Is this outfit okay for business casual day?!

[AnotherKD]

I know someone suggested khakis, but I don't see them as "business casual" at all. Unless they're really nice khakis. Express and the like have some calf-length pants that are tailored, and I think something like that would look really nice with a cute shirt or tank top plus a little shrug. Nothing too fancy/sparkly/etc, but something tasteful. For instance, I could see black calf-length tailored pants, a bright pink shirt that's not too tight, and a black shrug.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by AnotherKD

I know someone suggested khakis, but I don't see them as "business casual" at all.

The consensus here on GC is that "business casual" is a really stupid thing to have named this round. The last thing you want to look like is a stuffy 50 year old woman working at a stuffy financial firm or something.

That being said - just say no to white pants. I personally kind of dig the jacket, if it's your style.

[AnotherKD]

Originally Posted by 33girl

The consensus here on GC is that "business casual" is a really stupid thing to have named this round. The last thing you want to look like is a stuffy 50 year old woman working at a stuffy financial firm or something.

That being said - just say no to white pants. I personally kind of dig the jacket, if it's your style.

I didn't know that what I suggested was akin to what a stuffy 50-year-old financial planner would wear... that being said, I heard khakis, and my first thought was the kind of khakis that I have seen that are kind of in the shape of "mom jeans" (no offense to the mothers out there, it's just an expression). I would agree that "business casual" is a stupid name for a round, especially since skirts/dresses aren't recommended.

ETA: I guess some people don't grasp the meaning of "business casual" inside of the office, either. Not more than a few years ago, the office I was in had a few interns. There was a recent college grad who was doing a summer internship before heading off to law school, and one day she showed up in a super short skirt and a CROP TOP. SMH

[agzg]

Originally Posted by AnotherKD

I didn't know that what I suggested was akin to what a stuffy 50-year-old financial planner would wear... that being said, I heard khakis, and my first thought was the kind of khakis that I have seen that are kind of in the shape of "mom jeans" (no offense to the mothers out there, it's just an expression). I would agree that "business casual" is a stupid name for a round, especially since skirts/dresses aren't recommended.

I wear khaki-colored slacks to the office, tans and light browns, etc., but they're definitely a different fabric and tailored to fit better than most khakis would be. Always paired with some of the more "professional"-looking blouses in my wardrobe.

They can be done very very wrong.

Calf-length tailored pants are huge in my office right now, and they're appropriate, since it's summer. Khaki capris are popular as well, but I've already posted about how some of my coworkers think summer=dress code goes byebye. Khaki capris with a plain t-shirt, in fact. Blegh.

ETA: You can do "business casual" and not look stuffy, but it's such a fine line. It's so easy to get into the Middle-Aged woman thing, but also, if you're trying to be youthful, you can do "way way way" inappropriate easily, as well.

[AnotherKD]

Originally Posted by agzg

I wear khaki-colored slacks to the office, tans and light browns, etc., but they're definitely a different fabric and tailored to fit better than most khakis would be. Always paired with some of the more "professional"-looking blouses in my wardrobe.

They can be done very very wrong.

Calf-length tailored pants are huge in my office right now, and they're appropriate, since it's summer. Khaki capris are popular as well, but I've already posted about how some of my coworkers think summer=dress code goes byebye. Khaki capris with a plain t-shirt, in fact. Blegh.

Yes, tailoring/fit is crucial to the look of khakis. And I'm with you on that summer dress code... strapless dresses, mini skirts, and yes, stripper heels, have all made their debut in my office. It's amazing how it's the same people that show up in these outfits and their manager never says anything to them about it.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by AnotherKD

Yes, tailoring/fit is crucial to the look of khakis. And I'm with you on that summer dress code... strapless dresses, mini skirts, and yes, stripper heels, have all made their debut in my office. It's amazing how it's the same people that show up in these outfits and their manager never says anything to them about it.

Are the people in the outfits under 30 and fit?

Are the managers or the people they report to male?

Duh.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Are the people in the outfits under 30 and fit?

Are the managers or the people they report to male?

Duh.

It can be incredibly awkward for a manager to call in an otherwise-well-performing employee and say, "hey, you're doing great, but dress like less of a whore, ok?" - especially in an age where we're supposed to be enlightened about gender above and beyond Chris Rock's 'whore uniform' argument.

[AnotherKD]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Are the people in the outfits under 30 and fit?

Are the managers or the people they report to male?

Duh.

In answer to your questions, NO, in fact, only one of them are within a decent weight range (she is the one in stripper heels). I saw a strapless dress on a woman who could not have been less than 350lbs, and I kid you not.

As for who manages them, I have no idea. I've only seen them in elevators, the lobby, or walking into the building. But they are not visitors, as they have their badges on.

[agzg]

Originally Posted by AnotherKD

Yes, tailoring/fit is crucial to the look of khakis. And I'm with you on that summer dress code... strapless dresses, mini skirts, and yes, stripper heels, have all made their debut in my office. It's amazing how it's the same people that show up in these outfits and their manager never says anything to them about it.

I posted that rant the other day. Today I saw someone wearing a geometric print, halter-top maxi dress. With no cardigan to cover up. And flip flops. What!?

In other news, my work-appropriate polka-dotted dress (that has pockets!) with matching cardi is looking real good.

[AnchorAlumna]

Originally Posted by 33girl

The last thing you want to look like is a stuffy 50 year old woman working at a stuffy financial firm or something...I personally kind of dig the jacket, if it's your style.

I'm a 50+ stuffy woman working at a family-owned firm and I personally kind of dig the jacket, too.