What is business casual anyway? Let's start with what it is not.
It is not jeans:
No matter how cute, this outfit is still casual. Fabulous, yes! But casual.
It is not yoga pants:
Work out clothes are for working out. If you want pants that feel like yoga pants, go for a ponte pant. Kohl's has some on sale right now for about $20 that are even pull on!
It is not leggings as pants:
If you are going to wear leggings, you MUST wear a top / dress that covers your bootie and your crotch (sorry, I couldn't think of a nicer word).
It is not "casual":
Just because you're wearing dark jeans, that doesn't make your outfit business casual. This out fit is ADORABLE, but still casual.
It is not club wear:
If you'd wear it to the club, don't wear it to your work. Save outfits like this for date night or ladies night out.
It is not crop tops or sheer:
Please, keep your sheer to your sleeves or below the knee.
Now, let's talk about what "business casual" is by comparing it to "business professional."
Clothing:
In our "business casual" & fashionable business we are SO LUCKY to get to experiment with our wardrobes. We get to play around with colors, styles, and of course our jewelry.
In a business professional environment, we would have to stick to neutrals, suits, and boring basics.
Hair:
Professional hair is sleek tamed and conservative. Business casual can be more free and stylized. It is not however . . .
. . . casual. Love this hair for the weekend though!!
Make-up:
For business professional the look is conservative, yet polished and professional.
Fortunately in our line of work we get to play around with our make up more. It's still professional, but more fashionable and can be more trendy. It is not however . . .
. . . casual. Love this fresh faced look, but it isn't work appropriate. If you don't know your way around a make up counter, contact your local Mary Kay consultant. There are bound to be, like, 50 in your area. :)
Eyebrows:
A plucked eyebrow really polishes your face. It makes your eyes brighter and less weighed down. Even just removing the stray hairs that aren't in with the rest of the eyebrow shape makes a big difference.
HOWEVER, over plucking your eyebrows will make you look older. "Natural" eyebrows have come back in style just for this reason. So keep them trim, but not over done.
Shoes:
For business professional, one must stick to neutral, closed toed flats and pumps.
Fortunately we're in the "business casual" fashion world so we get more options. Colors, styles, and heal height are all up for grabs.
But please, nothing casual. NO boat shoes:
No matter how sparkly or if they have animal print (save it for a casual day).
No moccasins:
No matter how comfy.
No athletic shoes:
Whatever you wear for working out, should NOT be worn for to your parties. I understand some ladies have health issues and need to wear sneakers. That's an exception. Just find the cutest ones you can and do your best.
No All Stars:
Again, adorable but save it for a casual day.
Ladies, I hope this was helpful. It probably sounds like a list of do's and don'ts which is going to irk some of you. It really isn't intended to be. We have a lot of freedom to express our creativity through our work and in our wardrobes. But we still need to look put together in a professional sense.
Love you all!!
<3, Mandy
