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Setting aside genuinely serious incidents; of phrases which throw fear into my heart ‘Business Casual’ is one which is heading for a top spot. (Others include “we need to talk”, “you do know you should be saving half your age as a percentage of your salary for retirement” and, with a look, “have I mentioned…”)
So last week I eyed my wardrobe with dismay, having three days which required said form of garments I found myself asking what in a whole world of heck is Business Casual?
‘Business Casual’ is a minefield. Dress too smartly and you look like you don’t know how to relax. Opt for something that looks like you might be on a night out and you’re a party girl who clearly doesn’t take her job seriously.
I’m pretty sure the chaps who casually added ‘dress code: business casual’ to the bottom of my email were not looking for me to spend three days with them demonstrating how to mash up your work and play outfits (I’m thinking Tatty Devine spectacles necklace in black over a white T, chunky knit cardigan and skinny jean) or to turn up in a suit with slippers.
I would suggest that I occasionally push the boundaries of what is deemed acceptable office work wear. Over the years I have had more than one occasion where I have worn my smartest, most formal suit jacket over a party frock in a bid to make it appear to be an entirely acceptable work outfit (note: this works fine unless there is any occasion where you are obliged to remove your jacket, particularly if the dress is backless). But again, this is dry cleaning/late night related panic work dressing.
What exactly is the dress code ‘Business Casual’ trying to achieve. “Hello! We’re going to talk about work stuff but we want you to feel like you just popped to see a friend while we do so”? It doesn’t work for me.
On this occasion it turned out that we had to lie on the floor. My loose fitting, smart-yet-relaxed all black frock was not necessarily suited to this (start with carpet fluff, end with worrying you are flashing a colleague).
So in future can you just say what you mean, usually being ‘suit please but comfy shoes permitted’.
Isabella
