comes to workwear.
They use sustainable materials including recycled polyester but also employ some not-so-sustainable materials including cotton and rayon.
Universal Standard has a variety of classic workwear items with a higher price range from around $100-$200. Their sizes range between 00-40 in order to be inclusive to a wide variety of body types.
The brand also includes an emphasis on diversity and has a written statement regarding diversity as well as equitable shopping experiences that support black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) who are designers and creators.
There are many clothing options when considering an internship or professional work experience. It’s important to think about where you are shopping to obtain workwear and to determine whether business casual or business formal attire better fits your needs.
