If you’re considering changing your workplace from a traditional business dress code to business casual, it might be wise to try “casual Fridays” first.

Whether you call it a pilot program, a gradual transition, or getting your feet wet before you decide whether to take the plunge, a trial run might save you some big headaches.

Believe it or not, some employees are resistant to going business casual. They have a lot of money invested in Brooks Brothers. You might as well be telling English teachers that the rules of grammar are no longer important.

Some employees may not own a business casual wardrobe. They will have some shopping to do, which takes time and means laying out some money.

And it takes time to educate some people about what does and does not fall under the rubric of business casual. You are probably thinking “BUSINESS casual,” but some employees will hear “business CASUAL.”

You’re liable to see jeans, sneakers, spaghetti straps, flip-flops, tee-shirts and midriffs to name but a few. Inappropriate clothing will be easier to deal with if you have to worry about it only on Fridays.

Here are some additional tips to help avoid common pitfalls of changing to a business casual dress code:

• Before making the change, ask your employees how they feel about it. If most of them are opposed, why do it? And if most favor it, those in the minority should appreciate that you took a poll. They should understand that they were outvoted.
• Establish the understanding that business casual applies only in the absence of customers. When customers are present, all employees should dress as they did before the change.
• Educate your employees about what is and is not acceptable business-casual attire. (See box.)
• Invite a local clothing retailer to your workplace to give a presentation on how to look nice in business casual. Some will even put on a fashion show for your employees and give individual consultations. And don’t hesitate to ask for discounts for your employees. Most retailers will give them happily.

Guidelines: Business Casual Do’s and Don’ts

Business Casual Do’s	Business Casual Don’ts
Pantsuits	Denim
Sport  jackets, blazers	Overalls
Collared shirts or sweaters	Tee shirts with logos, pictures or messages
Blouses, sweater sets	Tube tops, crop tops
Turtlenecks	Halter tops or tank tops
Loose-fitting culottes or split skirts	Micro-mini skirts or dresses
Leather shoes, boots, clogs	Sneakers
Jackets, dresses (the level of formality will depend on the situation)	Dresses or tops with cut-out backs
Tailored, khaki, corduroy or loose-fitting knit slacks	Form-fitting pants or leggings, gym clothes
	Jogging suits, sweat pants or sweat shirts
	Spandex
	Torn, ripped or frayed clothing
	See-through clothing
	Beach or sleep attire
	Hats