You open your closet and stare…for 15 minutes. All you are trying to do is figure out what your should wear for a “business casual” luncheon with your company. What pants? What jacket? But above all, what shoes?
Questions like this are common and this is a dilemma many of us face. There are different looks for different occasions. There is formal dress, business formal, and business casual that are common with business functions are the common ones that you will run into. Here are those three looks broken down for both men and women.
Black Tie Formal
Daniel Craig embodying the black tie look
When you are invited to a black tie event, this is a wonderful opportunity to network and show your sense of style. This is the dress code where both men and women are dressed to the 9’s. Oliver Frankin-Wallis with GQ explains for men, this attire requires you to wear a tuxedo with a bow tie, cumber bunt, and patent leather shoes. Franklin-Wallis also goes on to explain that you should have the appropriate accessories, like cuff-links, that top off the look. Make sure, if you have to rent one, it is a quality tux and does not look like it has gone to too many functions. However, if you feel that you are going to be attending black tie functions often, then your best bet would be to invest in a quality tux that is tailored to your fit.
A great example of a black tie gown from Kerry Washington
For women, according to Cynthia Nellis a women’s fashion expert, a long-evening gown is typical for black tie events. However, you can also get away with a little black dress, she explains, in more modern cities with relaxed standards. Be sure to accompany your dress with the right pair of shoes that not only compliment your attire, but make a statement.
Business Formal
These are Comm students perfectly displaying the business formal look
Business formal is the stereotypical look when one imagines a group of business professionals. Although every business has different values and certain circumstances require alterations to this dress codes, this is a general overview of the style.
Jacquelyn Smith with Business Insider explains how men typically wear a matching suit of a neutral color like black or navy, a crisp dress shirt, a simple tie (not the abstract art piece you got for your birthday), and nice dress shoes with dress socks.
Women have variations of the style that they can work with, which leaves room for fresh adaptations of the look. According to the UNC school of business, women can go with a matching suit with an unrevealing blouse and closed toed shoes with a modest heel. You can adapt the look with a knee high length skirt.
Business Casual
This is a great reference from Business Insider explaining the business casual look
Business casual differs from business formal in the fact that there are not strict requirements. According to Jacquelyn Smith, business casual is meant to be more comfortable and relaxed as opposed to business formal. Smith explains men are able to wear khakis and loafers with a tucked in button down. They can add a sport coat if they wish, but a tie is not worn. Smith also explains how women can wear khakis, or a skirt if they wish, but it still has to follow the appropriate length requirement. They can also wear more comfortable shoes and blouses.
In conclusion, there is no need to stress about what to wear once you understand the differences in the styles. Make sure you understand what dress code is specific to each function, and if you unsure, it does not hurt to ask someone else who is going. Again, this was just an outline of what is generally accepted as each style, but feel free to adjust and adapt with each scenario and rock your own style!