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Mama_of_3_Kids posted 8/17/2013 16:28 PM

What exactly qualifies as "Business Casual"? Being a nurse I've never had to wear clothes like this and have no idea if what I have is appropriate. Obviously dress pants and skirts that are at least knee length, but I'm a little more clueless when it comes to the type of top that qualifies. TIA!

inconnu posted 8/17/2013 17:37 PM

At my office, nicer t-shirts are allowed as business casual. I usually have a sweater/cardi on over that, to look a bit more professional, but mostly because it's so damn cold in the office where my desk is.

At my last job, we could wear jeans, but couldn't wear t-shirt style tops. I wore a lot of princess seamed blouses, which had to be ironed.

jrc1963 posted 8/17/2013 17:40 PM

Being a nurse I've never had to wear clothes

Wait?! you mean Nurses go to work Nekkid?

Sorry - I couldn't pass it up.

I think business casual means nice khakis and a nice top, t-shirt or blouse. Khakis can be in tan, navy, black, brown... that kinda thing.

Shoes are usually flats or pumps.

I am of course guessing because I wear teachery clothes everyday - which now seems to consist of jeans, t-shirts and sneakers...

Mama_of_3_Kids posted 8/17/2013 17:50 PM

Okay, Thank you! The t-shirt thing was part of my concern. I have a few nicer tops (t-shirt material) that I could wear with a sweater or jacket. My boss did tell me no capri's...not even dress capri's, so that's why I was slightly concerned. Much of my wardrobe is scrubs, jeans/t-shirts, and Aero sweatpants

ETA: No, no neekid-ness, jrc

[This message edited by Mama_of_3_Kids at 5:50 PM, August 17th (Saturday)]

Unagie posted 8/17/2013 17:55 PM

Nice pullovers, blouses, cardigans. I've never had to do business casual but I know what it looks like.

Catwoman posted 8/17/2013 18:02 PM

I work in a financial firm. Business casual for mid-to-top level exec is (for women) nice slacks, collared shirt or shell with cardigan or jacket. I wear a lot of cardigans!

Cat

[This message edited by Catwoman at 6:02 PM, August 17th (Saturday)]

kernel posted 8/17/2013 19:25 PM

I agree with Cat. T-shirts are too casual where I work. Polo shirts are good - anything with a collar. Shells under a cardigan or jacket or collared shirt are all good.

eta: no flipflops!

[This message edited by kernel at 8:53 PM, August 17th (Saturday)]

hurtbs posted 8/17/2013 20:03 PM

No jeans, no frayed edges, no t-shirts. I generally stick to khakis or chinos (no outside pockets), and nicer like shirts for women.

For men, khakis/chinos, collard shirts of some type (including polos).

No tennis shoes.

Mama_of_3_Kids posted 8/17/2013 23:15 PM

It seems like it varies a lot from office to office. I think I will wear "dressier" items until I know their definition of Business Casual. When I went for an interview one of the ladies was wearing a wide strapped dressier tank top, which really surprised me.

Dreamboat posted 8/18/2013 09:39 AM

I think I will wear "dressier" items until I know their definition of Business Casual

That is the best way to go. Look at examples of other people that you know are respected in the office and examples of what the bosses are wearing. The tank top that you saw might have been tolerated but not really what the bosses expected. But if everyone is wearing tank tops including the bosses, then it is ok.

jrc1963 posted 8/18/2013 09:44 AM

If you're going to be public speaking then you may want to invest in a suit or two.