The Evolution of Business Casual

Updated: February 28, 2011

There was a time when workplace attire consisted of: button-down shirts, cuff links, ties, and pinstriped suits. This style of dress was the staple of the American workplace, with IBM being the company of traditional standard. Times have definitely changed over the course of the 2oth and 21st centuries, and business attire at the office has changed along with it. Most business' have adopted a casual look consisting of: For men, a dress shirt or polo shirt, cotton pants with a belt, and modest shoes. For women, a reasonable length skirt or full-length pants, with a dress shirt/polo shirt/sweater combo, or an informal dress with appropriate length skirt. In modern times companies such as IBM -- led by their CEO -- have thrown out the dress code altogether. Here's a look at how business casual has changed over the years.