BUSINESS CASUAL: What is your interpretation?

[JT]

The next 90 days, I will be attending a transitional program for "older" professionals in capital area in MI.
The adminstrators stated that it is business casual but dress to impress so no jeans or t-shirts, of course.
My predicament is should I wear the slim, black skirt with heals and a sweater OR grey flannel slacks, black blazer, royal blue dress shirt with black loafers? If I use the blazer with the skirt, it would be too formal.
What would you do? What would you wear?

Thanks for your contribution to the discussion.

[Nanbo]

JT,
I would opt for the slacks over the skirt because it is SO COLD in Lansing!!!! I have to dress business casual for academic meetings, and I like to do something a little "fun" like wear a colorful scarf with a very neutral subdued outfit. It keeps me from appearing "too masculine" or "stuffy" . I hope your meeting is a success and you look stunning and feel confident!

[mini-natty]

Jen,

I love the tips from TLC What Not To Wear. Here is a link for Business Casual:

TLC Style "What does business casual mean for women?"


Hope this helps!

[horsing around]

When in doubt, err on the side of caution!

I'd opt for the pants also. Our office is business casual and I am surprised by some interpretations! I like the suggestion of making if fun with a scarf or piece of jewelry. Most times I now option for a cardigan instead of a blazer and that is even dressy. I like being able to dress in layers in case I get hot or cold in those type of settings.

BTW, my hubby & I were at Red Lobster earlier in the week and was shocked by the amount of people I saw in sweat pants.

Love What Not to Wear!

Lisa

[JT]

Natty-Thanks for the article SO either would be a good choice from that. Very informative.

[JT]

Yes, pants are winning out. Decisions, decisions. Thanks for the input.

[Nanbo]

Originally Posted by horsing around

When in doubt, err on the side of caution!

I'd opt for the pants also. Our office is business casual and I am surprised by some interpretations! I like the suggestion of making if fun with a scarf or piece of jewelry. Most times I now option for a cardigan instead of a blazer and that is even dressy. I like being able to dress in layers in case I get hot or cold in those type of settings.

BTW, my hubby & I were at Red Lobster earlier in the week and was shocked by the amount of people I saw in sweat pants.

Love What Not to Wear!

Lisa

It DOES seem that people are getting a little too casual in their public attire! I remember when I was little what a big deal it was to go to the movie theater; our entire family of seven would be dressed up. I believe that back in the early 60s the women were all emulating Jackie O! My mom always dressed "business casual" when she did the family grocery shopping....we only wore jeans for play-time; NEVER to school (not until the 70s!). And you wouldn't be caught dead in public in a sweatsuit! Times change.....

[horsing around]

They sure have Nancy. After I wrote that, I thought people will think I'm being snobby about that comment. It was more an observation on how things have changed!

Lisa

[Shantabulous]

I wear business casual to work as well. To me, it means look professional. I always wear dress pants of some sort, dress shoes or boots and for the most part dressier shirts and/or sweaters.

[RapidBreath]

Originally Posted by Shantabulous

I wear business casual to work as well. To me, it means look professional. I always wear dress pants of some sort, dress shoes or boots and for the most part dressier shirts and/or sweaters.

Yes. The difference is that business formal requires a higher end suit, silk blouse, cashmere sweater, and higher end jewelry. Business causal (to me) suggests the dress pants, the button down shirt, and dressy flats.