Denim: The New Business Casual Look
Looking for something new to wear to work? You may want to try a
pair of jeans. Denim is becoming much more acceptable in the
workplace, and is becoming the new fabric of business casual
outfits. However, you still want to look professional, even if you
decide to wear a jean jacket to work.
Here are some pointers that may help you decide which denim clothing
and accessories are welcomed in the office. Since denim comes in
many forms and shades, and some kinds of denim are dressier than
others, choosing which type of denim to wear to work can be a bit of
a task.
Knowing the look you want and finding denim that will reflect your personal style and professional attitude can help you in your search, and you'll even find denim you can where
just about anywhere. Your body shape, height, and weight are the determining factors you should use when looking for the perfect workplace denim.
If you are rather tall, finding a jean that fits you at the hip or
waist (depending on how long your torso is) and is long enough at
the leg will make you look leaner and will fit more comfortably.
Boot cut jeans are often best for taller people, too, because they
will fit well over your shoes, and you can wear both heels and flats
with boot cut or flare jeans. If you are shorter or medium height, a
jean that is the right fit at the waist and in the legs will make
for comfort and easy movement.
Selecting denim that you can wear with blazers, ponchos, or collared
shirts is also a plus; it's a good idea to get jeans that you can
wear with just about anything, but still well put together in. Make
sure that your denim fits appropriately, too. Your jeans shouldn't
fit too tight; while this can be fashionable outside of the office,
tight jeans don't exactly say ‘I'm a professional.' And jeans that
fit too loosely can make your outfit look poorly coordinated and
sloppy.
Denim pants are not the only office-wear alternative, though. Jean
skirts and jackets can accent any outfit well, especially if paired
with the right accessories. Wearing casual slacks or khakis with a
jean jacket gives off a professional but personable feel, and
wearing a denim skirt with a dressy top can create a look that is
both professional and practical. Denim Capri pants have also become
acceptable office wear in some workplaces. Capri pants can be worn
with stiletto heels or boots, and should be worn with a belt in the
office; blazers or collared shirts go well with Capri pants as well.
However, for the workplace, it's not recommended to wear too much
denim with one outfit. If you're wearing a denim skirt or jacket,
pair these items with suede, leather, or cotton articles of
clothing.
When you're looking for shades of denim to wear to work, dark is
always best. There are many shades of denim to choose from, from
extremely light, stone-washed, pre-washed, and very dark blue. Dark
blue denim is closest to black, which is a very accepted color
professionally, as it denotes class and conservatism. Keep this in
mind when choosing your denim. You don't necessarily have to go with
the darkest denim you can find, since you may want to go with a
slightly lighter shade of blue to compliment your skin tone or hair
color. You can find the right jeans for you in a number of places,
from department stores, to online stores-even thrift shops. Make
sure you have enough time to actually shop for your denim; most
people assume that they don't have to ‘try jeans on' or ‘find the
right pair of jeans' as long as they pick up the right size. Make
sure your jeans accent the favorable parts of your body, and help to
hide the parts you still want to work on.
Finally, before you wear your jeans to work, find out exactly what
the rules are for dress in the workplace, especially if you're new
to the office. Don't assume that just because you see other people
in the office with jeans on that it's right for you or your
department. Lots of office have ‘casual day' once a week now, so
jeans are probably best worn on these days. If you're still not
sure, ask your supervisor. It's better to know exactly what to do
wardrobe-wise in the office, than to show up one day in your
favorite jeans and feel uncomfortable all day.
By Tamiya King
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