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| Sunday, 6 October 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Every day is a dress down Friday these days. Memos have been posted in offices everywhere defining the new dress code. Some had trouble defining "business casual" since the term is somewhat subjective. Does casual mean you could come to work in track pants and Birkenstocks, or does it just mean that you aren't required to wear a tie? While business casual is hard to define, since it also depends on the type of company or industry you're in, here are some items that you could wear to work and still look fashionable in your cubicle. Stylish suits
Not to worry, there are ways to wear a suit without looking like you're going to a wedding. Fashionable colours for suits this season are still the traditional grey, navy and black. This season, however, earthy tones such as brown, taupe and khaki green are also making a presence. The trick is to spice up your suit ensemble by wearing some colour under your suit, such as light blue, indigo, orange, beige, mauve, or even purple. This makes your suit livelier and adds a personal touch to your getup. Of course, button-down shirts can always be worn with suits, but knits are a stylish option as well. Sporty jackets Rather than a suit and tie, go for a sports jacket instead. This adds some class to any work outfit with a touch of sportiness. You can wear a button-down or knit shirt under a sports jacket. And, as is the case with suits, choose one of this season's fashionable colours to add some spice to your look. Sports jackets now have higher, narrower lapels, 3-4 buttons, and are single breasted. Ooh, nice knits
Knits are solid or ribbed. Different fabrics include merino or light wool, cashmere, and cotton, which can all be worn under sports jackets. The best part about knits is that they can be worn alone and still look appropriate enough for work. Button-down shirts As for button-down shirts, the less busy the better. You can opt for a solid shirt with no pattern, but if you do go for a print, try stripes. Checks are even stylish this season, but you want the checks to be more faint and subtle rather than loud. A little tip: while working, you can roll up your sleeves midway between your wrist and elbow. Just make sure your cuffs still look proper and aren't too bunched up. Just keep your sleeves rolled down if you have a meeting. Playful pants If you're not wearing a suit, On more casual days, you can wear a pair of chinos (just make sure they're a darker colour), and cotton corduroy pants, which look great with a sports jacket. Work, rest and play Where business casual is concerned, there are many different outfits you could wear to meet the standards of your company and still look stylish. If you're not sure about what your company means by "business casual," just ask your superior to clarify what is and isn't permitted. You can also observe what others are wearing. Asking a superior is always a good idea, since others may not necessarily know what business casual is and may still be wearing suits everyday.
The best part about business casual is that you no longer need to feel stifled every day in a suit and tie, and you can go out for dinner or drinks after work with the office babe and not feel like you're wearing a stuffy suit. You also end up economising by being able to wear the same clothes for work and play. When you go out after work and you want to feel more comfortable while on a barstool sipping a martini (shaken not stirred, of course), just remove your sports or suit jacket and tie, and you're all set. Follow these trends and tips, and your company will regret instilling business casual once the women at work pay more attention to you rather than their work. |
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News | Business | Features
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| Produced by Lake House |
To
say that business wear has changed in the past couple of years is an
understatement. And it's not just the dot-commers that have changed the
way they come to work; even consulting and law firms have altered their
dress codes in order to promote comfort. In turn, productivity increases
and companies maintain their competitive edges by keeping the best new
twenty-somethings in their firm.
Even if your company has gone business casual, it's still recommended
that you wear a suit on the days that you have business or client meetings
scheduled.
This season, it's all about the neckline. From funnel necks to mock
necks, V-necks, crewnecks and zip down, all of these options can be worn
under a suit, sports jacket, or alone.
Don't be afraid to add colour to your business clothes. Remain
conservative, but remember that you can always have some patterns such as
stripes on your button-down shirts and sports jackets. Just don't be
flashy; you're still in a work environment after all.
