I often see women in ill-fitting khaki or corduroy pants with a T-shirt, cardigan and loafers walking around in business casual settings. To me, this particular ensemble choice is not only dated, but actually MORE casual than a lass spiffed out in a fab pair of jeans, button down shirt or knitted top, structured jacket, dressy shoes and statement handbag. It makes no sense. The smart casual dress code can look a whole lot more professional and stylish than a sloppy and passé business casual one.

The reason most corporate companies don’t allow jeans into their dress code (other than on casual Fridays) is that there’s room to abuse the privilege. The assumption is that before you know it you’ll have employees pitching up in worn out denim, sweatshirts and shoddy shoes. But a pair of unstylish casual pants worn in an unpolished way is just as bad.

So what’s the solution? Should denim be banned all together, or is there a way of convincing the powers-that-be that dressing up the right denim can be business appropriate, particularly in a less conservative corporate environment.

I’ve spent my career in these more flexible office environments, and I’m still often taken aback by some of the outfit choices that I see. While I can appreciate daring looks in the evening and on weekends, my belief is that modesty is the best policy in most work environments. Here are my guidelines on what is inappropriate at work: 

• Strappy and strapless tops: But sleeveless tops with built-up shoulders are fine. If you’re going to wear something strappy or strapless to work, keep it covered with a jacket or cardigan so that it acts as a layering piece instead of the focal point.
• Mini-skirts and short-shorts: Anything shorter than two to three inches above the kneecap is too short. Remember that skirts ride up when you sit down so do the “sit down test” before you commit to a shorter hemline. In some situations, you’ll get away with a shorter skirt if you pair it with leggings or opaque tights, especially if you’re petite.
• Super low necklines: Camisoles usually solve the cleavage issue, but not always. Bustier gals can’t help but sport a bit of cleavage with camisoles and that’s perfectly fine. Well endowed ladies look best in lower necklines which makes a spot of cleavage unavoidable.
• Overly tight clothing: Tailoring is superb but excessive clinging is not.
• See-through items: Wearing something sheer to work requires a bra and camisole. If you can’t make a see-through item opaque for work purposes, don’t wear it.

Unless your dress code enforces “the hose and closed-toe shoe rule”, I’m all for bare legs and pretty open-toed sandals in professional settings. In my mind there’s nothing immodest about revealing the lower leg and part of the foot. There’s a lot of subjectivity here though, and norms vary by industry, culture and geography. What are your views on modesty in the workplace and office appropriate attire?

The resulting business casual dress code has three acceptable looks with increasing levels of smartness:

• Level 1 – Khakis + polo-shirt + chunky leather shoes + belt
• Level 2 – Khakis + button-down shirt + chunky or refined shoes + belt
• Level 3 – Dress pants + button-down shirt + refined leather shoes + belt

The caveat here is that khakis come in all sorts. They can be ultra-casual, or smart. A casual pair of khakis worn with an un-tucked knitted polo shirt is not a professional look. It’s casual and there is nothing business-like about it. Pop a bloke into sleek dark denims, a sharp button-down shirt and fabulous shoes and that’s much more professional. Unfortunately, smart denim is not part of the business casual dress code. Denim still carries a stigma. And the wrong style of jeans can look very sloppy, which is what companies try to prevent.

So here is my opinion: Despite what the dress code allows, knitted polo shirts are strictly casual and khakis are debatable. Stick to dress pants, button-down shirts and refined leather shoes. This will ensure a polished, professional, business casual ensemble.

Business casual dress code Levels 1, 2 and 3. I’m not partial to the first, lukewarm about the second and advocate the third even though this particular Banana Republic ensemble is a bit conservative.

Like all dress codes, “casual” style is about following a formula. Here are the components:

• Pants, skirts and walk shorts: Casual bottoms are great in denim, corduroy, cotton twill, cotton blends, micro- checks or linen. Stick to dark blue denim if you’re over the age of 35 and stay away from the dreaded capri look.
• Tops: It’s essential that you wear the right casual top to ensure a high style quotient. Choose knitted tops, knitted tunics, knitwear and woven tops over T-shirts because they’re versatile and a lot more interesting. T-shirts don’t pop, whereas other casual top options do.
• Jackets: Adding a denim friendly, lined or unlined jacket to a casual ensemble increases your style quotient. This can’t be done in hot weather but is a must when it’s chilly. Jackets in denim, corduroy, cotton twill, cotton blends, rayon blends, acetate, polyester bends and linen are good choices.
• Cardigans: They’re the perfect light weight cover-up for dresses or sleeveless tops. Chunky knits are always casual but finer gauges will also work.
• Coat: Tailored puffer jackets, parkas or casual trenches worn to the thigh or knee are super.
• Dresses: Short jersey or cotton rich A-line day dresses are ideal.
• Shoes: Flats are generally more casual than heels so non-athletic fashion sneakers, ballet flats, espadrilles, casual sandals, thong sandals, casual short or knee-high boots and low wedges are great. Low heels can be informal if the styling is casual.
• Handbag: Sling bags are perfect, but totes, hobos, wicker or canvas bags are equally good options.

The casual dress code is often abused in the name of “comfort”. Items like sweat pants, hooded sweat tops, yoga-type pants, yoga tops, polar fleece tops, sporty windbreakers, basic T-shirts, lycra tank tops, athletic sneakers and any other type of clothing or shoe that is meant for sport or exercise does not make it into the casual wear category. This look is beyond casual wear. It’s what I call “gear” which is what you wear when you’re working out, engaging in a sport, or lounging at home. Do not wear these items in public as a form of casual wear. It’s poor style.

Casual outfit ideas from Boden.

If the new party look isn’t for you, then sticking to a modern classic ensemble is just as fab. Here are some ways to pack a little more punch and drama into a classic Black Tie occasion outfit:

• Add metallic, red or colorful shoes and handbag to a little black dress.
• Opt for a dress in a colour or metal instead of black.
• Wear a long chunky necklace instead of a short pendant or strand of pearls.
• Sport sheer shiny hose with peep toed shoes. Subtle sparkly styles will also work.
• Wear a translucent stiff wrap that fastens or “pulls through” in front instead of the pashmina kind that hangs loosely around the shoulders. This gives your outfit more structure and definition.
• Add a faux fur shrug and opera length gloves.

Browse the dress category if you’re unsure about the best dress style for your body type. A fit-and-flare style (fitted on top and A-line in silhouette) is universally flattering and comfortable and therefore an ideal option. You’re after an outfit with a bit of sheen, so bypass matte jersey dresses because they’re not sufficiently luxurious for a swanky event.

A midnight blue, empire-cut cocktail dress, a front-fastening wrap, and a men’s black and ink blue silk tie with a white shirt.

A long fit-and-flare black gown, shiny yellow clutch and delicious red satin peep- toe pumps that are probably impossible on the dancefloor.

Smart casual dressing is about following a formula. Here are the components: 

• Smart Jeans: get the darkest blue wash that you can find. Black and grey denim have made a comeback this season and are good substitutes – but blue is best. No holes, tears, faded areas or bleach marks. Trouser cut denim styles are another excellent option.
• Dressy top or collared shirt: select styled knitted tops in better end fabrications, woven girly tops or tailored collared shirts. Plain cru-neck T’s will not be smart enough.
• Knitwear or jacket: layer a fine-knit cardigan, pullover or fitted jacket over your first layer when it starts to get chilly.
• Trench coat or coat: top it off with a fitted trench or woolen winter coat.
• Heels: wearing smart shoes with some sort of heel is key. Fancy flats can be smart too, but are never as chic as heels.
• Bag: adding a dressy bag completes your smart casual look.

This dress code is extremely versatile. It can take you to work, shopping, date night, the theatre, PTA meetings, dinner parties, and evenings out. It’s my favourite way to dress.

Casual beach wedding:

• Ladies – a cotton knee length dress, flat sandals that you can take of easily in the sand, small clutch bag and your sunglasses. Take along a cropped cardigan for when it starts to get chilly.
• Gents – a plain short sleeved cotton or linen shirt (un-tucked is perfectly acceptable), paired with cotton or linen casual flat front pants and leather slip on mules.  

Informal wedding:

• Ladies – a festive knee length dress and strappy sandals matched with a small bag.
• Gents – a plain or printed long sleeved shirt (un-tucked is again an option) paired with flat front cotton or linen pants and closed leather shoes.  

Jeans are still inappropriate for even the most casual wedding. Wedding casual is not the same as stay at home weekend casual.

Semi–formal / Dressy Casual:

Business Casual for both ladies and gents is the order of the day. Skirt and pant suits, a dress or separates with heels for her; and a long sleeved shirt (tucked in) with dress pants, belt and dressy shoes for him. This is the trickiest of all dress codes – ask the bride and groom if you are still unsure about the level of formality they have in mind.
 
Formal Daytime:

• Ladies – a smart knee length dress or dressy suit separates with heels and accessories.
• Gents – a dark or light suit with white or pastel shade of shirt and matching tie. Tuxedos are inappropriate for daytime formal weddings unless specified. 

Formal / Black-Tie (for evening weddings):

• Ladies – cocktail dresses, dressy evening separates, dressy suits or long dresses are options. Heels, wraps and accessories are a must and so is a small elegant evening bag.
• Gents – Tuxedos are optional unless specified. Dark suits with dark shirts and dark ties are best. Trendier versions of tuxedo jackets with black shirts and no tie are also acceptable. 

Ultra Formal / White-Tie (this is Oscar night!):

• Ladies – Glitz and glamour galore! Only your best long ball gown, accessories and highest heels will do. Hair is best up or left loose with structured curls.
• Gents – Three-piece full dress with waistcoat, white tie, shirt, cumber band and shiny shoes.

Congrats to the bride and groom, have fun at their joyous occasion and above all, arrive with style!