What is business casual attire for women?

What is business casual attire for women?
Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you wouldwear it to a club, you probably shouldn't wear it in a businessenvironment. Also, most attire worn on television is notappropriate for business environments. Don't be deluded.Pants / skirts:Women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should be tight.Fabrics should be crisp; colors should generally be solid; navy,black, gray, brown and khaki are always safe bets. For the mostbusiness-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored;neither extreme of tight or flowing. If you are pursuing aconservative industry and are in doubt, observe well-dressed womenin your industry on the job, at career fairs, at informationsessions, etc.Skirt length and slits:Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you arestanding. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered. Ifyour skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above theknee might be acceptable. A very long skirt should not be slit toabove the knee. Generally slits in the center back of a skirt tofacilitate walking a stair climbing are acceptable. Slits tofacilitate a view of your legs are not appropriate for businesspurposes. Slips should not be visible.Shirt / sweaters:In addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knitsweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choicesfor women. Cotton, silk, and blends are appropriate. Velvets andshimmery fabrics suitable for parties are not appropriate. Fitshould not be tight. Cleavage is not appropriate to business andjob search occasions.Jewelry / accessories:Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go.Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoidextremes of style and color. If your industry is creative, you mayhave more flexibility than someone pursuing a conservativeindustry.Cosmetics:Keep makeup conservative and natural looking. A little isusually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be cleanand well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color,especially in conservative industries.Shoes:Should be leather or fabric / microfiber. Appropriate colors areblack, navy and brown (to coordinate with your other attire andaccessories); white and pastels are not appropriate. For the mostconservative look, toes should be covered. Sandals which areneither extremely dressy or extremely casual might be appropriate.Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky heels andplatforms are not appropriate. Make certain you can walkcomfortably in your shoes; hobbling around a job fair in shoes thatare pinching your feet does not convey a professional image.Hose:Not essential for business casual, but are recommended if yourskirt is knee length (rather than calf length) and in more formalenvironments such as hotels.Purse / bag:If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, or carry a smallbriefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. Astructured bag tends to look more professional that something softor floppy. Purse/bag color should coordinate with your shoes. Abriefcase is certainly not necessary for most business casualevents. Leather, microfiber and fine wovens are appropriate. Canvasand straw are not appropriate.