Are Jeans Business Casual?
Jeans can sometimes be business casual. It depends on the type of jeans and the rest of the outfit. It also depends on the workplace and its dress code. Some offices allow jeans as business casual, while others do not.
What is Business Casual?
Business casual is a dress code for offices that is less formal than traditional business wear. But it is still meant to give a professional and neat appearance. Typical business casual outfits include things like:
- Khakis or dress pants
- Button-down shirts or blouses
- Sweaters
- Closed-toe shoes
Business casual does not usually include things like:
- T-shirts
- Sweatshirts
- Sneakers
- Shorts
So, where do jeans fall? That’s where it gets a little tricky.
Jeans in the Business Casual Dress Code
Jeans are a very popular piece of clothing. They are comfortable and come in many styles. Jeans are casual, but some jeans are dressier than others.
Whether jeans count as business casual depends on a few things:
- The cut and fit of the jeans
- The color of the jeans
- What you wear with the jeans
Darker, fitted, dressier jeans are more likely to be acceptable as business casual. Light blue or ripped jeans are usually too casual for most business casual offices.
Even if your office allows jeans, you still need to style them put together to count as business casual. Your outfit needs to look polished and professional overall. A blazer or nice sweater can elevate jeans into a business casual outfit.
What to Look For in Business Casual Jeans
If your office allows jeans as part of their business casual dress code, look for jeans that are:
- A dark wash, like indigo or black
- Well-fitted – not too tight or too baggy
- Free of rips, fading, or distressing
- Bootcut, straight leg, or trouser cut rather than skinny
Pair your jeans with a collared shirt or blouse, not a T-shirt or sweatshirt. Over the shirt, add a cardigan, jacket, or sport coat. Finish the outfit with dress shoes or nice, polished boots.
The key is having your outfit look neat, put-together, and professional. The jeans should be the most casual part of your outfit, not the focal point. Avoid trendy details on the jeans like patches, embroidery, or sparkles.
When to Avoid Wearing Jeans
Even if your workplace generally allows jeans, there are some occasions when you should still stick to dressier pants:
- Important meetings with clients or executives
- Presentations or conferences
- Job interviews, even if interviewing at a business casual company
- The first day at a new job until you get a sense of the culture
It’s better to be a little overdressed than underdressed when in doubt. Slacks, khakis, or dress pants are always safe choices for business casual.
Examples of Jeans in Business Casual Outfits
Here are some examples of how to style jeans in a business casual way:
For women:
- Dark wash straight-leg jeans with a white button-down shirt, tan sweater, and brown ankle boots
- Black bootcut jeans with a royal blue blouse, gray blazer, and black heels
- Dark indigo trousers, jeans, a floral blouse, a cream cardigan, and beige wedges
For men:
- Dark rinse jeans with a light blue button-down shirt, navy sport coat, and brown dress shoes
- Black straight-fit jeans, white oxford shirt, gray V-neck sweater, black belt, and loafers
- Indigo bootcut jeans, lilac dress shirt, tan sweater vest, and burgundy oxfords
The bottom line is to keep the overall outfit looking sharp and professional. Make sure the jeans are just one part of a put-together look. With the right styling, jeans can work in a business casual office.
