The New York Times cites job search engine Monster.com's definition:
"In general, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed yet neat and pulled together." [4]
An employment counseling office at an American university defines business casual dress as a middle ground between business formal wear and street wear.[5] The following are examples of appropriate workplace apparel from some organizations with a business-casual dress code:[citation needed]
for women: A reasonable length skirt (not mini-skirt) or full-length trousers of a non-jeans material combined with a top (such as a dress shirt, polo, or sweater set) is considered acceptable. An informal dress with appropriate skirt length is also acceptable.
for men: A combination of collared shirt (such as a dress shirt or polo shirt), cotton trousers (such as khakis) with a belt, and dress shoes (such as loafers) with socks is generally acceptable
Unacceptable for either gender: gym clothes, rumpled or ripped clothing, miniskirts, underwear as outerwear, inappropriately revealing attire such as bare midriffs, and flip-flops. [4] Many corporations also frown upon open-toed shoes and any shorts.
Neckties and cufflinks are not required for business casual dress. Business casual dress should be able to accommodate a tie if needed, however.[citation needed] Of the 33% of men who wear a necktie to work, 60% wear a necktie occasionally, while only 18% wear them all the time.[1]
