Casual Dress
by Angela Brown Obererngela Brown

Did you ever wonder exactly what "Casual Dress" is appropriate for an office environment?

Jean Kelley known as America’s Workplace Coach and owner of a personnel recruiting firm in Tulsa OK, shares years of professional experience from the trenches on what should and should never wear on casual day at the office:

* For both men and women, hair should be well groomed and in natural variations of the basic five colors: blonde, brown, black, gray or red. Anything else is too distracting for the office.

For Men:

• Pants: Khakis or gray wool (lightweight or heavy) long slacks are always a safe bet.

• Shirts: Button down cotton shirts are okay without a tie, a long sleeve button down shirts is preferable to one with short sleeves. Cardigan sweaters are a good choice in cold weather. Short-sleeved polo or golf shirts with a collar are acceptable as well.

• Shoes: Well maintained bucks and loafers (Keep polish in your briefcase for quick touch ups.)

• Blazers: Either a double or single-breasted blazer with gold or silver-colored buttons can dress up any casual day, especially if there is a spontaneous meeting or lunch with clients.

• Accessories: One ring per hand, a wristwatch, ties are optional in many companies, it is best to check before leaving yours at home. For pocketed shirts, one ink pen is sufficient. A leather belt that matches your shoes. (Brown belt for brown shoes, black belt for black shoes etc.)

• Always at work: Have good posture, smile and act confident

• Never at work: Tennis Shoes, sandals, visible tattoos, sleeveless shirts, tee shirt with no collar. Clothing should cover body piercings, and eyebrow and tongue rings should be removed at work.

For Women:

• Pants: Khakis and Chinos are best in Gray, Beige and Taupe.