What to wear? What is Business Attire?

CarmelTreat · #1 02-13-2001, 01:18 AM

I know that this topic has probably been discussed already, but I have a specific question. I have this really nice suit that I want to wear but it is a pants suit. Will this be appropriate to wear to a formal rush?
The flyer said "Business Attire"

AKA2D '91 · #2 02-13-2001, 02:19 AM

Then "Business Attire" it is...

[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited February 13, 2001).]

Poplife · #3 02-13-2001, 02:21 AM

Two friends of mine rushed while wearing pants suits and had no problems. Nevertheless, I think a skirt is "safer".

AKA2D '91 · #4 02-01-2005, 03:25 PM

For all of the Undergraduates out there: (REGARDLESS of your interest)

What is business attire to you? I think this thread would be great for EVERY young lady out there, even in cyberspace.

Exquisite5 · #5 02-01-2005, 04:59 PM

It is important for every woman to know what business attire is. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SORORITY MEMBERSHIP AND I AM SPEAKING WOMAN TO WOMAN IN AN EFFORT TO HELP CAREERS.This is appropriate business attire for a woman.

Love_Spell_6 · #6 02-01-2005, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Exquisite5
It is important for every woman to know what business attire is. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SORORITY MEMBERSHIP AND I AM SPEAKING WOMAN TO WOMAN IN AN EFFORT TO HELP CAREERS.This is appropriate business attire for a woman.

Thats a good example, however women also have to be mindful of their shapes...the same skirt may look very professional on one woman and unprofessional on the other...If you're smaller, you can get away with a shorter skirt..but it not..its best to let it come down to the knees... I never suggest pants..but I think that's more of a personal preference.

southernelle25 · #7 09-25-2005, 02:50 PM

^^ I agree, and also there is no reason to avoid color.

JCrew.com has many examples of comfortable and appropriate business attire.

Honeykiss1974 · #8 09-25-2005, 03:02 PM

A pantsuit is perfectly acceptable business attire. Here are a few examples....

These are of course in the basic colors (which you can get more mileage out of if you're on a budget). But sure to buy one - any suit really- in a nice quality fabric that isn't constricting or stiff. A nice pantsuit can hide a multitude of sins.

Now let's talk about shoes because nothing ruins a good outfit than a crap pair of shoes...

Marie · #9 09-26-2005, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Exquisite5
It is important for every woman to know what business attire is. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SORORITY MEMBERSHIP AND I AM SPEAKING WOMAN TO WOMAN IN AN EFFORT TO HELP CAREERS.This is appropriate business attire for a woman.

This is a very conservative description of business attire, which may be necessary depending on your industry or company. In many companies today, I co-sign that pants as well as color are acceptable for business attire. I don't think it would at all be out of the ordinary to see a woman with a black pant suit w/a red silk blouse or scarf. Additionally, while you don't want to wear 'stripper pumps' or inappropriate boots, it is not uncommon to see women wearing heels higher than 1'' - 2''. I notice that this description also states that the hair needs to be pulled away from the face, which is also not a requirement (although, it will make you look very tailored and neat). I do think that the point about closed toe shoes is accurate (and often overlooked). Additionally, I hate when I see women w/skirt suits and boots on.

Lastly, I would stick very closely to the original description if I was going for a job interview, career fair, rush, etc. I think it is a very accurate description of business attire for making a 1st impression. However, if I worked for a company that had a business attire dress code, then I would start to broaden my wardrobe as far as color, shoes, pants, and all the other points noted above. Of course you have to use your best judgement depending on your individual circumstance.

Honeykiss1974 · #10 09-26-2005, 11:48 AM

Let me add that a business pantsuit is also appropriate for an interview as well.

Steeltrap · #11 09-26-2005, 12:01 PM

If you are going for, say, a job interview, I strongly suggest a skirt suit. Now journalism isn't a conservative field, per se, but I erred on the side of caution and always did black wool crepe skirt suits.

ladylike · #12 09-26-2005, 03:00 PM

Pay attention to detail and this includes from top (jewelry) to bottom (hosiery). Keep it classic and simple.

I have witnessed women coming to interview in skirt suits wearing fishnet pantyhose and (on a separate occassion) anklets (ankle jewelry).

Leave the leg adornments for another occassion.

If you are a college student and you're still unsure of what would be interview/business appropriate, I would suggest visiting the campus career center for additional guidance.

Honeykiss1974 · #13 09-26-2005, 03:02 PM

ladylike...did you say fishnets?

If I had ran out of hose unexpectantly, I would have just vaselined up my legs before I would have put those on for an interview.

Conskeeted7 · #14 09-26-2005, 11:20 PM

Observation is another way to learn what is acceptable business attire. Go to the business district of your town and just observe what the professionals are wearing. There may be a few who are daring with their attire. However, a majority should be obvious.

You can also do this at a major department store. They will have a section that is defined as business or working clothing. You can check those out to get ideas.

SummerChild · #15 09-28-2005, 09:38 PM

CarmelTreat probably isn't posting anymore as this is an old thread. However, for those who may be reading and considering such issues there are really two questions here. The first is will it be appropriate for her to wear pants to a formal rush. The second is what is business attire.

Word to the wise is to ALWAYS err on the side of caution. But that may just be me as I keep it more conservative and traditional if I am not sure. You can't go wrong that way. That's with anything that you do when you are not calling the shots yet seeking acceptance (e.g., job interview). Wearing pants is not necessarily wrong but could be a misstep. Why risk it?

Of course, if you don't have anything but your pants suit, wear your pants suit and shine on.

Re business attire, it really is true that everyone woman should know. Just remember this: there is a difference between business and business casual so consider, for the particular field (say if going to an interview) what will be business as opposed to business casual. That might help guide you as well.

SC

Quote:

Originally posted by CarmelTreat
I know that this topic has probably been discussed already, but I have a specific question. I have this really nice suit that I want to wear but it is a pants suit. Will this be appropriate to wear to a formal rush?
The flyer said "Business Attire"