How To Get Started

         You have now started your first job. You have not worked there yet but soon realize that the dress code for the job is business casual. This is all you know so far and you do not know anyone who works there. So what should you do? How should you dress? Business casual may differ from company to company. For example, business casual dress code in Texas is most likely very different from that of downtown Toronto. Business casual at an IT company will be different than at an advertising company. The first thing not to do is to go out and start buying new clothes. Before purchasing new clothes, look into your closet and see what you already have. Do a self-check to see if you have the clothes you need to be successful. Doing this may save you a lot of money, if you already have the clothes you need. Below is a list of clothes which are essential for anyone that is starting business casual. 

Shirts: 7 in total

• 2 white oxfords

• 2 light blue oxfords, if you do not like blue than get an extra white shirt

• 1 chambray shirt

• 2 gingham shirt

Pants: 4 pants

• 1 Khaki

• 2 different shades of chino's

• 1 navy blue chino

Shoes: 2 shoes make one of them wingtips if possible and a corresponding colour belt

• 1 brown leather shoe

• 1 black leather shoe

Blazer:

• 1 navy blue sports blazer

        Remember when trying on clothes you already have, make sure they fit properly. For shirts, try having less material around your waist and arms. If you do, it means, the shirt is too big. For chino’s, make sure that they can fit without a belt to hold them up. The blazer is the hardest to know the right size and often takes going to tailor or trying on a lot of different types. The shoulders should fit and the back of the jacket should lay flat against your back.

What does business casual mean to you?