A step down from business formal, business professional clothing is still neat, conservative, and traditional, if a little looser when it comes to color or pattern. Business professional is also sometimes called “traditional business.” Expect to present a professional appearance everyday, injecting personality into your outfits with your accessories and color choices.
Business Professional Dress Code For Men:
- A one- or two-button suit. Suit colors should still be conservative, but you have more leeway with pattern – a conservative stripe or check, for instance.
- Pressed, lighter-colored dress pants worn with a sports jacket.
- Conservative ties, but feel free to introduce colors and patterns. For example, you can feel free to wear a blue-striped, professional tie, but no novelty ties.
- High-end accessories, such as watches (preferably silver, gold, or white gold) and cuff links, if necessary.
- Shirts should be collared button-ups, but can be colored, as long as the color is fairly conservative. Blue, burgundy, or gray all work well.
- Shoes should be conservatively colored oxfords or polished loafers in black or brown.
- Hair and nails should be groomed, but check with HR on acceptable hairstyles.
Business Professional Dress Code For Women:
- A suit or skirt, top, and jacket in a conservative neutral color, such as black, brown, or navy.
- Collared button-up shirts that may be any solid color.
- Dark or nude-colored hosiery.
- Closed-toe pumps in a neutral color such as black or brown.
- Larger, more noticeable jewelry – as long as it’s not distracting. Think along the lines of one statement necklace or a chunky watch. High quality is preferred.
- Skirts never more than two finger-widths above the knees.
- Well-groomed, neutral nails. May be clear coat or beige.
- Hair should be neat and groomed, but check with HR on acceptable cuts and colors.
