business casual

American  

[biz-nis kazh-oo-uhl] / ˈbɪz nɪs ˌkæʒ u əl /

Also office casual

noun

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

---

business casual British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of business casual

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Business casual: Wall Street firms are relaxing their dress codes.

From New York Times

He submitted his papers and traded his battle fatigues for business casual years ago and was promptly hired back to the job as a civilian.

From Seattle Times

It’s a step down from business casual and includes space for pieces such as cashmere joggers, silk pullovers and other mash-ups of comfort and professionalism currently featured on the “Back to Work” section of the retailer’s website.

From Washington Post

Ryan expects business casual to be more the new normal — swapping out button-up shirts for more polo-style wear.

From Seattle Times

There are other little changes too: Kastle says some clients noticed during the pandemic that the dress code for skeleton crews working from offices slipped — from business casual to extremely casual.

From Washington Post