As more of my peers and acquaintances find themselves out of college and ready to begin that wondrous moment in life where classes end and 8-5 workdays begin, a prevalent problem has developed among the masses.  One may think that finding that first, perfect job straight out of undergrad is the biggest concern generation y has, but sadly this is not the case. A deeper, greater problem is pervasive within this age group, often causing many to go through their savings and even kiddy trusts in order to try to quell the utter cognitive dissonance they feel. This problem has been prevalent for years and the different ideologies surrounding have only grown and grown. Yes, ladies and gentlemen the phenomenon that I am referring to is the ever daunting idea of “business casual.”

Although it may appear that this issue does not pose a great problem, the belief of what these two simple words really mean have changed from coast to coast, industry to industry. Furthermore, it has even become a more common practice to place intense value on what an individual wears during the interview process and even during evaluations upon employment! In order to better understand this ever-growing conundrum, it is first important to analyze what “business casual” means nation-wide.  

The general definition (as stated on Monster.com) reads as follows: “In general, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed yet neat and pulled together.” Such a vague definition to explain the exact way one must wear at a location in which they spend the majority of their time! Furthermore, different parts of the country have distinct viewpoints of what exactly this type of dress code is. Having grown up in Silicon Valley, it initially became clear to me that “business casual” refers to jeans, collared/button shirts, and flip flops. From Cisco to Google, this is the “relaxed yet professional” dress code imposed by companies state-wide. The east coast, on the other hand, has a completely different definition of what business casual. Washington, D.C. my current home, stresses dress pants with an array of collared shirts and even casual jackets, coupled with patent flats (for women) or loafers for men. As one travels even further east to New York, individuals are often forced to dress in suits, with a much greater restriction of color. Clearly, those on Wall Street are not avid watchers of project runway!

From a monetary standpoint, it must seem much more financially feasible to be imprisoned within a suit 5 days a week instead of jeans and sports jackets. Well, quite on the contrary! Suits, especially those of the ever popular color of black, dark gray, or even pinstripe run almost a grand a pop. Furthermore, tailoring is often required, in addition to the bi-weekly visits to the over-priced dry-cleaners. So financially speaking, the cost of business casual grows exponentially going west to east! Therefore, it is quite obvious the dilemma recent graduates face. In order to appear professional, fashionable, and discreetly noticeable, many are spending an obscene fortune on their post-college wardrobes. Often, many believe that a specific tie, or headband accessory is the make-it-or-break-it addition of their career.

So, what is a young professional to do? Rebel from these standards and come to work in sweats, protesting that it is not the outfit that makes a successful employee, but their hard work? Of course not! The true solution is honest, simple, and financially freeing: M-a-r-s-h-al-l-s. Learn it, live it, LOVE IT.