Business Casual 2022 for Men and Women: What You Need to Know

You’ve been hearing a lot about business casual 2022 post-pandemic. What does that mean for you and your wardrobe? Global Image Group is here to help answer all of your questions and get you looking sharp for work.

You’ve heard the saying, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” But what does that mean when so many jobs are now requiring a business casual dress code? And how can you maintain your personal style within those confines?

At Global Image Group, we understand the importance of looking one’s best in any professional setting. That’s why our team of executive image consultants and personal stylists are here to help men and women across the country navigate today’s ever-changing business casual landscape.

So, what exactly is business casual 2022 post-pandemic? For men, it generally means no more suits and ties daily. Instead, opt for dress slacks or chinos paired with a button-down shirt or blazer. And don’t forget to add your own personal touch with accessories like cufflinks and pocket squares.

As for women, business casual post-pandemic can be interpreted in a few different ways. A tailored blazer or cardigan with dress slacks or a skirt is always a safe bet. And if you’re looking to add a little bit of personality to your look, consider pairing your ensemble with some statement jewelry or a bold scarf.

But why should you care about your work clothes? The way you dress has a direct impact on the way you’re perceived by your colleagues and clients. First impressions are everything, so it’s important to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward every time you step into the office.

That being said, you don’t have to sacrifice your personal style to look professional. Expressing your individuality through your clothes is one of the best ways to stand out in today’s competitive business world.

At Global Image Group, we can help you put together a polished and professional wardrobe that reflects your unique personality. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you make a lasting impression in the business world.

Business Casual 2022 FAQs

If you’re like most people, you probably have a few questions about business casual dress codes. Here are a few of the most common questions we get:

Q: Can you wear jeans for business casual?

A: It depends on your office’s dress code. In general, dark-wash jeans are acceptable in a business casual setting. However, ripped or distressed denim is not appropriate for the office.

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Q: Are polo shirts business casual?

A: Depending on where you live and what you do, polo shirts are business casual for men and women.

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Q: What are some examples of women business casual shoes? Can I wear open-toed shoes?

A: Again, it depends on your office’s dress code. In general, sandals and open-toe shoes are not considered appropriate for a business casual setting. If you’re unsure about whether or not your shoes are appropriate, err on the side of caution and opt for closed-toe shoes instead. The Loro Piana loafers are pricy however our clients love how comfortable they are!

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Q: What are business casual sneakers women and business casual sneakers men?

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Q: What about shorts?

A: This is another one that depends on your office’s dress code. In general, shorts are not considered appropriate for a business casual setting. If you’re unsure about whether or not your shorts are appropriate, err on the side of caution and opt for pants instead.

Still have questions about business casual dress codes? Contact us today and one of our executive image consultants will be happy to help you put together a professional and stylish wardrobe that meets your office’s guidelines.

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You might be wondering what business casual 2022 looks like post-pandemic

Can jeans be business casual to work or is that a thing of the past?

Let’s take a look at what business casual is and isn’t for both men and women.

For men, traditionally business casual typically means no jeans, shorts, or t-shirts. You’ll want to avoid anything that is too casual or too formal. A polo shirt or dress shirt with slacks is a good choice. You can also wear a blazer with khakis or dress pants. However, now you will see more business casual looks with sneakers that do not look like the same sneakers you would wear to the gym. We have included a men’s capsule wardrobe of performance fabric clothing that looks professional yet is still comfortable.

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For women, traditionally business casual typically means no jeans, shorts, skirts, or dresses that are too short. You’ll want to avoid anything that is too casual or too formal. A blouse or dress shirt with slacks or a skirt is a good choice. You can also wear a cardigan or blazer with khakis or dress pants.

Now that you know what business casual is for both men and women, post-pandemic, there are a few things to keep in mind. Location matters when it comes to business casual attire. What might be business casual in one location, might not be in another. It’s always best to check with your employer or the event organizer to find out what the dress code is.

“Think professionally casual, or casual yet professional, or dressed up casual. Some may call this smart casual. We find that entrepreneurs are the best at pulling this look off. So book an online personal analysis if you’d like to achieve that look for yourself.”

– executive image consultant, michelle t. sterling

When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and be slightly more formal than you think is necessary. No one will fault you for being too well-dressed, but you might get some funny looks if you’re underdressed for the occasion.

There are a few common mistakes people make when interpreting business casual for men and women. The first is that business casual for men means a suit and tie. This is not the case. In fact, traditionally business casual for men simply means no jeans or shorts and wearing a collared shirt. A blazer is always a good idea, but not required. The second mistake is assuming that business casual for women means a skirt and heels. Again, this is not the case. Business casual for women can mean anything from slacks and a blouse to a dress. As long as you are not wearing distressed jeans, shorts or miniskirts, you should be fine.

The past year has been spent mostly at home, probably in sweatpants. This has changed the expectations of dressing for work for ourselves and from others. We are now used to seeing each other in a more casual setting and this may carry over into the business world. Business casual in a post-pandemic world may look different than it did pre-pandemic. We may see more people wearing jeans and sneakers to work. Or we may see people dressing up more to make up for all the time they have spent in sweats.

My suggested “uniform” for women’s business casual 2022 is a pair of dark wash jeans, a button-down shirt, and loafers or ballet flats. This can be dressed up with a blazer or scarf, or dressed down with a t-shirt under a blazer. For women, business casual can be anything from slacks and a blouse to a dress. As long as you are not wearing distressed jeans, shorts, minis, or crop tops, you should be fine.

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4 Tips to Navigate Business Casual 2022

Casual business attire has changed over the years, and the pandemic has only accelerated these changes. What was once considered too casual for the office may now be perfectly acceptable in many workplaces. Here are four tips to help you navigate business casual in a post-pandemic world.

1. First, remember that business casual does not mean athleisure wear. You may have gotten used to working from home in your sweatpants and yoga clothes, but that doesn’t mean you should start wearing them to the office. Business casual still means clothes that are appropriate for the workplace, even if they’re more relaxed than a suit and tie.
2. Second, business casual for men does not necessarily mean a collared shirt and slacks. Jeans are now acceptable in many business casual workplaces along with sneakers. And while a blazer is always a good idea, it’s not required. For a more European look pair a suit with a white fitted t-shirt and white tennis shoes for a business casual look. Or a blazer, slim-fit t-shirt (if you’re in good shape), dark jeans, and white tennis shoes for a modern men’s business casual look.
3. Third, business casual for women can be anything from slacks or a skirt and a blouse to a dress with a slight heel. As long as you’re not wearing distressed jeans, shorts, minis, crop tops, or flip flops, you should be fine. Click here for trendy business casual outfits.
4. Finally, remember that your woman business casual “uniform” doesn’t have to be dull. A pair of dark wash jeans, a button-down shirt, and loafers or ballet flats can be dressed up with a blazer or scarf; or dressed down with a t-shirt under a blazer. Outfits come alive with color and accessories. While bright colors are trending now, depending on your profession, you may only want to add a splash of that along with dark colors to add interest to your outfit.

What do you think business casual 2022 will look like in a post-pandemic world at your office? Let us know in the comments below!

We know how frustrating it can be to dress yourself, which is why we offer online personal styling and online personal shopping services for US$207.