Do Business-Casual Right: Avoid These 7 Mistakes

Posted on June 18, 2025June 18, 2025 by Aditi Malhotra

Description :

Whether you wear business-casual clothing for work or because you love the style, we’re here to help you do it right. Check out 7 mistakes to avoid!

The business-casual dress code is a bit tricky to master. It should be formal enough to be appropriate for a workplace, but it shouldn’t be so formal that you stand out on the street. When many people attempt a business-casual outfit, they second-guess their look. “Did I overdress? Did I underdress?” We’re going to save you the trouble of asking yourself these questions.

Maybe your company enforces a business-casual dress code, or maybe you simply love its effortlessly professional, collected aesthetic. Whatever your reasoning for wanting to master the look, we’ve got you covered. Do business-casual right by learning about some classic mistakes you should avoid.

Definitions First: What Is Business-Casual?

Before we dig into the mistakes, let’s set the record straight on what exactly business-casual means. Essentially, it is a relaxed but professional look. The aesthetic can lean more casual or more business depending on the environment or event, but a blend of the two is always necessary. As we get into the mistakes below, we’ll explore how this principle applies.

1. Getting Too Casual

One of the most common mistakes is going too far on the casual side, even if the occasion calls for a more relaxed vibe. While we get it––elastic waistbands and flip-flops are comfy––they’re not meant for professional settings of any degree.

Avoid obvious no-gos like these:

T-shirts with bold logos or graphic prints
ripped or distressed jeans
sweatpants (yes, even the trendier versions)
athletic sneakers

Pro Tip

Always lean slightly more professional if you’re unsure. When in doubt, a crisp button-down shirt or tailored blouse paired with neutral trousers will save the day.

2. Getting Too Down to Business

On the flip side, you don’t want to look like you’re heading to a black-tie gala or formal board meeting either. Showing up in a three-piece suit or an overly formal cocktail dress can come across as uptight––and a little awkward.

Keep the professionalism polished but not overly rigid. For instance, you could swap a stiff suit jacket for a smart blazer or cardigan. When it comes to pants, make sure you understand the difference between dress pants and slacks and that business-casual almost always calls for the latter. That usually entails trading dress pants for chinos.

Overall, you want to strike a balance by choosing professionally coded but relaxed pieces that allow you to move comfortably.

3. Forgetting To Iron or Steam Your Clothes

Even the sharpest outfit falls flat if it’s wrinkled. Do yourself a favor and take a few extra minutes to iron or steam your clothes before heading out the door. If you’re always low on time, consider building a closet full of wrinkle-free fabrics. You can also try a handheld steamer for an easy upgrade to your morning routine.

Trust us––those crisp, clean lines will make a big difference in how you present yourself.

4. Ignoring the Power of Footwear

Footwear is where many business-casual outfits come undone. Worn-out shoes, overly sporty sneakers, or sky-high stilettos can easily ruin an otherwise perfect ensemble.

Here are your go-to choices for a business-casual look:

For women: flats, loafers, block heels, or clean, neutral-toned sneakers
For men: loafers, oxfords, or leather sneakers

Pro Tip

Never overlook shoe maintenance. Scuffed or dirty footwear detracts from your polished look, so invest in care supplies and clean your shoes often.

5. Accessorizing Too Much

Accessories are excellent for personalizing your business-casual outfit, but overdoing it can feel distracting or unprofessional. Large, dangling earrings, stacks of bangles, or overly bright patterns can take away from the balance you’re trying to achieve.

Instead, go for a subtle yet classic aesthetic. Stud or small hoop earrings are great choices for pierced ears. Likewise, it’s always a good idea to add a simple wristwatch or one statement piece of jewelry. For belts and bags, neutral tones are best.

The goal of accessories is to enhance your outfit, not steal the show, especially in business-casual looks. Remember this as you introduce accents to your outfits!

6. Misjudging Fit

Wearing clothes that don’t fit well is one of the biggest business-casual pitfalls. In fact, it’s one of the biggest fashion faux pas of all time. Clothing that is too tight looks (and feels) uncomfortable and awkward. On the other hand, baggy outfits lean too far into the casual side of the look; they come across as sloppy. You don’t want either of these outcomes for your business-casual attire, so make sure you understand your body’s measurements and how to complement them with clothing.

When shopping for your wardrobe, keep these guidelines in mind:

Your top shouldn’t be pulling or gaping at the buttons.
Trousers should sit just at or slightly above your hips and drape comfortably.
Shirt sleeves and pant hems should reveal a bit of wrist and ankle without bunching over your shoes or hands.

Also, consider getting a tailor! If you find a lovely piece of clothing that doesn’t fit right, this professional can fix that. Plus, a tailor will know your dimensions and be able to make helpful suggestions about sizes and styles that should look good on you.

7. Overlooking Your Work Environment

Not all business-casual environments are the same. What works in a tech startup would probably feel out of place in a corporate finance firm. Overlooking your specific work culture can lead to awkward dressing mishaps.

Take your cues from your company’s dress code (if available), how your colleagues dress on an average day, and the overall vibe of the office or event. When you’re new, err on the side of slightly more formal until you’re familiar with the dress norms.

Business-casual may feel tricky to navigate at first, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it opens up a world of comfort and flexibility. By avoiding these common mistakes––from fit issues to footwear slip-ups––you’re well on your way to mastering the art of effortlessly polished dressing.

Have any business-casual tips or outfit ideas? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!