The Business Casual Dress Code

The American workplace is much different than it was five years ago: Everything from corporate structure and hiring practices to work schedules and compensation has been affected. But these important areas are not the only marked differences in today's changing workplace.

The appearance of the American worker has changed as well. Not long ago, everyone from the most seasoned professionals to entry-level employees had a common understanding of appropriate business attire. Thanks to the creation of the "khaki culture" and increasing popularity of business casual dress, it's no longer that simple.

So how do you dress down for work without looking like you're headed to the beach? Here are a few easy rules to live -- and dress -- by: