why ‘business casual’ really means ‘wear whatever you want’

This month I spent several days in Arkansas with a group of media influencers for a consulting gig (more on that another day). On the pre-event materials, we were given dress codes for the various events, including everyone’s favorite: “business casual.”

Having been in the corporate world for many years, then transitioning to the public sector and then landing on Planet Entrepreneur, I have plenty of experience dressing for events of all kinds. The thing is, blogger events almost NEVER have a dress code and we’ve gotten very used to just ‘coming as we are’. So what the heck would I wear to a blogger event that requested ‘business casual’ attire??? Naturally, I did what any blogger in my position would do.

I took to Pinterest.

After several searches, and dozens of boards later, I was no closer to find an answer than when I started. It became crystal clear to me that absolutely no one knows what ‘business casual’ actually means. I saw everything from leggings to distressed skinny jeans to bermuda shorts and heels. It was anybody’s guess.

Business Casual: Day 1

I opted for a tangerine cutout skirt, sheer blouse and cape blazer with pointy flats. Skirt and blazer from Who What Wear. This look worked for me because I was comfortable and stylish, if not leaning slightly on the overdressed side. When I got downstairs to breakfast, I saw an array of outfit choices – from T-shirts and jeans to high heels and sheath dresses. In short: nobody cared. Rock on.

Business Casual: Day 2

I had packed a long pleated skirt to accompany my Shop Zuvaa Savanna Print Blazer on the second day, but having realized that it was not at all that serious, I opted for my PZI Jeans and a trendy tank instead. My studded, nude Zara flats and necklace – gifted to us by Akola Project – capped it off.

In Conclusion.

I’ve deduced that ‘business casual’ means: “Not a suit.” That’s my only takeaway. Blazers are optional. So are heels. Take comfort in the fact that nobody cares and that you can do you and wear whatever you please. The End.