I Hate Business Casual

[rcbuffett]

I know there are a few posts on business casual here, but I have a specific question that is likely bothering most people. I have started a new job out of college in a very casual environment, its an engineering firm - many in the office wear jeans, khakis, or polos. There are some extremes, with many people not tucking in shirts, or some of the older women coming to work in sweats and a t-shirt. The head manager does wear a nicely pressed pinpoint, but I think he's the only one that even uses an iron.

I prefer business dress, and wearing a tie -- even a suit to work. I never expected this relaxed and lazy attitude towards dress. Can this be done in such a casual environment?

 

[oroy38]

Forget about what they're wearing and just focus on continuing to dress well.

 

[jbmarine]

I suppose that it can, but this early on in your job, do you want to risk being that douche that out dresses everyone else?

 

[Rusty G.]

Originally Posted by oroy38

Forget about what they're wearing and just focus on continuing to dress well.

I would agree with the above and add this. . .Business casual doesn't mean sloppy.

Most places I know have casual Fridays. . .We allow our employees to wear jeans on that day, but they have to wear one of our company Polos if they wear jeans, otherwise, it's decent dress clothing.

 

[idfnl]

Me too

******* jeans or a suit, pick one!

when I see business casual I wear jeans and a blazer, its been mentioned before, though: Jeans? They're not allowed.

**** off in you **** khakis, cheap square toes and Nautica polo.

******* hell!

 

[bigbris1]

Wow, OP. Sounds like you work where I do.

I still get the odd coat in every now and again and have to endure being called "professor".

 

[texas_jack]

about 4 times I year I wear business casual and I usually wear dress slacks, sport coat, and button down collar. Looks good but not too too dressy.

 

[MKB]

Originally Posted by oroy38

Forget about what they're wearing and just focus on continuing to dress well.

+1 Stay true to yourself. It will benefit you in the end.

 

[luftvier]

Originally Posted by jbmarine

I suppose that it can, but this early on in your job, do you want to risk being that douche that out dresses everyone else?

Yes.

The only way to atone for being occasionally a little over-dressed is by being always absolutely over-educated. ~ O. Wilde.



Having style and self-respect doesn't make you a douche. Conspicuously point out others' bad clothing choices does.

 

[ccvle]

i wouldn't even considered it as business casual if you can wear jeans and t-shirts.

 

[ramuman]

http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/...riday/1094164/

 

[jbmarine]

I suppose that my post might have come off differently than what I meant. My only concern with dressing better than everyone else is simply because the OP said he's new on the job. Depending on how long one has been at their work place I believe should determine how one dresses. If it's past the first few weeks then go for it. If not, then I say just wait it out so that you're judged on your performance rather than how you're dressed...

 

[thenanyu]

It's business casual where I work too, although it's east coast I-bank style so no jeans. Some of the managers wear ties and a sport coat, I tend to do the same. I've been here for two years, in the beginning, everyone always give me grief about wearing a tie all the time, now half those guys do it on a regular basis too. Just wear it like you mean it.

 

[Prince of Paisley]

Casual and professional are not mutually exclusive concepts. Coordinating your outfit, wearing good shoes and well-fitting clothes and generally looking neat can give off a relaxed and a professional vibe at the same time. Above all avoid sloppiness in the form of baggy clothes, distressed denim and bad shoes.

"Business casual" is a hard one to get right, not least because the term has so many interpretations. And often just as much thought goes into putting a casual outfit together as a formal one - indeed, the conventions of formal dress mean it's often easier to dress for a traditional office environment than for a "casual" one.

 

[MillionaireTeacher]

What's so bad about flat-front Khakis of various fabrics, colors and patterns?
Add to that your leather shoes and belts.
And wear some higher-end checkered collar bottun down shirts...
With this, you're dressing well, and not really sticking out TOO much.