Business Casual Rules

Women have come a long way from the days when climbing the corporate ladder required a two-piece suit and classic pumps. But business casual doesn't make it any easier to get ahead. Just ask HR--the fashion police of the corporate world.

In many companies, the rules vary not only between departments but also between different levels within the hierarchy. "In a law firm, you could find a lawyer who's about to go to a meeting wearing a suit, and just down the hall, you might see someone in the firm's accounting department wearing something more business casual like khakis," says Kristen Bowl, spokesperson for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world's largest association serving human resource professionals.

L’Oreal USA has a business casual dress code that restricts employees from wearing denim, shorts, athletic wear, sneakers, sweats and flips flops. But as Kimberly Nassau, a human resource manager at the company reports, there are distinct differences in how individuals within various departments interpret the dress code. "Our accounting department tends to be much more conservative than the marketing department, Says Nassau. On the other hand, to have credibility, our marketing professionals, who are working in the world of beauty, need to be in touch with fashion trends."

Situational factors also come into play with regard to business casual dress code. "There are always elements to consider: Is the employee dealing with the public? Are they in a position where they might suddenly be called to give a speech or attend a meeting?" Those factors, notes Bowl, influence "what a person thinks is appropriate to wear on a particular day or every day." As a result some companies have adopted a "Situationally Sensitive" or Business Appropriate policy that different levels of business attire that depend upon the situation at hand. It is becoming increasingly common for companies to require their employees to keep a change of formal business clothing in their offices for meetings with clients, particularly for those unexpected situations.

Rules or no rules, when it comes to business casual employees are expected to be mindful of all these factors as they are standing in front of their closet each morning. It also comes down to the overall presentation rather than one's personal fashion choices. Even in the more fashion-forward of offices, an outfit should not interfere with the bottom line: business.

As stated by Greg Giangrande, senior vice president of human resources for HarperCollins Publishers Inc., the most important thing for an employee to remember is, "It's all about the whole presentation. Your clothes help people form an impression of you and you want to be noticed for the right reasons. You want to exude confidence, and clothing is just one of many tools with which to work."

Regardless of your office setting certain business casual rules are a given--keep it standard, keep it simple, keep it timeless and keep it classic. Your ripped denim jeans and cut-out tees may be “in” outside the office, but at work they are a fashion faux pas. Still not sure how to remain office-chic without breaking the rules? Check-out our selection of HR conscious styles that are business casual ready.