An invitation to a wedding or corporate get-together can be an exciting excuse to get dressed up. It can be challenging to discern the dress code on these invites, as a phrase like “business casual” is open to interpretation. How you dress will depend on various factors outside of the dress code. Read on to see our suggestions so you are dressed to impress at your next business-casual event.
The dictionary defines business casual as “a style of casual clothing worn by business people at work instead of more formal attire.” Of course, this attire is not only for the workplace, as many weddings and formal gatherings have this as the dress code. The secret to business casual is to wear something you would not feel underdressed in if you were to run into your boss, hence the “business” part of the phrasing. Of course, if your job setting is more casual by nature, think of something you would want to wear should you bump into a person you admire. The casual element denotes that the required attire is not as formal as a black or white tie event. Overall, you should be dressed to impress and, when in doubt, go a little more formal than you think.
The event’s setting and who is in attendance can impact how formal or casual you go. If this is an event for someone you know quite well and you know the event will take place in a somewhat informal setting, you may be able to get away with just a button-up and dark jeans or trousers. When attending an event for someone you do not yet know or in a setting you’ve never been to, it’s essential to dress appropriately. This would mean dressing slightly nicer than when you go into the office or go out to meet friends by adding a suit jacket or blazer and wearing more formal footwear. It is probably not wise to choose sneakers for this event; stick to shoes like loafers or Oxfords. If the rest of your ensemble is quite dressy and you are dead set on wearing sneakers, opt for a leather variety for an added level of elegance.
The weather will also impact your outfit choice, as you must add layers in cooler temperatures. Wearing a well-tailored coat will ensure you are warm enough to focus on the event and won’t take away from the rest of your ensemble. Always confirm the outfit underneath your coat is up to snuff if you decide to take it off while inside. When attending an event held during the warmer months, business casual would best be executed in the form of a Cuban collar shirt and a pair of linen trousers to help you remain cool while still looking sharp.
The most important thing to remember when dressing to attend any event is that confidence is key. At Sal Lauretta for Men, we believe that quality clothing helps accentuate your style, allowing you to feel your best. Visit us in our Midland Park store to get everything you need to look and feel as confident as you can at your next business casual event.
