Business Casual Attire
A business casual environment enhances the image and reputation of DeGroote, while allowing students to dress comfortably and affordably. The gallery and descriptions on this page help define what we mean by “business casual.”
The Look
Clothing should be crisp, neat, pressed and never wrinkled, to project a professional, business-like image. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable.
Tops
Casual collared shirts, polo shirts, buttoned shirts, sweaters, and turtlenecks are appropriate for men and women. Plain t-shirts or camisoles together with cardigans are appropriate. Many tops can easily be dressed up with blazers, cardigans or sport jackets. It is inappropriate to wear tank tops, midriff tops, sweatshirts, muscle shirts or tops that are excessively tight or revealing. Clothing with potentially offensive words, large logos, cartoons and slogans should be avoided.
Bottoms
Dress pants, Dockers, dressy capris and nice looking dress synthetic pants are acceptable. Inappropriate bottoms include jeans, sweatpants, exercise pants, short shorts, shorts, leggings or spandex. Dresses and skirts that sit at, or below, the knee are acceptable. Mini-skirts, sun dresses, beach dresses, and spaghetti-strap dresses are inappropriate.
Footwear
Loafers, dress shoes, boots, flats, dress sandals, open-toed shoes, and closed-toed shoes are appropriate.
Jewellery, Makeup, Perfume, and Cologne
These should be in good taste, with limited visible body piercing. Makeup should be used minimally to represent a natural look. Remember, that some colleagues are allergic to the chemicals in perfumes and make-up, so wear these substances with restraint.
Religion and Health Accommodations
Should a bona fide religious practice, belief or legitimate health need conflict with the dress code, reasonable accommodation will be made.
In any case, please avoid wearing:
- Belly-tops, sweatshirts, muscle shirts, excessively tight or revealing tops, or tops with large logos or cartoons
- Sweatpants, cargo pants, pajama pants, beach or athletic shorts
- Baggy, ripped or torn jeans
- Short, tight skirts that do not reach mid-thigh
- Athletic shoes, slippers, sneakers, flip-flops
- Hats unless required for religious or cultural purposes