“What is Business Casual?”
It seems that the answer to this question depends on the person you are
talking to. I admit, this question is a difficult one to answer, I mean, there
isn’t even a clear definition of “Business Casual” in the infamous Vanderbilt
book of etiquette. But, regardless of that, there are a few things that just
don’t fly in the realm of this attire.
If we break it down, we
know that business attire is composed of slacks, blazers, suit combinations,
blouses, etc. We know casual attire to be something that is dressed down and
usually comfortable for daily activity. Putting these two together, I am
envisioning what we would consider formal business-wear, just a step down. But
as I look around the University Center on Monday nights (when most sorority
chapters have chapter meeting), I see most women dressing far from this
standard.
First, let’s talk about
what I call the “San Diego Business Casual.” Many tend to think that a sundress
with a cardigan thrown over is somehow transformed into business casual-wear.
At the end of the day, however, I don’t think your place of employment would
consider this acceptable for the office.
A second combination of
what women think is appropriate business casual attire is what I call “Vegas
Business Casual.” What I mean by this is tiny dresses with blazers over them,
or tight skirts with tights or flats. BREAKING NEWS – something you would wear
in Vegas is NEVER appropriate business-wear, even if you try. I’m not sure why
women even wear some of this stuff to chapter meeting anyway; you are #1
– sitting (all sorts of body parts can pop out), and #2 - in a room full
of women (who are you trying to impress?). I just don’t quite understand why
most women think some of these clothing choices are appropriate, basically
ever.
A third and final
definition of business casual that I see often is what I call, “Lazy Business
Casual,” and I admit, I have fallen into this category on a few occasions. For
me, this usually happens when I have a long day at school and I rush to meeting
after class and I just don’t feel like changing into business attire. What’s
the best solution then? Just wear something to school that can cheat the system
– it looks business, but it is really just casual. The best examples of this:
black jeans, jeggings, fashion forward skirts and dresses, etc. At the end of
the day, these clothing choices just aren’t business casual, and we know it,
however they are convenient.
Finally a note on shoes: The new trend in heels and pumps is the large platform, and as fun as these
shoes are, some of them don’t make the cut when it comes to business casual. If
you would wear them out to the club or to a chapter formal – they probably
aren’t meant for chapter meeting. Furthermore, most of us know not to commit
this business casual crime, but I just have to say it, sandals are a no-no,
even if they have a heel strap.
It seems that business
casual attire is pretty limited in terms of one’s wardrobe, but this doesn’t
mean you must go out and buy all of J. Crew in order to create business casual
possibilities. You may need to purchase a high-wasted, business-type skirt, or
a pair of slacks, but many of the clothes in your closet can be business
casual, as long as you put them together appropriately. On that note, consider
any of the appropriate purchases you make to be “wardrobe enhancers.”
Especially as you come closer to the real world, these items of clothing will
be forever useful for interviews, jobs, and presentations. The requirement of
business casual at chapter meeting truly does prepare you for life beyond
college.
What to wear (in no
particular combination):
What not to wear (as
cute as some of these are):
Posts
I'm fully agree with you that there's no definite meaning for business casual. The two pictures above have provided a general idea about the differences between business casual and normal casual clothes. Thanks for the information Mandy!
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