Business Casual VS Smart Casual: What Are The Real Differences?
Do you know the differences between business casual and smart casual? For a person who had very limited fashion taste (that’s me), it was a shocker especially I heard of the term “business casual.” You know, I was like “What the hell is that?” Business casual is a dress code (or some sort).
Here’s what you need to know about the term business casual in fashion.
What Is Business Casual?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the term “Business Casual” is a style of clothing that is less formal than traditional business wear, but is still intended to give a professional and businesslike impression.”
In easier terms, business casual is a toned-down version of your traditional “business formal”. You see, “business formal” is often more rigid and conservative with colours.
Business casual, on the other hand, allows you to showcase your personality by accessoring or adding a hint of vibrant colour. This provides taste especially in the fashion world.
“Imagine having to attend a meeting looking sharp and professional, while still having a nice blend of colours and style. That’s what “business casual” means in today’s world.”
Reginald Chan
In most cases, business casual is more suitable for business luncheons and meetings. At the same time, business casual is often considered more ‘trendy’ and often seen at tech companies, as well as consulting, marketing or PR firms.
Business Casual For Men
Here’s what business casual looks like for men (yes, gents).
Additional tips for business casual fashion:
- Tie is optional
- A cardigan or sweater is an excellent substitute for a blazer
- Incorporating colours that are less formal (brown, navy, light blue, etc.) is fine with business casual
Business Casual For Women
Here’s what business casual like for women.
Additional tips for business casual fashion:
- A pair of ballet flats with a simple one-piece is an excellent business casual fashion for female
- Light coloured blazer makes it a great finishing touch
- You may also opt for a coloured-blouse with a pair of fitted dress pants
What Is Smart Casual?
Business Insider defines the term “smart casual” as a neat and professional fashion — but still informal.
Smart casual is a fashion term easily contributed as a polished version of the casual wear. This form of fashion offers more flexibility than business casual (here’s where business casual vs smart casual).
While smart casual term is very far and wide, this form of fashion often relates to work or business related occassion. Therefore, keeping in mind with the environment is critical. In many cases, avoid wearing shorts or mini skirts because that is definitely not ‘casual smart’ when it comes to business.
Smart casual is an excellent fashion option when it comes to interviewing in tech companies, IT companies, advertising or design companies. The right smart casual fashion will give the interviewers a good understanding on your creativity (at the very least).
Smart Casual For Men
What does smart casual means for men? Here’s how it looks like.
Smart casual for men means looking smart, sharp and professional. And this means that:
- Jeans and t-shirts are just fine
- Sneakers are okay too
- Strictly no shorts
Smart Casual For Women
Here’s what smart casual like for women.
I know a ton loads of women who love smart casual. The best way to define smart casual for women is oftentimes looking good at the simpliest fashion.
But sure.
Here are some hints for smart casual for women.
- Try pairing a pair of fitted jeans with a t-shirt, and flats or sneakers
- Avoid sandals and mini skirt
- It is okay to try something bright in colour or unique (just not too ‘exploding’ in fashion sense)
Business Casual vs Smart Casual: The Summary
Both business casual and smart casual have their own distinctive selectors and differentiation. More importantly, it is critical to understand the environment you will be in and then decide on the types of clothes or dress that you will be wearing.
Afterall, it is all about fashion sense!