Gotta agree with you there. Black tie optional seems to be an acknowledgement that not everyone owns a tux these days - but I've always felt that every gentleman should own a tux, and if you don't, go rent one!

I think you're correct in your definition of business casual... at my last internship, I had asked what the dress is and my boss said business casual... but all the guys, including him, walked around in button down shirts and ties and dress slacks.

As for women, business casual spans the spectrum I guess... I've always been more of a dress-up girl, but my co-workers will come in with sneakers, even my boss... not gym sneakers, but Diesels or ones that look dressier.

My office is trying to get back to enforcing "business casual". Problem is what flies as business casual in our office isn't the same as the ones back east. No set rules accross the board. Though they did finally decide that facial/tongue piercings and mohawks maybe didn't fit the definition. We're a call center, so I find that to be crap. :( But I don't feel we really fit anyone's definition of business casual either.

I think they're just trying to give the option of not having to rent a tux -- assuming you don't own one -- and with the exception of the TV folks I work with who do public appearances all the time, I don't know anybody who does own his own.

Problem with owning one is that they change the "in" styles so often that an older one really looks out of place.

I think the original definitions in this thread are right on. I seldom ever wear a tie. Dockers and at least a button down shirt. Loafers and blacks socks.

One guy in FSP with me owns a tux...problem is, he refuses to wear anything but sneakers with it. Black sneakers, but still...kinda destroys the look. :rolleyes:

Every gentleman should still own a tux... or at least be willing to rent one if he doesn't go to enough formal events to justify owning one.

One of the little things that impressed me about my husband when we were first dating, was the fact that he owned a tux. We were always the best dressed couple at my sorority's formals. ;) He still owns a tux, and he buys a new vest or cummerbund and tie every once in a while to keep it up to date.

Yeah, I was wondering that. What is considered as business casual for women? Specifics?

I know a few music majors who own them, simply because they have so many performances and recitals where they are required to wear a tux. Other than them, I don't know anyone.

Quote:

Originally posted by Dionysus

I'm not really sure of specifics... when I had asked my boss she was like it's business casual, jeans are fine too... so I wear nice jeans with sweaters, button down shirts, dressy-ish shirts and boots. I also have worn dresses, denim skirts, dress pinstipe, black, and gray pants. I've worn my Diesel sneakers once... on a Friday. I like to dress up more, but at my work place, the attire is fairly open.

I think that nice pants and a nice blouse or sweater is business casual. No jeans or sneakers and nothing too short or revealing.

No formal for us is in suits. I couldn't imagine having to spend money on renting a tux. Luckily all we have to pay for in regards to our Winter Formal is for alcohol for us and our dates. Our parents come and serve us dinner for winter formal.

I also think business casual depends on the type of company you work for, ie. entertainment industry, has less strict guidelines.

My office is business casual on M-Th and casual on Friday.
M-Th most of my office wears khakis or some type of slacks, nice blouses or sweaters (guys are usually in polos). Every so often one of us women will wear a dress or skirt.
On Fridays we all wear jeans and whatever we want for shirts. In the summer, most of the women wear sleeveless shirts and sandals.

-wendi