'Smart business casual'

Where I've worked that usually means as above no suit/tie - though some people wear smart jackets. A nice shirt and trousers (in some places smart jeans but I wouldn't do that on the first day) plus shoes (don't have to be dress wear) or smart boots.
 
Starting in a new office tomorrow and this is what I was sent as a dress code and it was described as smart casual.

Attire while in the office:
- Smart trousers, black or dark Jeans or chino’s for men. The same for woman with the option of skirts/dresses.
- Shirt with a collar, tie is optional for men. (All engineers/support have the option to wear a company polo shirt). Shirt or smart tops for woman.
- Smart shoes for men. Smart shoes or sandals for women. No trainers or flip flops.
- During summer, tailored shorts are permitted.
- Jewellery is permitted.
- Tattoos do not need to be covered unless likely to be offensive.
- Sports’ wear is not permitted.
- No offensive slogans/logo’s.

Attire while on site:
- As above but jewellery to be kept to a minimum and body piercings which are on display, except for earrings should be removed.
- Shorts are not permitted – trousers only, even in summer.
- Tattoos should be covered. In the case of needing to wear a polo shirt that will result in a tattoo being exposed, please just check with me.
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Therefore at the smartest end of that would be proper trousers, shirt and shoes.
 
pepp77 said:
Starting in a new office tomorrow and this is what I was sent as a dress code and it was described as smart casual.

Attire while in the office:
- Smart trousers, black or dark Jeans or chino’s for men. The same for woman with the option of skirts/dresses.
- Shirt with a collar, tie is optional for men. (All engineers/support have the option to wear a company polo shirt). Shirt or smart tops for woman.
- Smart shoes for men. Smart shoes or sandals for women. No trainers or flip flops.
- During summer, tailored shorts are permitted.
- Jewellery is permitted.
- Tattoos do not need to be covered unless likely to be offensive.
- Sports’ wear is not permitted.
- No offensive slogans/logo’s.

Attire while on site:
- As above but jewellery to be kept to a minimum and body piercings which are on display, except for earrings should be removed.
- Shorts are not permitted – trousers only, even in summer.
- Tattoos should be covered. In the case of needing to wear a polo shirt that will result in a tattoo being exposed, please just check with me.
Click to expand...

Therefore at the smartest end of that would be proper trousers, shirt and shoes.
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You think they'd check their punctuation before sending that out to new recruits.

I concur with most people in this thread though. We are told smart casual at work is shoes, trousers, and shirt.
 
Mr^B said:
Were you not shown around the offices? Did you not sit in reception and see other people coming and going? What were your interviewers wearing?

If you ignored or didn't notice all that, suit up but keep a tie in your pocket.
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Seems that you ignored or didn't notice reply #14 :p.

Thanks all, I think I'll go with suit with no tie, ditching the jacket if it feels over the top once I've done the meet and greets. Will report back as I bet you cannot wait to find out their interpretation! ;)
 
Participant said:
Seems that you ignored or didn't notice reply #14 :p.

Thanks all, I think I'll go with suit with no tie, ditching the jacket if it feels over the top once I've done the meet and greets. Will report back as I bet you cannot wait to find out their interpretation! ;)
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It didn't really mean much - does that mean they have a casual Friday policy or do they dress like that at other times too? Did you not at least ask the question "I see everyone is in jeans, is it casual Friday today, or is it like that every day?"

*shrugs*
 
My office describes dress code as exactly this ,I wear a polo shirt and trousers with shoes.

For the first week wear a shirt (no tie) with trousers/shoes and then go for 2nd week onwards on whatever your peers wear.
 
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probably look a twit if you don't have epic facial here though
 
First day at anywhere with a business dress code = suit and tie.

Then adjust accordingly from then on. Trying to guess what their code is can be a dangerous game. You only get 1 chance at a first impression, always go for full smart.
 
Smart casual to me at my work is trousers, shirt, shoes. No tie or jacket required.

Although some people at my work see smart casual as "clean jeans" (no rips etc) shirt and shoes/"smart trainers (bland)"
 
Regardless of the dress code of the business, I would always wear a smart suit and tie. If a potential employer sees you making the effort to look smart it's never going to count against you. You could always say that you have other interviews lined up that day too (which may well require a suit and tie anyway).
 
Better turn up slightly over dressed as it is easier to dress down than not. That said. Shirt shoes and trousers is how I'd interpret it. However you saw the offices presumably when you had your interview so you should have a gauge on what it is like.
 
Started my job around 7 months ago. Was in a shirt and tie for the first 3 weeks. All ironed and shoes shined.

It went downhill after that. Now I come in with an ultra creased shirt, baggy jeans and I rarely shave. As long as my work is done, my boss's are cool with it. If I ever go to see people, its on site where I have to stick on a high-vis coat, work boots and a hard hat anyway.
 
To everyone keeps saying "you saw the offices so why didn't you look around": He already said that he interviewed on a Friday, a casual Friday...
 
Wear a suit and tie for your first week, then see how others dress and gradually blend into your surroundings. At a minimum you should wear a shirt, smart trousers and black or brown shoes.
 
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