Business Casual Attire
What Not to Wear
Uniforms & Industry Standards
Professional Grooming Standards
First Impressions Matter
100

This type of footwear, often closed-toe and made of leather, is considered appropriate for both men and women in most business casual settings.

What are dress shoes?

100

An example of shoes that are too casual or inappropriate for most office work settings. 

What are flip flops or sneakers/tennis shoes

100

A small part added to a uniform to help people know you work at the establishment. 

What is a name tag and/or a branded shirt?

100

Keeping this on your face neatly trimmed or clean-shaven shows attention to detail and hygiene.

What is facial hair?

100

This is the number of seconds it typically takes someone to form a first impression based on appearance.

What is less than 10 seconds? 

200

For men, this type of shirt—typically with a collar and buttons—is a staple of business casual attire.

What is a button-down shirt?

200

Wearing too many of these accessories or ones that are overly flashy can be distracting in professional settings.

What is jewelry?

200

This industry may require safety boots, hard hats, and high-visibility vests as part of its dress code.

What is construction?

200

Maintaining this part of your appearance includes regular washing, brushing, and keeping it tidy.

What is your hair?

200

Showing up to work or an interview with wrinkled or stained clothes gives this kind of impression.

What is unprofessional?

300

While jeans are often too casual, these types of pants made from cotton or wool blends are preferred in a business casual setting.

What are slacks or chinos?

300

This type of clothing may reveal too much skin for the workplace. 


What are crop tops, halter tops, camisoles, or tank tops?

300

In fine dining, this color is often standard for front-of-house staff uniforms.

What is black?

300

This can be done before work or after meals, especially if you will be talking to others. 

What is brushing your teeth, chewing gum, or having a mint?

300

Besides your clothing, this aspect of your appearance, including teeth and breath, can strongly influence first impressions.

What is oral hygiene?

400

This type of top, often worn by women, may have modest embellishments but should not be overly revealing or casual.

What is a blouse?

400

Clothing possessing these should be avoided in the workplace. 

What are rips, tears, or stains?

400

Healthcare professionals often wear these for hygiene and identification purposes.

What are scrubs?

400

This must be worn to keep body odor away.

What is deodorant? 

400

This is an important thing to consider when picking out new clothes for work because it can make good clothes look bad. 

What is how well they fit, and are they the correct size?

500

In business casual environments, this item can add a layer of professionalism when worn over a blouse or dress shirt.

What is a blazer?

500

These clothes are usually too "over the top" for the workplace. 

What is formal wear: tuxedos and gowns?

500

In the hospitality industry, this standard uniform piece for servers helps promote a clean, consistent appearance.

What is an apron?

500

A reaction that could happen if you do not take care of your personal hygiene. 

What is avoiding you or thinking odd thoughts about you?

500

This is important to do before you are talking to others, especially during cold season and after eating. 

What is checking your face, teeth, and nose for anything? 

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