What does Business Casual mean anyway?

It’s becoming increasingly difficult for job seekers and employees to figure out what’s interview-appropriate and office-appropriate attire.

According to new data from a Yahoo! HotJobs and Banana Republic survey, the majority of employees wear either business casual or casual outfits to work, indicating that more companies are relaxing office dress codes. But it’s not just everyday work attire that is becoming more casual; it’s the interview outfit too. Over 25 percent of recruiters say wearing a business suit to an interview at their company can be too formal. As a result, job seekers are spending just as much time evaluating their wardrobe as they do researching the company or practicing interview questions on the night before a job interview.

“Companies are embracing the theory that comfort increases productivity,” said Susan Vobejda, Yahoo! HotJobs vice president of marketing and career expert. “While people shouldn’t dress like they’re going to a ball game or a picnic, it’s still important to look neat and professional for any job interview.”

“The line between what men and women wear for work and what they wear after-hours continues to blur,” said Deborah Lloyd, Executive Vice President of Design for Banana Republic. “At the same time, fashion has moved back to a classic phase, with an emphasis on versatile, softly tailored pieces which work alone or as layers. The ideal workplace look is appropriate, but never stiff or formal.”

What About the Interview?

Workplace mentality is changing. Wearing a dark navy or gray two piece business suit to an interview was once considered a necessary component of dressing for success. Results from the Yahoo! HotJobs and Banana Republic poll suggest wearing a suit to an interview may not be necessary to land a job. Although business casual is becoming more acceptable, even for interviews, style is still essential. Many people integrate more casual separates and mix and match for a more relaxed, but individual, look.

The survey, however, did substantiate the importance of the interview outfit. People spend just as much time figuring out what to wear as they do researching the company and practicing interview questions. Style and presentation are as important as experience and career skills.

• Thirty-four percent of respondents said on the night before an interview, they spend most of their time deciding what to wear.
• When asked how much time candidates should spend choosing their interview attire, the majority of recruiters (60 percent) said they should spend at least 30 minutes picking out an interview outfit.
• Thirty percent of respondents said they always go shopping for clothes before a job interview.

Comfort & Versatility are Key

Seventy-six percent of female employees and 88 percent of male employees said they wear either business casual or casual outfits to work. And more than 40 percent of respondents reported they wear whatever is most comfortable, including jeans, to the office.

While the era of the traditional suit may be nearing the end, looking stylish in and out of the office remains important for many workers. Nearly one third of job seeking respondents reported having extremely versatile wardrobes. These people do not differentiate at all between their work and “going out” clothes.

Comfort and versatility are important, but job seekers and employees should still be mindful of what they wear.

• They should keep in mind that one third of human resources managers believe dressing like your boss is a good way to advance in the company.
• And 73 percent think employees would be more respected by their bosses if they dressed in a similar fashion.
• Fifty-six percent of employee respondents said how they dress affects workplace perceptions and performance reviews.

Top Five Dress in the Workplace Tips:

1. Avoid anything sloppy – or too sexy – at all costs. Even though the workplace has become more casual, definite no-no’s include sweat suits, ripped clothes and anything too exposing. This fall in particular, a slim, tailored silhouette is the norm. When unsure, it is always best to pick a neutral color palette, which can be chic, and is definitely “in” this season.
2. Dress for the job you want. Appearance has a lot to do with getting noticed and becomes an important factor on whether you advance.
3. Try and keep a jacket handy and ladies, an extra pair of shoes is good as well. These are helpful items to have around in case you get called in to a last minute meeting and need a more polished boost to your outfit.
4. If you are unsure about the unwritten rules of dress code in your workplace, ask a supervisor or take direction from a well-respected co-worker.
5. Stock up on different tops and accessories to give your work wardrobe more versatility. This fall layering is a key trend. Mixing different elements from your closet, such as cropped jackets, knits, different handbags and leggings (which are so hot this fall) not only extends the life of your work wardrobe, but also makes you look on-trend.

Banana Republic, a division of Gap Inc., is known for casual luxury, with high-quality apparel for men and women and sophisticated seasonal collections of accessories, shoes, personal care products, intimate apparel and gifts for the home. Available at Banana Republic stores nationwide, and online at www.BananaRepublic.com.