| Topic Name: |
Business Casual |
| Message Name: |
Having the same problem... |
| Date Posted: |
10/13/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
Hey, I (female) am starting my first job, and was told the dress code is "Business Casual"
Please advise on how to shop for it. e.g. example of bascis, and style.
Or any website with actual picture may help. thanks!!! |
| Message: |
I graduated with my MBA in 2004 as well. I'm having the same issue as you are except, I'm a man. I've been working at various companies in various industries over the past year, and what I've learned is that the answer to your question is "It depends."
Meaning, it really depends on what industry you're in, and what position you have within that industry. Also look at your company culture...(what's appropriate, what's not appropriate, what do other women wear). After determining that, then just go one notch ahead of the rest.
There are two sides of business casual - the business side, and the casual side. Women have a lot more options than men no matter what side of business casual your industry or company promotes as appropriate. You all can wear a skirt, a dress, pants, various tops, jackets, etc. Men must have pants and a collared shirt, an occasional polo, sweater, or vest is appropriate in very casual situations.
Shoes...My don't women love shoes! Men do too! Women have so many choices, but to maintain a true professional look make sure you don't choose very bright colors or odd shapes, and as much as humanly possible try to hide your toes (even though I like to see them.) The tradition is no toes for women.
Try this website http://www.businesscasualdress.com/illustrations.htm for a start - no colors but at least it gives you a starting point. To tell you the truth...I'm not really feeling the women's dress on this page, but if you're creative, and I know you probably are you can look at those pictures and figure out what to change to make it look like you (i.e. tighter pants - but not too tight, tighter shirt...maybe, just tighten everything up a little bit).
I hope that helped at least a bit. I forgot one thing though...make sure you feel good about what you're wearing. It breeds confidence. If you're comfortable with how you're dressed, then you can worry about the job more and about how you look in the job less, which in turn will help you perform better.
Now get out there and strut around at the mall and department stores searching for some new clothes...you deserve it...you just graduated with your MBA. Dress like the Business Woman that you are inside...do a little research, you certainly should be an expert on it by now.
If you have any tips for men, then please let me know. Here are my dimensions:
Male, Athletic Build (football), 6'2'' tall, 245 lbs. I have dark hair but light skin (tan) (dark features). Hook me up!
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