Business Casual vs Smart Casual

 Levels of dress code depend on the appropriateness for the profession, occasion and location. 

Business Casual and Smart Casual Dress Codes in Context

The Intention of the Business Dress Code

The Distinguishing Features of Each Business Dress Code

The Intention of the Casual Dress Code

Business Casual & Smart Casual Explained

Your Action Steps

Business Casual & Smart Casual dress codes seem to baffle the best of us. It almost appears to be a contradiction in terms. Particularly because the term casual used to be applied to attire worn outside the place of work, whether this was smart or not.

With the introduction of dress down Fridays the distinctions between business wear and weekend wear have become somewhat blurred due to the use of the term casual. Furthermore post covid hybrid working or completely working from home has led to a lapse in attention to appropriate business attire. a lot of people have slipped into the casual home leisurewear which is at the lower end of the dress scale. a lot of people have slipped into the casual home leisurewear which is at the lower end of the dress scale.

To stop the confusion let’s go back to basics and take a look at the actual context and intention of these two dress codes. You will notice that they are both part of the business dress code chart and not the casual dress code chart which is still reserved for weekend, home, leisure and sportswear.

Business Casual and Smart Casual Dress Codes in Context

The two charts display the key differences between levels of business attire and casual attire.

The Intention of the Business Dress Code

Business dress requires a level of formality which reflects your credentials and company values. By definition business means the way you dress for work should not fall below a certain professional standard. The intention here is that your attire, grooming and image be fit for purpose. Conveying a message of competence and credibility to colleagues, stakeholders, customers and clients alike. Indeed there has been much research which has shown, the psychology of what you wear affects both your performance and credibility as well as that of those around you.

Depending on the industry the dresscode might vary in degrees of formality, level of creativity and so on. For example the banking industry needs to convey an image of accuracy, authority, and trust. Whereas an advertising agency might want to convey uniqueness and creative thinking. In which case the formula for conveying authority, respect, professionalism and approachability, as seen in the charts, still holds. The colours, fabrics, colours, styles and finishing touches can be adapted within each industry, company or organisational norms.

The Distinguishing Features of Each Business Dress Code

Change as you move down from the most formal to the most casual elements of business dress. Firstly the business formal dress code depicts the highest level of authority which is suitable for top executive board positions. Then the business semi-formal dress code which still commands respect and is suitable for middle management and client facing roles. The business informal dress code, also known as business casual is suitable for everyday wear at the office when levels of authority are not relevant. Finally the smart casual dress code allows for a more friendly and approachable image. This is usually reserved for such days as dress down Friday and informal business gatherings.

You will notice that the level of tailoring varies as do quality of fabric, choice of colours and patterns. The two most formal require a lapel jacket. Along with a high level of tailoring, choice of dark neutral colours and little if no pattern in the fabrics. The overall finish requires the highest levels of grooming, closed toe shoes, refined jewellery, hosiery and accessories.

The two more casual levels of attire do not require a tailored lapel jacket. Namely the business casual and smart casual dress codes. These can include subtle colours and patterns and have a little bit more scope for individual interpretation. However the overriding consideration is that the image presented should be of working professionals who are neat, tidy and smart.

How Casual Dress Codes Differ From Business Dress Codes

The theme for casual dress codes is relaxed and unconcerned with matters of business. Furthermore the casual dress codes are not trying to convey any particular professional standard. Usually reserved for out of office attire at weekends and social.

Therefore there is more opportunity for self expression. The key points to note are that the fabrics become more soft, a looser fit is acceptable and the colour and pattern choices can become more vibrant. The chart below shows some more examples of these two dress codes along with some tips as to the do’s and don’ts

Business Casual & Smart Casual Explained

 Business Casual and Smart Casual dress codes are both on the Informal Business Chart for dress codes. They have nothing to do with weekend casual or out of office casual attire.  

Business Casual and Smart Casual dress codes are both on the Informal Business Chart for dress codes. They have nothing to do with weekend casual or out of office casual attire.

The intention in both cases is to still appear neat, professional, and business like, within the context of your organisation’s parameters.

Business casual and smart casual are the two informal business dress codes.

The intention of the business casual dress code is to enable ease of communication, exchange of ideas, and efficient performance. Neat, smart attire and a high level of grooming are still crucial to the overall look.

The intention of the smart casual dress code is to enable approachable and friendliness such that colleagues can relax from the usual formalities and get to know each other. It fosters team work, trust and conviviality. Attention to good grooming and a polished image is still required.

Attention to detail is key to both dress codes. It is in the detail that you can make small adjustments to take casual to smart and smart to business. Flip flops, scruffy trainers, mismatched outfits, disproportionate jewellery and shabby accessories will not do.

Your Action Steps

# 1 Review your company’s current dress code policy You might find that your organisation has already adopted a business casual or smart casual dress code. In which case you need to assess that you are not too far down the scale and operating at the weekend casual level instead of the business/smart casual level If you have inadvertently adopted an overly casual style that falls into the errands, loungewear or sports sections you can adjust your attire accordingly.

# 2 Use the charts to check the levels of dress code to establish your current level of dressing. The key notes provided under the section images will help to guide you.

# 3 Make any necessary adjustments If you’re not sure on how to interpret these styles to suit your body shape, colouring and personality then book a consultation and we’ll work it out together.

# 4 Find more inspiration
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