What is meant by business casual or corporate casual. How should you dress for interviews?
Over the recent years, many firms have instituted business or corporate casual dress code, and invitations to corporate functions often give suggestions on the type of clothing guests should wear. The term is somehow vague, however, and sometimes leads to pervasive confusion. Even though it clearly differentiates itself from business formal wear, which suggests a tailored suit and tie, it should not be confused with casual wear such as a t-shirt and jeans. Business or corporate casual refers to a type of office clothing style or dress code that is more casual than the traditional business wear (Ciletti, 2010). Many businesses have adopted this type of dress code to allow employees have more freedom of expression by choosing their type of attire and feel more comfortable on the job.
How should you dress for interviews?
The first impression a person makes to potential employers is the most important one. For both women and men, clothing should have a good fit. The clothing should not be too loose or tight, and should not leave stomachs, reveal cleavage, lower backs, bare ankles, or buttocks. Even though business casual may require minor tailoring to ensure smooth fit, it is good to keep dress looking professional (Carew, 2003). Additionally, clothes should be in good condition and pressed, implying that they have no holes, fading, or loose threads, and wrinkle-free.
Pants made from microfiber, cotton, and summer weight wool are usually acceptable, as well as slacks such as khakis. Knits and jeans should be avoided. For women, all skirts should fall, at a minimum to the knee, and should not reveal the thigh when seated. Even though small slits meant facilitate walking comfortably in long skirts are acceptable, they should not be designed to reveal the thigh. Additionally, undergarments such as underpants, slips, underwear, and brassieres should not be visible.
Summary
In conclusion, today’s business world allows employees to dress casually as it allows employees to have freedom of expression and feel more comfortable on the job. However, employees must follow some rules to ensure that their attire does not offend other people. As such, people should wear clothes that fit well and in good condition. Additionally there are materials such as jeans and knits that employees should avoid. People should also not expose undergarments and avoid wearing revealing clothes
References:
Carew, R. (2003). The complete idiot's guide to discovering your perfect career. Hudson Street, New York: DK Publishing.
Ciletti, D. (2010). Marketing yourself. Connecticut: Cengage Learning.
