Business Casual is Bulls***

Fear strikes the body, underarm sweat begins…panic. You’ve just been invited to a “business casual” event.

After years of school events, various work environments, and an unsuccessful attempt at meeting the unclear expectations of a “business casual” setting, I am OVER IT.

WHY BUSINESS CASUAL IS BULLS***

1. Everyone Has a Different Understanding of “Business Casual.”

We are NOT on the same page, here. Let’s just face it…you will always have that one person who is completely under-dressed. Chances are that person’s assigned seat will be right next to the person who is over-dressed. I might show up in my “casual” suit, and the person walking in next to me is wearing a “casual t-shirt". This is upsetting, to say the least. (But seriously don’t be that guy that shows up in the t-shirt…no one likes that guy).

#StopBusinessCasual

2. No one likes to be told to follow a certain dress code.

Getting the business casual notice is almost as bad as getting a wedding invitation with a color code (Guests MUST wear red….please relax). Be your own person and don’t let the dress code suggestions stop you from wearing a casual dress or button down…you should probably do what the bride says, though (consequences are likely for ignoring the stated instructions).

#StopBusinessCasual

3. You are old enough to know how to dress properly (I hope).

If you are old enough to attend a “business casual” event, you should also be mature enough to understand the appropriate level of “fancy-ness” or lack there of for the event. If you are going to the company Christmas party, this is NOT the time to break out the leopard dress you wore to your BFF’s sweet sixteen circa 2013.

#StopBusinessCasual

Advice for Business Casual Event-Goers

1. Dress to Impress - but don’t look like you’re trying to steal the show.

2. Dress comfortably and appropriately for the situation.

3. Don’t get stuck with the last shirt in your drawer from your Senior Picnic when you realize you haven’t done laundry since 2018.

4. Consult with a fellow event attendee - but not the lazy, messy one or the over-dressed, loud one.

Together, we can make it through our future “business casual” events.

What do you wear for business casual events?

Bean

www.linkedin.com/in/sabinaruggles

@sabinaruggles

Zarb Women in Business goes “Business Casual".

Hofstra University Zarb Women in Business Graduate Organization.