by Michael Perini, ABC
Perini & Associates
Aloha Friday.  Dress Down Day.  No Ties Friday. Casual Friday.  You might have a day at your work place that has been allowed by the boss to show up in casual work attire.  In the past few years many businesses have been loosening the dress code.  Business casual has become the “new norm,” according to Vetrepreneur Magazine.
So what is business casual? Â “Each generation seems to have a different idea of what is acceptable in the workplace,” said Jennifer Cohen, 24 years of age, who worked at a marketing firm as reported in USA TODAY. Â “People my age are taught to express themselves, and saying something negative about someone’s fashion is saying something negative about them,” she said.
As business casual has become a staple of the office, here is what I have learned having been in jobs working for the government, academia and small business.
1.  There is no clear definition.  This leaves a gray area of what is and not accepted by your boss.  Suggest to your boss to make rules clear.
2. Â A great question to ask: Â “Will this outfit get me through an unscheduled meeting with a client or an off-chance lunch with my firm’s CEO?” Â Remember, legal issues can arise when it comes to dress policies. Â “Employers who enforce dress codes on women but not men risk sexual discrimination claims, and companies also can get in trouble for taking some steps, such as banning styles that are worn as part of religious beliefs,” Â according to Stephanie Armour, USA TODAY.
I agree with Tricia Ross, a fashion expert, as reported in her September 2013 guest column from Vetrepreneur.
Business Casual is NOT:
- Casual clothing that is suitable for the beach, yard work, dance clubs, exercise sessions or sporting events.
- Clothing that is too tight, torn, dirty or too revealing. Â
- Jeans, sweatpants, exercise pants or shorts.
- Athletic shoes, flip-flops, slippers and any shoe with open toes.
Business Casual IS:
- Clothing that is neat, clean and pressed.
- Classic vs. trendy.
- Cotton or mixed-blend slacks, or chinos with a belt.
- Slip-on or casual shoes with socks.
Example Outfit:
- Khaki or cotton pants
- Long-sleeve, button-down shirt; polo shirt or knit shirt with a collar
- Sweater
- Leather shoes and belt
Source included: Â www.gijobs.com/heck-business-casual/