What does "business casual" mean?

Business casual

So, I’m going to Log Haven for dinner tonight. If you don’t live in Salt Lake City, hit that link and let your heart fill with envy.

I’ve been looking forward to this all week. Mostly for the food. Last time, they gave us these little cups of pumpkin goop, and it was so good I nearly cried.

But there’s another thing.

See, I found this little knit halter dress last month for $25. I’ve always wanted a halter dress because the cut is kind to my improbably round shoulders. I even got these sticky fake-boob bra things to keep my perky girls from scandalizing the great state of Utah.

But it’s black, and it look kind of fancy on me. I tried it on for a few critical passes in front of the mirror at home and ultimately stashed it in the back of my closet with a bunch of other dresses I’ve only worn once because, apart from the rare formal occasion, they make me look like I’m costumed as someone else. Someone who likes to be stared at.

This Log Haven thing seemed like a decent chance to trot out the new dress without being stared at. Just to be sure, I asked the boyfriend whether we were dressing up.

“Business casual at best,” he replied.

Oh.

OK. Well, now what?

My experience with “business casual” hovers in the realm of schooly-looking trousers and button-down shirts. At its least androgenous, a dowdy cotton skirt. “Business casual” is what I wear when my intended fashion statement is “Don’t even think about getting to second base with me.”

For date night?

I just hate clothes.

I’ve asked around the office to see whether I’m misunderstanding the term. The resounding recommendation is khakis and a polo. If you have any better ideas, please share.

And if you’re interested in a size 4 black halter dress, I have one that probably won’t get a lot of use. Sticky fake boobs, too.

I really can’t pull that kind of thing off.

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Why I am a dinkus, food, looking "good" | Erin Alberty | July 9, 2009 12:35 pm

22 Comments

By Sarah Bellum, July 9, 2009 @ 12:48 pm

Wear plain flats and a little cardigan over it and you’ll be fine.

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By Here In Franklin, July 9, 2009 @ 12:55 pm

Wear it. Business casual is what guys always say because it means khakis and golf shirt. It’s their uniform. And if I spelled khaki wrong, shoot me.

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By The boyfriend, July 9, 2009 @ 1:08 pm

@HIF: You said it for me. I got the text – without options – while in a business meeting, looked down at the red button down and black slacks that I’m wearing and thought, “Yeah, I’m not changing.”

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By soul-fusion, July 9, 2009 @ 1:51 pm

wear the dress!!! I used to be entirely uncomfortable in them and so I felt like I stuck out as too dressy any time I put one on. But now they are my favorite thing to wear because they are so versatile. As Sarah suggested, you can dress it down with a cardigan and flats or dress it up with heels and a light wrap for a fancier occasion.

Men have essentially 3, maybe 4 dress codes and know exactly what each one requires: casual = jeans or shorts depending on season; business casual (in Utah) = khakis and a polo (in NYC it means dress shirt, slacks and no tie and the polos and khakis are relegated to casual but then NYC has this ridiculous “going out” category to deal with); and business or cocktail on up all mean suit; the fourth category could be black tie and require a tux but outside of a man’s wedding that is rare. Men (and most women) never understand what the women’s equivalent is. Women have hazier lines which can be aggravating at times but it ultimately gives us more options. Have fun – Log Haven is beautiful and has amazing food, I’m jealous.

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Erin Alberty Reply:
July 9th, 2009 at 2:19 pm

Yeah, I never know. If it’s “formal,” I’m pretty confident I’ll dress appropriately. If it’s “casual,” I’m pretty confident I’ll dress appropriately.

Anything else, and my mind explodes with rules I half-remember (no varying shades of black?), rules I’ve extrapolated from the rules I half-remember (no vastly different fabrics in the same shade of black), my own apparently misguided logic (I’m told there’s nothing laughable about strappy shoes in snow) and an array of criticisms I’ve heard against women who looked fine to me.

I love to wear dresses because they’re comfortable and there’s less to match. But then all the nuances of dressiness — length, neckline, sleeves, no sleeves, material, color, print, shoes and the delicate combinations thereof – send me running back to my jeans.

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By Mom, July 9, 2009 @ 2:26 pm

Put that dress on and remember to dress is up with a smile!

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By rassles, July 9, 2009 @ 2:33 pm

I guess I have so many friends that wear dresses all the fucking time, fancy/casual/whatever.

I say wear the dress. Unless it’s a gown, you won’t be overdressed.

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By SKM, July 9, 2009 @ 2:45 pm

wear it. screw business casual.

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By Bellacantare, July 9, 2009 @ 2:55 pm

Not sure what it’s like in Salt Lake, but in San Francisco, us girls are always wearing dresses or skirts for business stuff (even if it’s foggy – we just get used to the weather screwing us over). Sarah’s right – little card and some flats and it won’t seem so dressy. And who cares if you’re the best dressed one there? You’re just raising the bar. ;-)

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By Summer, July 9, 2009 @ 2:57 pm

Of course you should wear it! And wear it proud! I agree with Sarah, you can dress it up or down with shoes. Just throw on some strappy black sandals and bring a cardigan possibly a black suit jacket so if you start feel more exposed than you would like you can always cover up. Guaranteed you will have other girlfriends/wives wishing they had taken the opportunity to dress up. No one will think you are over dressed.

Have fun!

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By heidikins, July 9, 2009 @ 3:43 pm

Wear it! I agree with the suggestions of flats and a cardigan…I think, especially for date night, that is more appropriate than the soccer mom/business casual khaki and polo-shirt look.

xox

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By Mongoliangirl, July 9, 2009 @ 9:33 pm

Oh wear the dress.

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By Gwen Jackson, July 10, 2009 @ 7:32 am

I agree with the other commenters…wear it! I’m sure you will look stunning.

That menu at Log Haven is amazing. My mouth is watering right now after looking at it. Have a wonderful time…eat something yummy for me!

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By Lane, July 10, 2009 @ 8:45 am

Wear the dress! Business casual means whatever you want it to.

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By Erin, November 13, 2009 @ 1:12 am

Follow-up: It took me about 4 hours to find black flats and a black cardigan. And I work at the mall.

Clothing is evil. Just evil.

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