Business casual goes business fashionable

According to a recent USA Today article, the prevalence of business casual in professional work environments is declining across America. Personally, I have no problem with going more formal – I usually dress up more than my coworkers on any given day at the office.Then again, I work at a PR firm where so far this summer, I’ve seen the following items as work attire:

• Flip-flops of all materials, colors and audio quality
• Plunging, sleeveless, strappy or heck, strapless dresses (click here to learn how to wear the latter to work with aplomb)
• The two forms of cleavage. Think about it.

The hapless employee pictured in the story was indignant when banned from a meeting because of her Bermuda shorts and sleeveless tops. Instead of taking personal offense, it's wiser to look to senior management in your office for fashion cues. This doesn't mean you have to be boring or lack any personal style - it means that if your boss's boss isn't wearing flip flops and capris you might not want to either, if promotion is on your mind. And look in the mirror before leaving for work and ask, "would I take myself seriously in this? Would a client?"

So what does a notch up from business casual look like? Instead of a polo shirt, a collared cotton sateen shirt with a good belt. Instead of khakis, tailored dress pants like the ubiquitous Editor from Express. A jacket thrown over the crewneck sweater or sleeveless top - you can remove it when closing time rolls around.