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Business Casual vs Business - 7/28/2008 5:37:23 PM

unfaithed

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So, I'm going on a "business" trip... Not for work, but for a volunteer organization, and they've determined the dress for the week is business casual, minus a banquet event they've deemed as just business. I work in a corporate environment that is deemed business casual, but they allow jeans on a daily basis. It is my understanding that this is not the norm in business casual environments, but what do you think? Also, what is considered business then, for the banquet? I feel like my wardrobe isn't up to par for this convention, and I certainly don't want to go out and buy lots of new clothes for the event. If anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated!

~unfaithed~

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/28/2008 6:14:41 PM

Aynne

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I think that if you wear something like a stylish suit , something fitted and tailored, with a cuffed dress shirt that would be perfect. You can mix it up with some of your own pieces, like a simple black skirt, or the blazer over a dress to make the look more corporate. As fas as the banquet, I think a simple tailored dress and nice heels would meet the mark. TJ Maxx has a lot of inexpensive suits as well, and sometimes great clearance ones. They carry a great Anne Klein line, DKNY and a few others. Take a look at the link, that is what I generally wear and think of as business casual, and I mix up all of my pieces to make different looks.

http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=9B-213859&cgname=OSKEYCLOZZZ&rfnbr=721

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/28/2008 6:24:21 PM

smartalex

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The difference between business casual and business is the nylons/panty hose (casual can ditch them), the tee-shirt type top rather than other blouse. At least that's my perception, as I move from the SAHM wardrobe to business casual.

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/28/2008 6:28:35 PM

Aynne

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As far as stockings go, I don't ever wear them under a suit with slacks, either way. The shirt is a matter of preference, I have been in a corporate/business type environment for 15 or so years and I am just more comfortable in a button donw cuffed shirt. Either is fine though imo. The OP is quite young tho (lucky girl

) so I was thinking she may want to look a little more tailored due to that and err on the safer side of business casual.

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/28/2008 6:59:24 PM

hizgeorgiapeach

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~fr~

Personally, questions like this remind me of why I so enjoy having my own business - and one that's pretty "craft" oriented at that. Other than when I get a booth at the state fair, I can dress how I want - from extremely casual jeans/teeshirt (or even my jammies) when I'm in the workshop, to casual for most of the craft fairs that I sell at, to business casual for things like state fairs. If I ever start thinking in terms of a storefront that I run myself, no doubt it will change to some extent.

Come to think of it, that's probably a really good thing for me - because most of my casual cloths that I wear around the house have got various levels of paint stain on them from going in the art studio to relax! (And dear gods I don't think all the paint will Ever come out from under my nails at this point.... so thank the gods for good manicurists and solarnail tips.)

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/28/2008 7:02:11 PM

kittinSol

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A well-cut simple dress goes a long way: it can be dressed up or down, and accessorised accordingly (high heels or flats, etc.).

Signed: Coco.

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/28/2008 8:25:52 PM

genevieve66

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Coco, very true. You can pair it with a cardigan, and some kitten heels, ( no pun ) or sexy stilettos and a sharp blazer. Classic tailored pieces are a good investment definitely.

kisses,
Stella

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/28/2008 9:38:32 PM

Wildfleurs

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quote:

ORIGINAL: unfaithed

So, I'm going on a "business" trip... Not for work, but for a volunteer organization, and they've determined the dress for the week is business casual, minus a banquet event they've deemed as just business. I work in a corporate environment that is deemed business casual, but they allow jeans on a daily basis. It is my understanding that this is not the norm in business casual environments, but what do you think? Also, what is considered business then, for the banquet? I feel like my wardrobe isn't up to par for this convention, and I certainly don't want to go out and buy lots of new clothes for the event. If anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated!

~unfaithed~

Since you are traveling, I'd suggest you stick with darker clothes as well as stuff that holds up to packing and unpacking (so a linen suit would probably not be a good idea). For business casual I'd wear slacks and different sorts of shirts and maybe blouses - a dark suit jacket is very handy for carrying with you in different sorts of climates and can help to dress up a simple pair of slacks or skirt. Also I don't believe you need to wear pantyhose with business casual, but I think jeans are a bit too casual.

When I've gone to conferences where there was an evening banquet I usually wore the bottom half of a suit during the day and tossed on the suit jacket (I like pants suits a lot, I think they are more of a power suit than skirt suits) and a pair of heels and if necessary changed up the jewelry and thats usually sufficient. Also, bring lots of business cards - banquets and hell conferences period are great for networking!

Hope that helps,
C~

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 1:36:02 AM

Vendaval

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Do you have a place like H&M, Ross, Nordstrom's Off The Rack, or an outlet center nearby? You can find great deals at any of those places. I would go with nice slacks and blouses during the conference and agree with some simple dresses that can be dressed up and down. Knit materials travel well, you can also check with the hotel on the type of laundry/ironing service available or pack a small travel iron.

For some suit ideas -

http://www.chadwicks.com/Womens-Suits-and-Sets.aspx?DeptId=8212

If you go with Online ordering you might have to pay higher for express shipping to receive your order in time.

Have fun at the conference and welcome back to the Forums.

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 5:19:23 AM

unfaithed

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Thanks for the link, there are some great looking sets on there, and really not that expensive when you break it down piece by piece. Thanks for the welcome - it's good to be back *s*

Also, thanks to Aynne for the VS link, another good catalogue, and one I drool over everytime it arrives in the mail. I always say when I have money, I'm only going to buy out of the VS catalogue - 95% of what they sell just has an inherent sexiness to it, even if it's still a plain ol' business suit.

Thank you to all, the responses are greatly appreciated. Now that I'm aware of what I should pack, that just leaves the most daunting task of actually packing!

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 6:54:06 AM

pahunkboy

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volunteer. hmm. if it is a conservative org, then dress up somewhat.

If it is totally free volunteer- as in not paid as a volunteer- then more casual. Also it depends on the city. If in Chicago bring a windbreaker even in August. Comfortable shows is a must!

Keep in mind security is stricter now- so clean out your purse. and wallet.

As needs change- so does what we wear and use.

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 10:52:38 AM

ThundersCry

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YOU are a lady....after...all!

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 11:14:53 AM

CallaFirestormBW

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The best place to get the info is from the company's employee manual. Different companies have different standards. Our "business casual" dress does not include jeans. Jeans are only allowed on "casual-dress Fridays".

In general, business casual dress for women includes dress pants, loosely tailored tops (including knit tops), skirts, and other coordinates. It may include things like sandals and walking shorts for summer. It does not include jeans or t-shirts.

Regular business dress means a business skirt or pant suit, tailored top, stockings, and dressy shoes with a low or moderate heel in black, brown, dove grey, or navy.

Business casual dress for men includes Dickies, corduroys, or other non-denim pants, or casual slacks without a suit jacket. Shirts include knit, collared shirts like Polo shirts or off-color button-down shirts without a vest or jacket. Business casual typically doesn't require a tie. Walking or "Bermuda" shorts may be acceptable, as may casual shoes like loafers, and some places may even allow 'no socks' during the summer. Collarless shirts like t-shirts are not allowed under most business-casual dress.

Business dress for men implies a suit -- at least a 2-piece slack/business jacket suit in navy, brown, black, or grey. It implies a button-down shirt in white, off-white, or a pale pastel (preferred color is pale blue, and pale pink, lavender, or pale yellow are suitable if in retail). Business dress also requires a tie and either oxford shoes or dress boots with socks.

Interestingly enough, most places with a "business" dress code also require the wearing of underwear -- female employees must wear a bra and panties, a slip (if wearing a skirt or dress) or 'all in one', and male employees must wear underpants and an undershirt.

Calla Firestorm

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 11:17:43 AM

Archer

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Slacks or skirt and a conservative blouse would be business casual add a blazer for business.
Dresses I'll leave to the ladies to council you on selection.

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 11:20:57 AM

kittinSol

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quote:

ORIGINAL: CallaFirestormBW

Interestingly enough, most places with a "business" dress code also require the wearing of underwear -- female employees must wear a bra and panties, a slip (if wearing a skirt or dress) or 'all in one', and male employees must wear underpants and an undershirt.

Are you serious? Do they look up skirts to ensure the rules are followed

? And pinch the nipple area, to make sure it's not too protuberant

?

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 11:27:05 AM

CallaFirestormBW

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quote:

ORIGINAL: kittinSol

Are you serious? Do they look up skirts to ensure the rules are followed ? And pinch the nipple area, to make sure it's not too protuberant ?

I was told this by a temp agency rep, placing people for a full-time T to P position with one of our businesses downtown. She asked me if I was wearing a bra, and I said no. She said that a good HR person could tell by the lay and fit of clothing whether the person was wearing underwear/stockings, and that most of the companies in the oil and financial sectors had 'underwear' or 'decency' clauses in their dress code that required bras and panties for all females, slips if dresses or skirts were worn, and some form of underwear and t-shirt for men, and that they were pretty rabid about dismissing any employee who consistently refused to abide by the 'decency' clause.

That kind of environment would never work for me -- I have tattoos that can't be hidden, even when dressed, so a Standard Business Dress environment would toss me out on my ear as soon as I showed up to interview. *chuckles*

Calla Firestorm

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Said to me recently: "Look, I know you're the "voice of reason"... but dammit, I LIKE being unreasonable!!!!"

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 11:35:24 AM

popeye1250

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When I worked in the Insurance Industry back in the 80's whe had to wear suits and (silk) ties.
Back in those days "casual" was sportscoats and slacks with a tie.
When I came down here to S. Carolina 4 years ago the first time I met my lawyer to close on this condo he came into the waiting room to greet me in jeans and a golf shirt! LOL!
My lawyer up in New Hampshire was always in an expensive 3-piece suit!
BIG difference in culture!
It was so much easier in the Military!
The same "clothes" every day!

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 11:50:32 AM

kittinSol

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Wow. It's pretty terrifying. That HR person in particular: she sounds like she's from another millenium. 'Decency clauses'? I bet you the number of people with no knowledge of business attire wouldn't push it very far in the oil industry anyway.

Sounds to me like it's a pale excuse to get inside their employees knickers. Yuk.

I've worked in all sectors of industry, as well as for a gigantic diplomatic international organisation, and I never heard of such clauses: glad I still haven't encountered the kind of business you talked about in your post, Calla. Nosy fuckers.

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 11:52:27 AM

camille65

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Khakis and a button down shirt or collared top, loafers. Never sandals or T-Shirts with stuff printed on them.

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RE: Business Casual vs Business - 7/29/2008 12:01:25 PM

camille65

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quote:

ORIGINAL: kittinSol

Wow. It's pretty terrifying. That HR person in particular: she sounds like she's from another millenium. 'Decency clauses'? I bet you the number of people with no knowledge of business attire wouldn't push it very far in the oil industry anyway.

Sounds to me like it's a pale excuse to get inside their employees knickers. Yuk.

I've worked in all sectors of industry, as well as for a gigantic diplomatic international organisation, and I never heard of such clauses: glad I still haven't encountered the kind of business you talked about in your post, Calla. Nosy fuckers.

I understand the clause because I've seen some pretty shocking outfits.
Nipples should not show through a sheer top during a meeting, actually what I find freaky is that people need to be actually told that they need to dress properly for work.

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