Even though the tone of your outfit should convey a less traditional one then your everyday executive dress, it should still "be something that you would be proud to meet another person of the corporation in," says Naomi.
It is also advisable to take advantage of these "casual" days. Not is it only good for one's spirit to break from routine but it also makes a better impression on one's co-workers and superiors. It demonstrates your ability to be laidback and easygoing when the situation calls for it. This is just as important in professionalism as you showing conventionalism under the right circumstances. Plus, you do not want others to feel that you are "putting on airs" or expressing any other equally as offensive quality.
Knowing for certain how one should dress business casual really comes down to the type of company that you are working for and what their definition of it is. The best thing to do in this type of situation is to ask one of your co-workers, or better yet someone who is higher up in the company, what type of outfit to wear on "casual" days. Even though co-workers may mean well, some people have taken the term to far and as Naomi puts it, "it's become business careless."
So, when choosing your ensemble, remember these words of advice from Lillian Eichler in her book "Today's Etiquette", published in 1941 by DoubleDay Doran: "Appearance is important in business. Slovenly dress suggests slovenly habits, and carelessness in dress suggests carelessness in other things. Manner and dress mean more to the man seeking success in business then most beginners realize. He should dress as well as he can afford but inconspicuously; Linens spotless, Fingernails Immaculate, Clothes well-brushed and shoes well-shined. People are quick to notice such details, and the man who is always well and carefully groomed makes a good impression on others. The woman in business should dress sensibly... The well-bred lady at business keeps her hair glossy and neat, her dress simple and inconspicuous, her nails manicured...She wears nothing that is grotesquely unsuited to an office, but shows a fine regard for the niceties of dress and permits no little carelessness...Good dressing is, after all, a combination of good taste and good sense..."
