[twisted_fate_88]

I have my first internship with an IT firm as a web developer and they have a dress code. I have lots of question about what exactly is acceptable and not. I have Googled up ‘business casual clothing’ but received mixed results.

The dress code:
Clean and neat jeans with ‘casual business attire’ type shirt
Sweaters or collared shirt
Casual pants
Casual shoes


When they say jeans, do they mean jeans that are not baggy, ripped, or dirty? So for example, will this pair of jeans (http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/what-are-your-thoughts-about-skinny-jeans/question-232980/?link=ibaf&imgurl=http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y279/NrllAless/blog/linklove/grey-jeans-men-2.jpg&q=jeans%2Bmale) be acceptable?

Will a polo shirt (http://thegloss.com/files/2008/04/michael-kors-tie-dye-polo-shirt-thumb.jpg) or short sleeve button up shirt (http://www.k5.com/images/products09/BILLABONG/M/COURTSIDESSWOVEN_BLK1.jpg) suffice as a casual business attire type shirt? In addition, should I get a patterned shirt or a plain shirt?

Do khakis and corduroy pants count as casual pants? What other types of pants are considered casual?

What is considered to be casual shoes? I have a pair of shoes that look like this (http://www.sublimited.net/images/dvs_revival_black.jpg) except that it is completely black. Does this count as casual shoes?

Does business casual mean that I should wear a belt?

Does a backpack count as part of the dress code? I have a backpack similar to this (http://www.bags-china.com.cn/cp/news_2007626152128.jpg). Would this be acceptable in a business casual environment, or should I purchase a more professional bag such as a messenger bag (http://www.prettydesignerhandbags.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/tods-messenger-bag.jpg)?


My body does not adapt very well to heat. As a result, in the summer I always prefer to wear light clothing such as ball shorts and t-shirt. I understand that at the IT firm, I am not allowed to wear shorts. Are there any suggestions as to what my outfit should consist of that will keep me as cool as possible?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[unit]

dress a little nicer for a week and observe what everyone else is wearing.
its not that serious.

it probably just means dont look like a bum.

[1337]

Business casual = dress pants, dress shoes, shirt
Business formal = full suit with tie

[tiger_handheld]

^ agreed.

a shirt = something for the office. not something that has a dragon with a asian characters that you can wear to Fabric on a friday night ;)

[twisted_fate_88]

Would this suffice?

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/iac/msuemarketing/790REGE1.JPG (the guy on the left)

[bcrdukes]

The meaning of "business casual" varies from different work environments and corporate culture. Start with something like the above and then see what people wear and work your way into blending in.

With that being said, it shows that you did not do enough research into your workplace. :p

[tiger_handheld]

Would this suffice?

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/iac/msuemarketing/790REGE1.JPG (the guy on the left)

i would call that semi casual.

this is my opinion of biz cas- (http://www.middlesexcc.edu/career/images//Business%20casual%20-%20male4.jpg)
http://www.middlesexcc.edu/career/images//Business%20casual%20-%20male4.jpg

[Ronin]

My go-to business casual is...

White shirt
black tie (I think I only have skinny black ties...)
black pants
high-end sneakers (something clean, not too gaudy and only in white or black.)

Roll up my sleeves a little, unbutton the neck button and let my tie hang a little.

Everything is still pressed and such but a little less business and a little more casual.

Just don't look like a bum and you're probably fine.