Where to shop for professional dress clothing: Loft (women only), J.Crew, Banana Republic, Express, Ann Taylor (women only), Barney’s, Men’s Wearhouse (men only), and Nordstrom’s Women’s Suits (women only).

2. Business Casual

Business casual attire is a more relaxed version of “Professional Dress,” but it doesn’t mean you’re actually going to be “casual!” This is likely going to be your office dress code if you work in a semi-conservative workplace, but some interviews and events may also call for business casual. 

Business casual is a shirt with a collar and/or a sweater, khakis or dress pants, and nice shoes for women. Women can also sometimes wear a moderate-length dress or skirt (read: knee-length or longer!). For men, business casual is a polo shirt or shirt with a collar and/or sweater, khakis or dress pants and dress shoes. No tie is required. 

Although it is business “casual,” it is important that you look more business-appropriate than casual. Many people confuse business casual as just casual dressing but it still means dressing like you are going to an office. Business casual is not as buttoned-up or formal as professional dress but not as casual as campus casual.

Where to shop for business casual clothing: Banana Republic (look in the “Work” sections), Eddie Bauer (look in the “business casual” section), New York & Company (women only), H&M (look in the “workwear” section), TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Macy’s.

3. Campus Casual

Campus casual is what you probably won’t be wearing to work. This is the technical term for what you’re probably wearing every day – jeans, tee shirts, sandals, sneakers. You may be asked to wear campus casual to some very informal on-campus interviews and career days, and some casual networking events.