03. Workplace Attire and Grooming – Business Casuals

Vikas, a senior counsellor at a career coaching firm is in conversation with Sujeela. Sujeela is a junior coach, accompanying Vikas on a series of mock interviews they are conducting for their clients at an external site.Sujeela
I’m really looking forward to conducting these mock interviews with you. It’s a critical skill for a career counsellor, and a lot hinges on it. Thanks for letting me tag along.Vikas
Not at all. We’re on the same team. I’m glad I can help.Sujeela
I’m just curious. Tell me, from your experience, what the most common perplexing thing you find with most professionals today?Vikas
Hmm…let’s see (thinks for a bit, looks around). Yes. There are plenty of these ‘perplexing’ things, but I’ll show you a very common gaffe most professionals make.

Sujeela
Okay. What is it?

Vikas
I’ll tell you. Better still, I’ll show you. Now, It’s almost time for the interviews. Are you ready? Do you have everything you need?

Sujeela
(Pats his notebook) Yes, I’m ready. Let’s go.

Scene cuts to the first candidate. He walks in (camera gets a good full body shot) and greets our duo.

1st chap comes dressed in bright printed shirt, off colour trousers, and a belt completely mismatched with sandals/sport shoes. Typical of how people dress badly in India.

The rest of the interview happens quickly like a mime.

Quick separator scene. Vikas and Sujeela making notes, and then, look up at the second candidate…

The second interview starts.

2nd chap comes in dressed in oversized light coloured jeans, shirt not tucked in, and not properly buttoned up. A really bad jacket completes this sorry picture with sneakers on his feet.

Once it’s done, Sujeela and Vikas look at each other and smile.

The third interview starts.

Sheila walks in looking dapper. The skirt though, is noticeably shorter than the recommended knee length.

The interview breezes by.

The fourth interview has John walk in with a three piece suit. The interview goes by.

Vikas
Phew. All done!

Sujeela
That was amazing. (pats her notebook). I learnt so much from that experience. You are amazing. Those candidates should now consider themselves exceptionally well prepared for their interviews. I’ll be surprised if they don’t do well at their real interviews.

Vikas
I’ve just had a lot of experience with this, that’s all. But thank you! Now, you were asking me about what I found perplexing about professionals these days. Tell me, did anything about any of these four candidates strike you as odd?

Sujeela
(recalls all of them in a quick flashback sequence)
Um, can you give me a hint? At first glance, I think they are all smart, capable people.

Vikas
No doubt! But, what did you think of their dressing sense? Before you answer, I’ll have you know that I asked each of these candidates to dress in business casuals. Now, did you find anything odd about any of them?

Sujeela
Candidate 1 could definitely have dressed better. Candidate 2 got it right, I think. Candidate 3 looked quite sharp in her dress and Candidate 4 was a little formal, but yet attractively dressed. So, I think candidate 3 and 4 passed the business casual criteria.

Vikas (smiles)
What if I told you all of them failed at dressing in business casuals?

Sujeela
What? All of them? But why?

Whoops. Looks like it’s Sujeela’s turn to be perplexed. If perchance you share Sujeela’s confusion about why none of those candidates succeeded at dressing in business casuals, you are not alone. And to be fair, the definition of what constitutes business casual dressing is rather fluid and vague in today’s world. And if you add the element of culture to the topic of business casuals, that definition becomes even more blurry. But there’s still a price to pay for getting it wrong

The consequences of not getting ‘business casuals’ right
Darlene Price, president of Well Said, Inc., and author of “Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results’ points out that during her 20-plus years of working as an executive coach, one of the most frequent roadblocks she has observed is inappropriate dress in the workplace.
She says “Many highly intelligent, well-qualified, capable men and women are often disqualified or dismissed because ‘they don’t sell for what they’re worth. They’ve left the business out of business casual and the lack of professional appearance holds them back. It’s frustrating, because clothing certainly does not determine one’s actual competence and credibility. It does however, influence others’ perception of those qualities – and that reality impacts career opportunities.’
Those are fairly serious stakes, compounded by the rather fluid and vague definition of the term business casual in the first place.

Now let’s get it right.
On the other hand, someone with a well-developed dressing sense is instantly recognised, admired and appreciated. As you’ve seen in the previous lesson, people judge you on your appearance, and respond to you accordingly.
Bottom line: It pays to get the fundamentals of ‘business casuals’ right.
The question, considering how vague the definition of business casuals is, is how?
Let’s pick up the conversation between Vikas and Sujeela where we left off, and we’ll explore fundamental elements of business casual dressing for men and women now. If you’re ever in doubt about what to wear to display a business casual look, we’ll explain what to wear and never go wrong.

Sujeela
I don’t get it. (looks quizzically at Vikas). I feel like a simpleton, to be honest. Please…what’s the answer to this riddle of business casuals?

Vikas
Of course. (smiles) Look, don’t be too hard on yourself. The definition of ‘business casual’ is very vague as it is. It took me years of observation and research to figure it out. And before that, if I were to be honest, I made a few ‘business casual’ blunders myself. I’m more than happy to pass my experience and learning on to you, if you think it will help.

Sujeela
Yes, please. I’m all ears.

Vikas
Okay. I want you to recall the first candidate. Specifically, their choice of attire today.

Sujeela
(thinks back) (a picture of the first candidate flashes in the background.)
Okay. I remember him.

Vikas
You told me earlier, that they could have dressed better. Could you throw some more light on what you meant? I’d like you to get as specific as you can.

Sujeela
Yes, sure. The printed shirt, the off-colour trousers seemed a little weird. And yes, the sneakers gave me pause for thought.
(continues before Vikas has a chance to say anything)
But frankly, that’s just my perspective. I see so many people dressed like that these days. The first candidate’s choice of clothing wasn’t downright terrible either, was it?

Vikas
You’re right, Sujeela. It is a matter of perspective. For the sake of context here, let’s look at all clothing choices from two perspectives, namely common sense and what experts have to say. Does that seem fair to you?

Sujeela
Yes. Fair enough.

Vikas
Great. Now, most people tend to choose convenience over meticulousness, when it comes to dressing. Just because they put together a ‘dress code’ that’s easy to use, doesn’t necessarily make that dress code right, no matter how many people subscribe to it. In a true business setting, they’d all collectively stand out like sore thumbs, especially to an eye trained for detail and aesthetic.

Sujeela
That makes sense.

Vikas
Tell me, Sujeela. If you were a business owner, would you have candidate 1 represent your company at a business seminar or event with a ‘business casual’ dress code, where some of your most important clients were present?

Sujeela
Er…no.

Vikas
Why?

Sujeela
For the same reasons I mentioned earlier. The printed shirt, off-colour trousers and sneakers. There’s nothing that gives the impression of ‘ready for business’ in that choice of attire. As a business owner, I’d be very concerned about what my clients might think about my brand, if they judged me by my representative’s choice of clothing.

Vikas
See? That’s the first benchmark by which you judge if an attire is ‘business casual’ or not.

Sujeela
So, what’s the right attire then?

Vikas
We’ll get to that later. Let’s look at the blunders first, shall we? We can look at best practices post later.

Sujeela
Okay. Sure. Let’s move on to Candidate 2 then. (Thinks, candidate 2’s picture appears in the background)
Okay. I wouldn’t send this person to that business seminar with the business casual dress code either, now that I think about it.

Vikas
And why is that?

Sujeela
His shirt (camera zooms in on Candidate 2’s shirt). I think it would be better if he had tucked it in.

Vikas
Well done. That’s true. What about his jacket? (Camera zooms in on Candidate 2’s jacket)

Sujeela
(referring to his mental picture)
No, I don’t get it. What about his jacket?

Vikas
Would you say candidate 2 looks sharp and well dressed in that jacket?

Sujeela (unsure)
…nnnnnnnno, I guess. It looked a little baggy, no?

Vikas
Right on. I was too loose, Sujeela. It doesn’t look like candidate 2 was very meticulous about his dress code, does it?

Sujeela
No. It looks like he wore whatever was available.

Vikas
Good. There’s one other thing, but we’ll cover that later. It will make more sense to you then. Remind me about this point later, if I forget.

Sujeela
Sure. Okay. Right…Candidate 3 now…(thinks, candidate 3s pic flashes in the background). Vikas I stand by what I said earlier. She looked great. I can’t see what’s wrong with her choice of dress.

Vikas
To your mind, did candidate 3 seem more appropriately dressed for a high-profile business meeting or a high-profile party?

Sujeela

Ah. I see. Yes. With that attire, she seemed better placed at a high-profile party for sure. And what made her appear like that…

Vikas
…is the length of the skirt she wore, and the super high heels. I’ll discuss this in more detail when we talk about best practices of business casual attire, okay?

Sujeela
Sure. Right. Moving on. (Thinks about candidate 4, smiles broadly first, looks at Vikas, and the smile turns sheepish) Um…Vikas…er…As a business owner, I…would… most definitely send candidate 4 to that business seminar with the ‘business casual dress code, you know, with all my important clients in attendance…I mean…

Vikas
(laughs heartily at Sujeela’s discomfort) Yes, he cut quite a handsome picture, didn’t he? Speaking of his dress sense (smiles wickedly, Sujeela blushes) he wasn’t shabbily dressed by any stretch of the imagination, I’ll give the both of you that.

Sujeela
(regains composure)
And yet, you said, all of them failed at dressing in business casuals. So that includes Candidate 4. I’m sorry, Vikas. In this case, I just can’t see why.

Vikas
Let me help. He was wearing a three-piece suit, Sujeela. What about that suggests casual? Using our business seminar analogy, it appears as though he was headed to an Oscar Award ceremony, and just happened to drop in for a business seminar first.
(Both laugh)

Sujeela
Yeah. I see what you mean about dress code driven by convenience. Putting together a business casual outfit takes some thought, I realise. Slipping on a pre-assembled three-piece suit is just easier. I’m betting that’s what candidate 4 did. That or, he genuinely had no idea what ‘business casual’ entails, and decided to play safe.

Sujeela (continues)
Right. Okay. So there’s a hundred ways to get business casuals wrong, it seems. And you’re about enlighten me on how to get it right, yes?

Vikas
Yes. I’ll get right to it.

Sujeela
(rapt attention, nods in agreement)

Vikas
It’s true that defining what the term ‘business casual’ encapsulates depends upon several factors including the industry, size of the company, number of employees, amount of interaction between employees and customers, geography, climate, culture, and average age of the workforce’
For instance, in India, the local ‘Kurta’ has been nicely adapted and integrated into a culturally acceptable ‘business casual’ look.

Sujeela (nods in agreement)
Agreed.
Vikas
Fortunately, there are elements of ‘business casual’ dressing that are universally agreed upon. Let’s start with ‘business casuals for men’, shall we?
(Here we present information, with Vikas doing the voiceover)
Firstly, an undershirt, if worn, should not be visible. The shirt should be tucked in, without exception. And you just cannot go wrong if you wear a tie. Business chinos with sober colours, slacks and khakhis work great for a business casual look. If wearing jeans, it should be a dark wash and free of rips, prints and patches. Socks should match the colour of the trousers as much as possible, or socks should be black, if you want to play safe. A belt is mandatory, and ideally the colour of the shoes and belt should match.
Always carry a semi-formal coat or sports jacket to complete that look. And remember, your clothes should fit you well.
Sujeela
Ah yes. Of course, this was the last thing candidate 2 got wrong too, yes? Besides the untucked shirt and ill-fitting jacket, that is. He should have worn dark wash jeans and semi-formal shoes.
Vikas
Yes. Excellent job spotting that.
(Sujeela smiles, pleased with the compliment)
Now, moving on to women’s business casual attire.
(Here we present information, with Vikas doing the voiceover)
Women generally have a lot more choices that men when it comes to putting together a business casual look. If you wanted to know how to never go wrong though, here are a few suggestions. Business self-coloured shirts are a great choice any day. If you do decide to go for something else, just remember to steer clear of strapless tops, and plunging necklines. Remember, being conservative here is your safest bet. Pencil skirts, or business skirts that touch the knee are great options too. Steer clear of flaring, sweeping skirts, deep slits or ballroom gowns.
As with men, stay clear of printed, embroidered, ripped or patched jeans. Dark wash jeans, and business slacks work fine. Throw a jacket or a neat sweater on top to complete the business casual look.
Add in pumps, flats or any closed-toe sober footwear and you’re good to go. Avoid stiletto heels.
Vikas
It’s important to get it right, especially if you’re going to be in the presence of people from other countries. You just can’t afford to raise eyebrows in such a situation.
Sujeela
True. I see now how candidate 3 was inappropriately dressed from a business casual perspective, even though her attire was aesthetically very pleasing.
Vikas
Great, Sujeela. Well, that’s all I had for you. I sure hope all this information proves useful to you.
Sujeela
(Wearing a sleeveless non-pastel printed top, flared skirt? and open toe sandals)
Yes. It will. (Looks at herself). Starting right now. I can already spot a few ‘Business Casual’ blunders right here. I should have opted for pastel colours, and I should have picked semi-formal flats or pumps instead of these open-toe sandals . And I should have carried a blazer with me, given that I was doing interviews, although I realise that isn’t strictly necessary. Mark my words…this will never happen to me again.
Vikas
Very impressive, Sujeela! Now, let’s call those candidates and give them feedback on business casuals, shall we?

In Summary
Your dress sense influences others’ perception of your competence and credibility. It sounds frustrating and unfair, but the sooner you get used to it, the better your advantage. There are many who have lost critical career opportunities just because they put convenience over meticulousness, when it came to working out a business casual dress code. Don’t let that happen to you.
Now, we’re only too aware that it might seem like a very expensive affair putting together business casual and formal outfits. It doesn’t need to be. For one, remember that you don’t have to sort yourself out with your clothes overnight. Most seasoned business people have acquired their dress items over years of careful selection.
So, do your own research, use the guidelines given to you in this lesson, craft your own individual look, and look for good bargains on clothes wherever possible. But do start paying attention to the way you dress.
Good luck with it.