What qualifies as business casual?

[Faeelin]

So, I'm supposed to wear business casual this summer when I start work. I'm being told by quite a few people that business casual entails a tie or jacket. I was planning on going with a pair of slacks and a nice shirt, but is that not formal enough?

[ulmont]

So, I'm supposed to wear business casual this summer when I start work. I'm being told by quite a few people that business casual entails a tie or jacket. I was planning on going with a pair of slacks and a nice shirt, but is that not formal enough?

Slacks and a nice shirt is business casual.  Not wearing a tie is usually the point of business casual.

EDIT: of course, you can always call your new employer (HR would be a starting point if they are large enough) and see if they have any idiosyncratic approach to business casual.

[Jaron]

Anywhere I've worked or been that was business casual was nice shirt, slacks, shoes. Dropping the tie and jacket normally worn with a full business suit.

[Syt]

[Barrister]

Nice pants.

[alfred russel]

So, I'm supposed to wear business casual this summer when I start work. I'm being told by quite a few people that business casual entails a tie or jacket. I was planning on going with a pair of slacks and a nice shirt, but is that not formal enough?

Just ask them specifics about what they expect and what people do. Different workplaces have different standards. Don't be the guy on a summer job wearing a blazer when no one else is wearing one.

[MadImmortalMan]

Left side: 8am

Right side: 5pm

[Faeelin]

Here's the response i got from a friend who works there:
"I think on everybody wears suits for the first few days. After that, I think most guys wore nice shirt, tie, and slacks but not suit coat."

Ah well, that solves that.

[DisturbedPervert]

Don't have to wear a jacket, but still gotta cover up your tats

[Caliga]

My office is described as business casual; right now I'm wearing a short sleeved button down shirt, dark slacks, and black socks and dress shoes.

[alfred russel]

My office is described as business casual; right now I'm wearing a short sleeved button down shirt, dark slacks, and black socks and dress shoes.

Short sleeve button downed shirts 

With a tie 

[Jaron]

My office is described as business casual; right now I'm wearing a short sleeved button down shirt, dark slacks, and black socks and dress shoes.

Take it off! Take it off! Take it off! Take it off!

[DontSayBanana]

My office is described as business casual; right now I'm wearing a short sleeved button down shirt, dark slacks, and black socks and dress shoes.

Short sleeve button downed shirts 

With a tie 

That's not so much "business casual" as "'what was wrong with the fries, ma'am?' casual."

Seriously, I think Cal just described the outfit of every fast food manager I've ever seen.

[MadImmortalMan]

He didn't say he was wearing a tie.

[Caliga]

I'm not wearing a tie.