Opinions on Business casual

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Abner, Apr 18, 2009.

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  1. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    I am being nominated for an award in June. The environment will include business leaders, and high level government officials. This event will take place over the course of 2.5 days. It will include workshops, lunches, dinners, etc. I am thinking of wearing a suit in case I win the award on the day the winner is announced, in case I have to speak in front of a few thousand people. To be honest, I really don't care if I win or not.

    On the other days, I am thinking of wearing some nice dress slacks with a long sleeve polo shirt like this:

    http://www.ralphlauren.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2004212&cp=1760781&ab=ln_men_cs1_dressshirts

    I would like to hear your opinions on this. This should be a really nice all expenses paid trip, but sometimes I hate all the artificial niceties and such. I have no problem speaking to large crowds.

    I would love to hear your comments. I think some dress slacks and a couple a long sleeve polos should do it, in addition to the suit on the award announcement day.

    See ya,

    Abner :)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 18, 2009
  2. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member


    Timed out again. Please disregard the use of "in case" twice in the same sentence.

    Abner
     
  3. airtorn

    airtorn Moderator

    Business casual for me - long-sleeved dress shirt or short sleeve polo, slacks, belt, and dress shoes or cowboy boots.
     
  4. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    I would go with what you mention but throw in a blazer without a tie. You could always take it off to "dress it down" but if you do not have one, you have nothing to "dress it up".

    Of course a navy blazer goes with tan, gray, and brown pants so it is the most versatile.
     
  5. friartuck

    friartuck New Member

    I'd replace the polo shirt with an oxford cloth button down shirt, blue or white. It's much more flexible. Throw in a nice sport coat and tie in your suitcase, that way if it's a dressier occasion than anticipated you can put on the tie and coat and blend in.
     
  6. MISin08

    MISin08 New Member

    This sounds like a situation where I would want to be interview-crisp, or at least ready to be.

    You don't say what field you're in or what region of the country the event will occur. If you're up for an award, then is this a networking opportunity? Are your peers dressing up?

    It's more to pack, but a sport coat would dress up your casual look and still be comfortable. Also, I've found that even here on the West Coast in 2009, you still get better service in airports, hotels, and restaurants when you dress up.

    Phillip
     
  7. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    I second friatuck's recommendation. Even when I am allowed to wear jeans in a workplace I still wear a long-sleeve shirt and tie; sitting at a desk or table you look dressed up.

    Airtorn, maybe I should move to Oklahoma.
     
  8. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    Congratulations, Abner!
     
  9. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    I agree - this is what I do at conferences and when visiting clients.

    Also are photos available on line from previous events? You could check out outfits there.

    My wife says to wear nice shoes and a conservative wrist watch (and turn your cell phone off during the presentation).

    Congratulations.
     
  10. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator


    I agree - stainless steel watch is a must for anyone.
     
  11. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    Check out books on this topic. Go to Amazon Books or Google Books and type dress for success
    You may pick up some good advice.
     
  12. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    You guys are all about this business fashion thing. I'd just be wondering if I could get away with my old flip-flops or should I buy some new ones. ;)
     
  13. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    We are fashionistas baby!

    Thanks to everyone for your comments and well wishes. I am not really concerned with winning, just being selected and being in the company of the other nominees is a huge honor.

    Have a good weekend!

    Abner :)
     
  14. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Well, I think you should keep the old ones. New ones may hurt your feet ;)
    Last year (March 08 to Jan 09) I went on strike and refused to wear shoes. I only wore flip-flops except when I traveled for business or went to church.
     
  15. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    Here is business casual in Berkeley. (The one on the left.)

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    I thought this was business casual in Berkeley. ;)

    [​IMG]
     
  17. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    If I recall correctly, you once told me that you were never able to take time off for a bad hair decade. Could this be someone else from the Tait family album? :D
     
  18. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    I'm not sure I agree with wearing a tie w/ jeans (although a button down shirt w/ jeans is fine). Of course, this is just a personal preference.

    Anyway, I agree that you should bring some extra "accessories" with you, such as a sports coat and tie. It's always better to be over dressed than under dressed for just about any event (with the exception of a rock concert, in which case being over dressed will make you look like a tool!). ;)


    Good luck with the award!
     
  19. Henry White

    Henry White New Member

    'First impressions' and all that...

    I always dress for the occasion; and when I'm not absolutely certain, a conservative dark suit, solid color, long-sleeve dress shirt, and the simplest tie works for almost any occasion. The only caveat is to NEVER wear anything for the first time.

    The deal here, I think, seems to be mostly another photo-op for them - particularly when they're giving an award - with maybe a little networking and schmoozing with the BigWigs. (As such, project into the future 20-30 years and ask yourself if you're going to look ridiculously out of fashion.)
     
  20. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    My parents are both pinwheeling in their graves right now. :D
     

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