What Does Business Casual Really Mean

I work with student nurses and usually they will wear white uniforms or when in pediatrics a colorful top with white pants and shoes. There are a few times during the semester when they are allowed to wear street clothes with a lab coat. How do you explain to a young adult what "business casual" is when casual wear for this generation can be boxer shorts or pajama bottoms and jeans, cleavage, short tops and flip-flops. I know I am old fashion but when I lecture I wear a skirt or pant and blazer or sweater. I see professors (especially male) teach in jeans, tennis shoes with the obligitory navy blue blazer. Not my style! CNN posted an article about what business casual means in the workforce.

"If you want to play on the team, wear the team uniform," Freedman says. "Look around your office, see how successful people dress and imitate. I'll bet you won't find senior-level folks at work dressed shabbily - or in flip-flops." After reading the article I realize I am not alone in trying to define what appropriate dress it.