“Business Casual” in the workplace can be a nightmare. Even when you think you’ve nailed it, you sometimes work out you’ve actually been following a standard from a country 2,000 miles away. What passes for appropriate attire in a Silicon Valley fintech startup might raise eyebrows in a Tokyo financial firm. And the expectations for a marketing agency in fashion capital Milan? That might even differ from a similar type of role in Singapore. We’re here to solve that issue: we’ve engaged worldwide expertise to clarify dress codes not just across industries, but across countries too.
This guide aims to demystify the enigma of “business casual” across borders and sectors. We’ve tapped into expertise from around the globe to bring you a comprehensive breakdown of what this elusive dress code really means in 5 different industries across various countries. Whether you’re a globe-trotting executive, a remote worker collaborating with international teams, or simply curious about global business norms, we aim to help you navigate the world of business casual attire with confidence. We’ve combined recommendations from industry and recruiting experts at the end of each section, too.
In the U.S., the approach to business casual for lawyers emphasises flexibility without compromising professionalism.
What to wear:
While this will vary even from state to state, the New York State Law Department provides some useful tips:
Our key takeaway? Be prepared to transition to formal wear at a moment’s notice. In the legal world, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Experts’ Recommendation:
Men: Navy blazer, light blue button-down shirt, khaki chinos, brown leather loafers, and a leather belt.
Women: Charcoal grey slacks, white silk blouse, navy cardigan, black low-heeled pumps, and subtle jewellery.
Across the Atlantic, UK law firms are adopting a more flexible approach, but still with an emphasis on professional judgment.
What to wear:
An international law firm based in the UK shared this perspective:
This approach reflects a growing trend in the UK legal sector: trusting professionals to make appropriate clothing choices based on their daily commitments.
Our recommendation therefore is to follow a similar approach to the U.S. look: something with an edge of formality, but be ready for something more formal if needed
Experts’ Recommendation:
Men: Dark grey trousers, light-coloured dress shirt (no tie), brown brogues, and a navy sport coat.
Women: Pencil skirt, white blouse, fitted blazer, and closed-toe heels in a neutral color.
Across much of Europe, the legal profession seems to maintain a slightly more formal stance even to business casual clothing.
What to wear:
The French approach reminds us that in some cultures, “casual” in a legal context is merely a slight relaxation of formal wear, not a complete departure from it.
Experts’ Recommendation:
Men: Tailored navy suit worn as separates – pair the jacket with grey trousers, add a light blue shirt (no tie), and black Oxford shoes.
Women: Black tailored pantsuit, paired with elegant flats or low heels, and minimal gold jewellery.
This one needs almost no introduction. Business casual in the US tech industry is at most a buttoned shirt and at least… well, Mark Zuckerberg only wears grey t-shirts with blue trousers.
What to wear:
We would recommend any employees within the industry to nonetheless remain relatively smart and professional in their business casual clothing, in order to make a good first impression and assess the atmosphere within their firm.
Many recruiters advise against flip-flops for men, as well as ripped jeans. Some recruiters who we engaged with recommended sneakers, but advised any employees to make sure they check with their company as to what their policy is.
Experts’ Recommendation:
Men: Dark jeans or chinos, a solid-colour t-shirt or polo shirt, a casual cardigan for layering, and clean, stylish sneakers.
Women: Tailored jeans or a casual skirt, a blouse or smart t-shirt, a lightweight cardigan, and comfortable flats or low-heeled boots.
From what we’ve been told, the U.K. tech scene, while influenced by its American counterpart, often maintains a slightly smarter edge.
What to wear:
London and Manchester both have significant technology centres, where many firms adopt a combination of British smart-casual and start-up casual in their business casual recommendations. We would also recommend that those at larger firms lean towards a more polished look.
Sensible layering is also crucial, given British weather. Smart jeans and chinos are commonplace, collared shirts and neat polos match the American set-up, and shoes tend to range from stylish trainers through to Chelsea boots.
Experts’ Recommendation:
Men: Well-fitted chinos or smart dark jeans, a button-down shirt (can be patterned), a lightweight sweater or blazer, and clean, minimalist sneakers or desert boots.
Women: A casual dress or skirt or smart trousers, paired with a blouse or neat sweater. Shoe options are widespread and depend on the outfit – whatever you have already should work!
Europe’s tech hubs each bring their own flavour to business casual, influenced by local fashion and work cultures. We’ve spoken to the experts to give you a full overview, below:
Germany: In Berlin, the startup capital of Germany, casual is king. You’ll see a lot of dark jeans and simple, well-made tops.
France: You’ll find the French elevating tech casual to an art form. Even in the most laid-back startups, there’s an emphasis on looking chic.
Netherlands: Amsterdam’s tech scene reflects the city’s practical yet fashion-forward vibe. With so many people cycling to work, versatility is key. Think layers that can be easily added or removed, and shoes that can take you from bike to office to client dinner.
Scandinavia: Simple, high-quality pieces in muted colours tend to dominate. It’s all about looking smart and functional without trying too hard, while retaining sustainable practices.
Imagine telling a 1980s Wall Street banker that future financiers would come to work without a tie. They’d probably think you were talking rubbish. But fashion evolves, and so has the financial world. Today, even Goldman Sachs embraces a more relaxed dress code, reflecting broader cultural shifts and perhaps reflecting the growing influence of Silicon Valley.
What to wear:
Before you break out the jeans, know that in American finance, “casual” still means pretty formal by most standards. This is not the free-for-all you might find in the tech world.
The modern male financier is swapping suits for smart slacks and button-downs. The shift is slightly subtler for women. Sheath dresses, tailored trousers paired with silk blouses, and skirt suits remain go-to options. However, bolder colours, varied textures, and slightly more relaxed silhouettes are making their way into the financial fashionscape. The change is in the details, allowing for personal expression within professional boundaries.
Experts’ Recommendations:
Men: Tailored navy or charcoal slacks, a light-coloured button-down shirt (white or pale blue), a navy blazer, and polished leather loafers. A pocket square might add a touch of personality.
Women: A knee-length sheath dress in a neutral colour, paired with a structured blazer, closed-toe pumps with a moderate heel, and subtle jewellery. Alternatively, tailored trousers with a silk blouse and low heels.
In many UK financial institutions, the default is still a suit, but wearing one without a tie is increasingly acceptable as “business casual.” It’s a small change that makes a big difference in comfort and style.
What to wear
For those embracing a more relaxed look, smart trousers paired with a crisp shirt and blazer is a safe bet for men. Women might opt for a tailored dress with a cardigan or a skirt-and-blouse combo. The key is to look polished – think “Savile Row casual” rather than “weekend brunch.”
Don’t be surprised to see more colorful socks or stylish watches peeking out – these small touches of personality are how British financiers express themselves within the confines of a still-conservative dress code.
Experts’ Recommendation
Men: Well-fitted grey wool trousers, a crisp white or light blue button-down shirt, a navy or grey blazer (not matching the trousers), and black or brown Oxford shoes. Consider colorful socks for a hint of British flair.
Women: A tailored knee-length skirt or smart trousers, paired with a blouse in a subtle print or solid color. Add a cardigan or blazer for layering. Classic pumps or sophisticated flats complete the look.
As in tech, Europe’s financial hubs each put their own spin on business casual, influenced by local culture and climate. We’ve been told that business casual depends deeply on the culture within each financial area.
What to wear:
Ultimately, it depends on the country. In Switzerland, many take a similarly meticulous approach, but perhaps with a touch more flair. A perfectly pressed shirt under a fine-knit sweater, paired with wool trousers, epitomises Swiss financial chic. In Paris, as you might expect, finance meets fashion head-on. Even in more casual settings, there’s an emphasis on style.
Experts’ Europe recommendations
No matter where you’re crunching numbers in Europe, here are some universal tips for nailing business casual in finance:
The creative world has always pushed boundaries, and that includes dress codes.
What to wear:
In American creative fields, “casual” can mean almost anything, but don’t mistake this freedom for carelessness. Your outfit is often seen as an extension of your creative identity. The key is to look intentional – like every piece was chosen to express your own style. In this sense, the creative fields are an outlier when it comes to business casual clothing.
Accessories often take centre stage in creative fields. Bold jewellery, artistic scarves, or even a pair of striking glasses can serve as conversation starters and showcase your design sensibilities.
Experts’ Recommendations:
Men: Well-fitted dark jeans or chinos, a patterned button-up shirt or a solid-colour tee under a blazer, paired with clean, trendy sneakers or leather boots. Add a unique accessory like a handcrafted watch or artisanal leather bag.
Women: A midi skirt with a tucked-in, silk blouse, or wide-leg trousers with a fitted sweater. Ankle boots or loafers work well for footwear. Incorporate a statement piece of jewellery or a vibrant scarf to showcase personality.
From the hipster streets of Shoreditch (think streetwear) to the posher corners of Soho (think Harrods), the UK’s creative scene is as diverse as its fashion. While there’s still a touch of British propriety, especially in more established firms, the overall vibe is artistic and eclectic.
What to wear
British creatives often master the art of high-low dressing. This involves mixing formal and informal clothing: you might see vintage pieces mixed with high-end designer items, or streetwear elevated with tailored elements.
Don’t be afraid of color or pattern – British creatives, like Americans, often use their outfits as a canvas for self-expression. However, there’s still an underlying appreciation for quality and fit that keeps looks professional.
Experts’ Recommendation
Men: Slim-fit chinos or wool trousers, a grandad collar shirt or a merino wool sweater, topped with a structured overcoat. Finish with desert boots or clean, white sneakers. A vintage-inspired accessory adds character.
Women: A wrap dress in a bold print or tailored jumpsuit, layered with a denim or leather jacket. Pair with comfortable yet stylish flats or block-heeled boots. A colourful, oversized scarf or jewellery piece completes the look.
Much like in finance and tech, Europe’s creative hubs each have their own flair when it comes to business casual. From the sleek minimalism of Scandinavian design houses to the avant-garde ateliers of Paris, style varies widely across the continent.
What to wear:
In Scandinavia, clean lines and muted colors dominate, reflecting the region’s design aesthetic. A black turtleneck, tailored trousers, and minimalist sneakers might be a go-to look. In contrast, Berlin’s startup-heavy creative scene, edgy and alternative styles predominate. Don’t be surprised to see creative directors sporting all-black ensembles with architectural jewellery or designers mixing high fashion with streetwear.
Experts’ Europe recommendations
Keep these tips in mind:
The tourism and hospitality industry in the USA spans a wide spectrum of dress codes, often depending on the specific sector and location, and as a result ‘business casual’ within that range tends to differ.
What to wear:
Business casual tends to lean towards the more formal end where employers don’t have a uniform. Front desk staff and restaurant managers often sport a polished look that can instil confidence in guests, even when in business casual. However, for those in more casual tourism roles, the goal is to look approachable: thus, you might see professionals in these roles sporting a polo shirt instead of a crisper button-down.
There is one thing to remember – cleanliness and neatness are paramount, given the industry revolves around guest satisfaction.
Experts’ Recommendations:
Men: Khaki or navy chinos, a light blue or white button-down shirt (potentially branded with the company logo), brown leather shoes, and a coordinating belt. In more casual settings, a polo shirt may be appropriate.
Women: A knee-length skirt or tailored pants in a neutral color, paired with a blouse or a smart polo shirt. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. In upscale environments, low heels might be appropriate, while flats work well for more active roles.
From the historic hotels of London to the cozy bed and breakfasts in the Cotswolds, the UK’s hospitality scene blends traditional British traits with modern, guest-focused practicality.
What to wear:
In British hotels and restaurants, there’s often a touch of formality, even in business casual settings. You might see staff in smart trousers and pressed shirts, often in muted colors that align with the establishment’s branding. For those in tourism roles, such as tour guides in historic sites, the dress code often allows for more personality while still maintaining professionalism if there isn’t a uniform already presented.
Experts’ Recommendation
Men: Charcoal or navy trousers, a light-coloured button-down shirt or a smart polo, paired with brogues or loafers. A v-neck sweater or blazer can be added for a more polished look.
Women: A wrap dress in a solid, dark color or a blouse with a pencil skirt or tailored trousers. Low heels or smart flats, depending on the role. A cardigan or blazer can be added for layering.
The European mainland tends to call for consistently professional attire within the business casual dress code.
What to wear:
In countries like France and Italy, known for their haute cuisine and luxury hotels, hospitality wear often has a touch of elegance. You might see crisp, white shirts paired with tailored black trousers. This mirrors the regularly-seen stylish apron or chic neckerchief in fine dining establishments.
In more casual settings, like Spanish tapas bars or German biergartens, the attire is relaxed but still neat. Staff might wear polo shirts with dark jeans or chinos where they do not have a uniform.
Experts’ Europe recommendation:
We’ve seen how industry norms and cultural nuances shape our workwear choices, even where the definition ostensibly remains the same. However, amidst this diversity, some consistencies do emerge: