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.
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I find myself totally over dressed in most situations. I think it’s because I really, really like getting fancy. Even when I’m just wearing a pair of jeans I dress it up with high heeled boots or wedged sandals and lots of accessories. I’ve gotten used to being the odd girl out. At my job everyone is super, super casual except me. I’m always ready to go on camera just in case! LOL