SUMMARY POINTS
On some rare occasions, you might see someone in business formal attire. Usually, it’s a visitor from an outside partner, supplier, finance or legal person. They’re all in the traditional dress code of suit and tie or pantsuits and blouses.
Thankfully, more companies are foregoing traditional business attire and moving toward business casual dress codes. And some peeps in the office are pushing the boundaries of “business casual” attire.
When Dirty Doug shows up to the office for his obligatory coffee badging for the week, people notice and not in a good way. It’s a WTF moment for sure. You’d think that he’d have some level of self-awareness about showing up to the office wearing a yellow pit-stained white t-shirt and cargo shorts from the 90’s.
Then, it’s only a matter of time before someone shows up wearing their PJs. It’s one thing to work in your PJs at home but entirely another when you gotta be in the office. When you’re working remotely from home, dress codes still matter.
To prevent further instances like this, more companies are now starting to create more details and requirements around office dress code. And the latest current standard is calling for “smart casual” dress code.
The term is so vague and doesn’t really provide much in the way of what’s acceptable.
Thankfully, more companies are foregoing traditional business attire and moving toward business casual dress codes. And some peeps in the office are pushing the boundaries of “business casual” attire.
When Dirty Doug shows up to the office for his obligatory coffee badging for the week, people notice and not in a good way. It’s a WTF moment for sure. You’d think that he’d have some level of self-awareness about showing up to the office wearing a yellow pit-stained white t-shirt and cargo shorts from the 90’s.
Then, it’s only a matter of time before someone shows up wearing their PJs. It’s one thing to work in your PJs at home but entirely another when you gotta be in the office. When you’re working remotely from home, dress codes still matter.
To prevent further instances like this, more companies are now starting to create more details and requirements around office dress code. And the latest current standard is calling for “smart casual” dress code.
The term is so vague and doesn’t really provide much in the way of what’s acceptable.
What Is Smart Casual Dress Code Anyway?

Dress codes have been a staple in workplaces for as long as we can remember. But have you noticed that the stiff suits and polished shoes are becoming less common?
If you want some laughs, image search for 80’s “power suits” or the fat tie suits of the 70’s and you’ll be amazed at how wacky business attire got from the staid old school suits of the 50’s and 60’s.
That’s all business fashion history. Now, it’s all about business casual or more specifically, smart casual.
Here’s a quick rundown. It started out as business formal and progressed to business casual (ie - no ties) which then morphed into smart casual. Smart casual is not as laid-back as your weekend jeans-and-t-shirt combo, but it’s also not as rigid as a tieless suit.
For men, think of a tucked-in cotton polo shirt, paired with chinos/untorn jeans and clean sneakers. Women can opt for a simple button-down top with a flexible pencil skirt, neutral pants or clean jeans, finished off with flats or canvas kickers.
For both, the goal is to look presentable yet comfortable. Just well put together, not sloppy or lazy. It’s like the outfit you’d wear to a business social happy hour.
If you want some laughs, image search for 80’s “power suits” or the fat tie suits of the 70’s and you’ll be amazed at how wacky business attire got from the staid old school suits of the 50’s and 60’s.
That’s all business fashion history. Now, it’s all about business casual or more specifically, smart casual.
Here’s a quick rundown. It started out as business formal and progressed to business casual (ie - no ties) which then morphed into smart casual. Smart casual is not as laid-back as your weekend jeans-and-t-shirt combo, but it’s also not as rigid as a tieless suit.
For men, think of a tucked-in cotton polo shirt, paired with chinos/untorn jeans and clean sneakers. Women can opt for a simple button-down top with a flexible pencil skirt, neutral pants or clean jeans, finished off with flats or canvas kickers.
For both, the goal is to look presentable yet comfortable. Just well put together, not sloppy or lazy. It’s like the outfit you’d wear to a business social happy hour.
Benefits Of Smart Casual
How you dress can make a big impact not only on your personal brand but also on your productivity, comfort and morale.
Being comfortable allows you to get in the zone more easily and boosts productivity. When employees feel good in what they’re wearing, they’re happier and more engaged. Gone are the days of feeling restricted in tight collars and torturous shoes. When you’re comfy, you feel better.
Smart casual also allows for your unique personal style to shine through. You can more easily mix and match different elements to create a look that’s uniquely yours while still adhering to a professional standard. This is your chance to up your office style game.
If you’re unsure, just look at how your peers at your same level dress or look one level up and see how those managers dress. If you’re still in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. But, keep it clean, comfortable and simple.
And one of the best things about smart casual is that you won’t need to revamp your entire wardrobe. Some if not most of what you already have will most certainly work.
Being comfortable allows you to get in the zone more easily and boosts productivity. When employees feel good in what they’re wearing, they’re happier and more engaged. Gone are the days of feeling restricted in tight collars and torturous shoes. When you’re comfy, you feel better.
Smart casual also allows for your unique personal style to shine through. You can more easily mix and match different elements to create a look that’s uniquely yours while still adhering to a professional standard. This is your chance to up your office style game.
If you’re unsure, just look at how your peers at your same level dress or look one level up and see how those managers dress. If you’re still in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. But, keep it clean, comfortable and simple.
And one of the best things about smart casual is that you won’t need to revamp your entire wardrobe. Some if not most of what you already have will most certainly work.
Be Smart About Business Casual

Smart casual is more than just a passing trend. Unlike previous dress code trends, this one is more of a departure from business formal and one that seems like it’s here to stay for a while. Its lasting power is a reflection of our evolving workplace culture.
Do we have to be physically in the office to be productive?
Not really.
Do we need to be all suited up to be professional?
Nope.
There is a good balance that can be achieved here that can optimize employee well-being and productivity. By blending comfort with professionalism, it offers the best of both worlds. It creates relaxed productivity and makes managing work stress a much easier endeavor.
Now, if only the message could get through to the Dirty Dougs of the working world before they start working pantless, we’d all be much better off.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]
Do we have to be physically in the office to be productive?
Not really.
Do we need to be all suited up to be professional?
Nope.
There is a good balance that can be achieved here that can optimize employee well-being and productivity. By blending comfort with professionalism, it offers the best of both worlds. It creates relaxed productivity and makes managing work stress a much easier endeavor.
Now, if only the message could get through to the Dirty Dougs of the working world before they start working pantless, we’d all be much better off.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]