business casual

[ biz-nis kazh-oo-uhl ]

noun

1. a style of clothing for the office that is casual but neat and professional-looking.

business casual

noun

1. informal.
   a style of casual clothing worn by businesspeople at work instead of more formal attire

Word History and Origins

Origin of business casual¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Same with casual attire — as opposed to business casual attire.

From Salon

The dress code was originally billed as semiformal, but, in line with the casual attire of startups, was later revised to “business casual but feel free to dress it up!”

From Los Angeles Times

In Cortez’s hands, latex becomes printed as leopard and cowhide, it becomes evening wear, sportswear or business casual — from a football tank to a floor-length dress to a blazer.

From Los Angeles Times

“Men are more divided than women in their work wardrobe, with roughly one-third each saying they wear business casual attire like a shirt and slacks, casual street clothes, or a uniform. Just 3% of men report they regularly wear a suit to work,” Ms. Brenan noted.

From Washington Times

The place was crowded with South County types: tightly groomed and dressed in business casual on a Thursday afternoon.

From Los Angeles Times