A Guide to Deciphering Business Attire

Most of the topics for my blog posts are inspired by real life occurrences from public relations courses to internships to personal experiences and this week’s post is no different. Earlier this week I was catching up with a fellow PRowler and the topic of PRSSA’s upcoming national conference came up. I was excited to share the news that the conference’s opening social was a black tie event. But what exactly does that mean- floor length gowns, cocktail dresses, actual suits and literal black ties? It got me thinking, we throw around terms like “business professional,” “business casual,” or even “black tie” but it’s not always easy to know what is appropriate for each. To help others (and myself!), I put together this easy guide to dressing for each situation.

• Business casual. For business casual, the general rule of thumb is to avoid anything as casual as flip-flops, jeans and t-shirts. It allows you to dress less formally than traditional work wear but shouldn't affect your credibility in the workplace.
• Business professional/business formal. Dress to impress. This is a step up from your typical work attire that calls for a more conservative look with either a suit, pencil skirt, or blazer.
• Casual Friday. This is tricky, you can dress casually but not too casual. It’s generally acceptable to dress up a pair of jeans but definitely leave the tee at home.
• Black tie. Chances are there will be very few events you will attend which require black tie attire. But if you DO happen to be invited to a gala or formal event (like PRSSA National Conference social) the dress code is traditional tuxedos for men and cocktail or long dresses for women. Think senior prom attire.

(Source: InStyle)

But remember, how you dress often depends on the culture of the office and many provide dress code policies to ensure employees are properly dressed. If you’re ever in doubt regarding what is and is not appropriate, simply look to see what the consensus is with your coworkers. If the rest of your office is in Prada, chances are that "lumpy blue sweater" not be appropriate.

Dressed to Impress (In the Hot, Hot Heat)

During the summer, I think we can all agree that "business casual" begins a little more difficult. Your skirt is skinning to your skin, your blazer is completely useless, and those black men's dress shoes are attracting the sun right to you. Commutes become a nightmare as you walk into the office with your hair matted with sweat and your mascara is barely still on your eyelashes. You really do not want to waltz into work in just short shorts and a tank top, so what are you to do? Fear not - we've compiled some great tips for keeping cool in the heat!

Tip #1: Restock your closet. The pieces you would frequently wear in the fall or winter are less relevant during the summer months. Restock your closet if need be with light fabrics that won't weigh heavy on you in the heat. Layers can still exist in the summertime, but you will be more comfortable if they are lighter in weight and even color.

Tip #2: Wear it different. Say you have multiple button-down shirts that you typically sport to the office. But why can't you wear them? You love them and they look great! Here's what you can do: roll up your sleeves. Re-adjusting the style of the business casual clothes you already own allows you more opportunity in the fashion department. If a pair of your pants are on their way out anyway, consider cutting them into appropriate-length shorts for the office.

Tip #3: Know your hair. The humidity will sneak up and ruin your hair - it's a given. Looking polished and presentable is important in the workplace, and with your hair going every which way after your commute, it seems like all odds are against you. But if you know your hair and get a few more styles in your book, you'll be great to go. Ladies, look into learning a few new easy & quick up-dos, as well as incorporating headbands. Gentlemen, consider using a new product or gel to keep your locks in place.

Do you have any interesting stories about dealing with the heat on the way to office? Share with us, or post any of your own tips below!