Key Difference – Business Casual vs Business Professional
Business casual and business professional are two dress codes that are worn for work. The choice between these two styles depends on the management, field, and various other factors. The key difference between business casual and business professional is their level of formality; business professional is more formal than business casual and requires a suit.
What is Business Casual?
Business casual is a less informal style than business professional and you are not required to wear a suit. Business casual is one step down from business professional. However, this does not mean that you can wear casual clothes such as T-shirts and jeans to work. This style should make you look professional and formal.
Business casual for men usually includes slacks, khakis with polo shirts, sweaters, or collared shirts and dressy shoes. A jacket is not needed and tie is optional. Business casual for women includes dressy pants, conservative skirts with collared shirts, blouses or sweaters. Conservative dresses are also acceptable. Women should also make sure that their clothes are not too revealing; the skirt should at least reach the top of the knees. Footwear should be dress shoes or boots; closed-toe shoes are always preferred. Simple jewelry such as studs can be also worn to complement this business casual outfit.
What is Business Professional?
Business professional is a formal and conservative style of dressing. Business professional is less formal than business formal but more formal than business casual. Careers in the fields of finance, accounting and management may dress in business professional attire on a daily basis. In business professional dress code, both men and women should wear suits. Men should wear a button down shirt, suit pants, suit jacket or a blazer, tie and dress shoes while women should wear a skirt or pants suit with jacket. Women must also wear hosiery.
Both men and women should wear
- Well groomed, ironed clothes
- conservative colors such as navy or black
- a clean, pressed, button-down shirt with a collar which is worn tucked in
- jacket
- closed-toed shoes
Business professional style would make a person look very conservative and professional. It is also appropriate for different business occasions.
What is the difference Between Business Casual and Business Professional?
Business Casual vs Business Professional |
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| Business Casual is less formal than business professional | Business Professional is more formal than business casual but less formal than business formal. |
Suit |
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| Business Casual does not require wearing a suit. | Both men and women should wear a suit in business professional. |
Men |
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| Business casual for men usually includes slacks, khakis with polo shirts, sweaters, or collared shirts and dressy shoes. | Men should wear a button down shirt, suit pants, suit jacket or a blazer, tie and dress shoes. |
Women |
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| Dressy pants, conservative skirts with collared shirts, blouses, sweaters, or conservative dresses can be worn by women. | Women should wear a skirt or pants suit with jacket and hosiery. |
Ties |
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| Tie is optional in business casual. | Tie must be worn in business professional. |
Image Courtesy:
“Business Meeting” by thetaxhaven(CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
“7059” (Public Domain) via PEXELS