American dress codes can be vague. Here’s what the common terms usually mean.
| Dress code | Typical outfit |
|---|---|
| Business formal | Suit and tie, or formal dress or suit |
| Business casual | Chinos or dress pants, collared shirt or blouse, optional blazer, no jeans |
| Smart casual | Dark jeans with a nice shirt or sweater, clean shoes |
| Casual | Jeans, T-shirts, sneakers |
| Cocktail | Dressy outfit for evening events |
Industry differences
Law, finance and government lean formal. Tech, startups and creative fields are often casual, even jeans and hoodies. Healthcare and labs have their own uniforms and safety rules.
Interviews
Dress one level above what employees wear. For a casual tech company, business casual is safe.
Weddings and events
Invitations often state a dress code. Avoid wearing white to a wedding unless your culture’s custom or the couple suggests it.
