The Very Basics: Business Casual and Professional

Here are the very basics for those who have absolutely no idea what "business casual" or "business professional" means. Both business casual and business professional are dress codes.

Business casual is a very popular way to dress in corporate America on a day-to-day basis. It is comprised of slacks, a button-up shirt, and dress shoes that match the belt. Generally, no tie is worn with business casual. If it is cold, a sports coat (blazer) can be worn over business casual.



Business professional is a dress code that requires a suit. The suit is the matching blazer and slacks, a tie is worn, shirt, shoes, belt, the whole lot of it. Business professional is always worn during an interview. It is not often seen as a day-to-day dress code, but some investment banks still require it. It all depends. For the most part, if day-to-day dress is business professional, it will be explicitely stated. It may also be called business formal.