The True Meaning Of The Term ‘Business Casual’ Dress

Tips For Dressing Right For Events & Meetings

It may be the most daunting words on an invitation or description of dress for a meeting: “business casual.”

Great – but what does that mean? Is one person’s definition of “business casual” the same as another person’s definition of it?

It’s something PubClub.com gets a lot with invitations to all kinds of press events. Here’s our interpretation of it and how we’ve handled it. So far, so good, by the way. No mistakes! Even for a Future of Cannabis party at a Hollywood mansion (and don’t think THAT was open to all kinds of wardrobe possibilities!).

The Basic ‘Business Casual’ Definition

The basic definition is pretty simple:

“Dress that can be accepted in any non-formal business environment, not too casual and not too over the top, either.”

For men, it mean slacks with a nice collared or button-down shirt (PubClub.com’s “go-to” business attire wardrobe) but can you get away with cool-looking shoes or must one wear dress shoes? Shall you wear a jacket? In some cases, stylish jeans are acceptable.

For women, it means anywhere from a cocktail dress to a more formal dress? And are flats okay or should you wear heels?

Three Simple Rules For Interpreting ‘Business Casual’

While those are the basic words, the key to executing it is in the interpretation of the meaning. PubClub.com recommends following these simple rules:

1.) Consider The Environment. Are you in an office and if so, what type of an office. An advertising firm has different standards than a law firm for instance. Is it in an upscale restaurant or a casual bar?

2.) Consider The Event Or The Meeting. Read the invitation clearly or get an explanation from the person inviting you to the meeting to help you determine your dress. If it looks to be a more on the formal side, go that way. If if seems to be more casual – say if it’s in a nice but not over-the-top restaurant/bar – then go more comfortable.

• 3.). Err On The Side Of Caution. If you simply don’t know what to wear – shall I put on the business shoes and bring a jacket, for instance – then it’s always best to be a little more dressed up than taking a more casual approach. You may feel a bit overdressed f you’re the only one in a jacket (which you you can always take off by the way) or for women you realize you could have gotten away with your favorite cocktail dress after all, but if you will feel really uncomfortable if you too casual approach (say, wearing jeans when everyone else in slacks).

By the way, when PubClub adds a jacket and dress shoes to the button-down shirt and slacks or a women adds a jacket to a dress or wears nicer attire than casual clothes, we refer to this as “upscale business casual.”

Let us know what your definition is of “business casual” and any stories you wish to share concerning any mistaken wardrobe choices below in the comments section!