In the coming years, Millennials and Generation Z will make up the majority of the modern workforce. With that comes an almost reinvented work culture – a workplace that seems more casual than in previous generations. In particular, a space that represents a gray area in the “new” definition of “business casual” attire.

The official definition of business casual in the Oxford English Dictionary is: “Referring to or denoting a style of dress that is less formal than traditional business attire, but still intended to convey a professional and businesslike impression.” The first use of the term dates back to the 1960s and has not been updated for a more specific or modern approach.

The Street goes on to list clothing items that are specific to business casual, asking a more direct question about what exactly a person should wear. The Street writes, “Business casual is usually defined as no jeans, no shorts, no short dresses or skirts for women, optional ties for men, and alternating button-downs or blouses.”

After reviewing this definition, there are very few options left depending on gender presentation, especially for women and people of non-male gender presentation.

In a typical work environment where someone is expected to wear business casual from 9am to 5pm, five days a week, wearing a variety of clothes can become increasingly difficult over time. While having a varied style throughout the week may not be important to many, some place more importance on their appearance in the workplace than other things. Making an impression, looking good and fitting in with coworkers can make a difference in how employers view their employees.

The modern definition of business casual is vague, outdated and particularly limited to women, as the term was originally intended only for men. Not only in terms of clothing, but also in terms of grooming and cosmetics, women are usually under pressure to feel more attractive and approachable in the workplace. Unfortunately, according to the Seattle Times, not adhering to this can cause women to lose the respect of their colleagues.

Additionally, younger generations are more likely to feel comfortable in the workplace, both in their clothing and the environment. Since older generations already face negative connotations in the workplace, the idea that younger generations aren’t engaged or passionate about contributing to a job can make work feel even more uncomfortable.

So what should people wear when the theme is business casual? While a pantsuit is the most obvious and probably one of the only options when it comes to the theme, it’s still a good option. When it comes to evolving, that’s where things get tricky and ultimately expensive.

The idea of ​​having to Google a reputable brand of business casual clothing, select the items, and then spend an unimaginable amount of money just to look presentable at work only exacerbates the problem of the outdated definition. Anything more than a pantsuit would put a nice hole in anyone’s bank account.

The modern workplace deserves a new, better and more specific definition of a dress code for commuting. As the dynamics are bound to change as more and more younger generations move into entry-level positions, the stigma around business casual needs to end and a new way of dressing in a semi-professional environment should be prioritized.

Abby Jenkins is a third-year journalism student at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The publisher. What do you think? Let Abby know by tweeting her @abbyjenks18 or send her an email to [email protected].