Beaming Business (Part 1-Casual)

We all want to look our best when going on an interview or making a presentation. Ladies here is a piece of advice: don't think you can get away with wearing just about anything because you are a woman. And guys....tuck your shirts in and stop buttoning your bottom button!!! It's a cardinal rule: Men should never button their bottom button on their suit jacket. So those of you that are, STOP DOING IT!!!!

Although there is a difference between business casual and business professional, you should be clean cut and well groomed for both.

I would rather be overdressed than underdressed.

When someone says business casual they mean professionally dressed, yet relaxed looking. For men, a tie may not be required. But one must be careful. You really need to think the setting you will be in. The dress code may suggest business casual, but if you are going to be in front of employers you may want to lean towards the formal attire end without pushing it too far. Some companies even allow employees to wear clean cut dark denim to work. As I said, it's subject to the environment you will be in. Go more professionally dressed first. See how the setting is and how the big dogs dress, than make your decision for the future.

Guys business casual: Wear dress pants. If it's summer wear you can wear khakis. (not cargos of course) When I say khakis I mean Dockers. You may or may not opt for a tie: it's your call. A polo, sweater, sweater vest, blazer, or button down are all sufficient. As I said, truly depending on the setting you may be able to wear denim; but if your unsure I would stay away from it. Never wear sneakers!!! Oxfords are a good choice.

Justin Timberlake is a great example wearing of a modern day business casual get up.

Ladies Business Casual: Dress Pants, skirts, dresses, they are all acceptable. Do not wear leggings or skinny jeans! Leggings are to lounge around in and skinny jeans are for a night out. Once again, depends where you work, but for most of us those bottoms won't fly. Hemlines for dresses and skirts: some like to say it has to be past the knee. This is not true. More conservative people say so but honestly as long as it's not a mini skirt just below your ass you should be fine. Just above the knee won't kill you or anybody else and is not inappropriate.  

There is also another false tale saying your hair must be pulled back. I recommend this to men with long hair but women: no. Women can wear their hair down as long as it is not in their face covering their mouth or eyes. As for tops, button downs, sweaters, ruffled tops are all fine but lets not have a plunging neckline down to your belly button!-because that's not acceptable. Shoes: flats, heels, oxfords are all fine. Open toe casual sandals/flip flops are not okay! Makeup: this is a yes! Whoever tells you no is lying!! Just don't wear orange nail polish or lime green eye shadow and I think you are good!

Jennifer Aniston, Michelle Obama, Olivia Palermo, Victoria Beckham all look sexy yet refined in their twist on business casual.

For my bargain shoppers out there check out: khols.com, macys.com, jcpenny.com, target.com, sears.com, forever21.com (maybe), zappos.com, dsw.com

For my label junkies check out: lordandtaylor.com, bananarepublic.com, jcrew.com, nordstroms.com, neimanmarcus.com, saksfifthavenue.com, burberry.com, clubmonaco.com, zappos.com, piperlime.com

Dress wisely, get ready for 2mrw's formal attire!!

Stay sexy,

nIcKyC