Business Casual Clothing & Accessories 101

[Innocent_Kiss]

Ok, I need my LHCF Fashion ladies to school me on this. I only have a few business casual pieces (black slacks, khaki slacks, 2 collard tops, and a pair of black flats -- mary janes or something like that). This might seem like enough since I'm in school and I don't have a job..but I find myself needing these type of clothings for everything from volunteer services, academic programs, and stuff like that. I think this was posted earlier this year on the Off Topic Forum ..not sure?

Plus, all my business casual clothes are for winter ..one of my two collard tops is a sweater. What about for the hotter months? How can you look conservative but not old fashioned during the spring and summer? Please give tips (ex. not too much jewlry) etc on what to wear to interviews and stuff like that and anything else you would like to add!

Thanks

[blue_flower]

I'd like to know this too because I'll be looking for internships later on this year. I would to have a conservative look but be able to turn it to a casual look.

[MissB]

I found this on the Virginia Tech Career site:

Specifics for women's business casual
Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you would wear it to a club, you probably shouldn't wear it in a business environment.
Pants / skirts:
Women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should be tight. Fabrics should be crisp; colors should generally be solid; navy, black, gray, brown and khaki are always safe bets. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored; neither extreme of tight or flowing. If you are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt, observe well-dressed women in your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc.
Skirt length and slits:
Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered. If your skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. A very long skirt should not be slit to above the knee. Generally slits in the center back of a skirt — to facilitate walking a stair climbing — are acceptable. Slits to facilitate a view of your legs are not appropriate for business purposes. Slips should not be visible.
Shirt / sweaters:
In addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women. Cotton, silk, and blends are appropriate. Velvets and shimmery fabrics suitable for parties are not appropriate. Fit should not be tight. Cleavage is not appropriate to business and job search occasions.
Jewelry / accessories:
Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is creative, you may have more flexibility than someone pursuing a conservative industry.
Cosmetics:
Keep makeup conservative and natural looking. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries.
Shoes:
Should be leather or fabric / microfiber. Appropriate colors are black, navy and brown (to coordinate with your other attire and accessories); white and pastels are not appropriate. For the most conservative look, toes should be covered. Sandals which are neither extremely dressy or extremely casual might be appropriate. Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky heels and platforms are not apropriate. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling around a job fair in shoes that are pinching your feet does not convey a professional image.
Hose:
Not essential for business casual, but are recommended if your skirt is knee length (rather than calf length) and in more formal environments such as hotels.
Purse / bag:
If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple. Purse color should coordinate with your shoes. A briefcase is certainly not necessary for most business casual events. You may choose to carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. Leather, microfiber and fine wovens are appropriate. Canvas and straw are not appropriate.

Grooming tips for men and women
Hair:
Should be clean and neat.
Shoes:
Should be in polished condition. Make sure heels are not worn.
Details:
No missing buttons, no lint; and don’t forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes.
Hands:
Clean fingernails.
Fit:
Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly, neither tight nor baggy.
Smell:
Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all.
No odors on clothes.
Don't smell like smoke.
Padfolios:
Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also appropriate, but if you have no reason to carry a briefcase, don't; you risk looking silly.
Bookbags:
Appropriate to carry to an information session held on campus (after all, you are a student). For career fairs and job fairs, bookbags are generally checked at the door, and you should carry a padfolio only.
Don't carry a bookbag to an event held at a hotel.

[northernbelle]

Take a look at the Eddie Bauer and Land's End websites. Eddie Bauer actually has a section of its site dedicated to Business Casual.

northernbelle