Life is full of unanswerable questions. Why are we here? Why can’t I hum when I hold my nose closed? How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop? Simply put, these things are just destined to remain mysteries (to those just now trying the whole humming thing, isn’t it crazy?!). However, some of these questions we have no choice but to answer.
Like what the heck business casual is.
(Casual here being pronounced as cazsh like all the cool kids say.)
So to give some context here, last week I was preparing to go to my first company meeting for my internship. I’m a sophomore in college so naturally I was both a mix of excited and OHMYGODWHATAMIDOINGI’MWOEFULLYUNQUALIFIEDTODEALWITHREALLIFE. However, I felt like I was prepared more or less, and ready to get started with my first real job in the business sector. Prepared at least, until I read the last line on my boss’s final informational email:
“We are requiring that everybody dress very nicely: guys, wear shirt and tie and a suit coat if you have one and ladies: business attire.”
Wait...Where’s my list?
For men it’s a straightforward protocol, but for women? It’s so amorphous that I’m using words like amorphous. I was completely lost as to what the rules for this were. I have plenty of dresses but do dresses count as business? That ruffle-y floral pattern totally makes me look like I can close a deal right?
Hey guys! Is it promotion time yet? Guys...?
Courtesy: justbefun.blogspot.com
Thus began my 24 hour quest to figure out exactly what on Earth the elusive "business cazsh" was. After researching a bit online, it seems that, while there are no specific set clothing items, there a few general guidelines that should be followed. Basically, every outfit should:
1 - Keep you covered. AKA, the business cazsh booty shorts are unfortunately going to have to go.
2 - Be generally neutral. A few accent pieces are ok, but beyond that the office-rainbow of tan, navy, black, and gray are where it's at!
3 - Be reasonable. It's best to save the Lady Gaga heels for the office party. Generally, the best idea is to stick with what works, the basic skirts, blazers, dress pants, and dress blouses will be your best office friend who, bonus points, won't steal your lunch! Some examples of what I'm talking about...
I would totally hire her for the company I totally own.
Courtesy: macys.com
Sign on the dotted line? Sure! Give you my social security number? Sounds great to me! You need my kidneys too? Why not!
Courtesy: umekobeautyfashion.com
She looks like the Tomb Raider of the office world. Fan-tas-tic.
Courtesy: hellousdaily.com
So, for my personal search for business cazsh, I purchased a reasonable high-waisted straight skirt, a black camisole, and a gray cardigan to throw on top. And, considering the meeting went well and I still have my job, I'd say the outfit worked just fine. Long story short, the easiest way to judge if what you're wearing is alright, is if it could also dual as something you'd wear it to meet your boyfriend's parents for the first time. You want to look clean and put-together, ideally avoiding the tracksuits and the business cazsh booty shorts. All in all, through this guideline you'll be able to wow the boss, the clients, and the cute co-worker in the cubicle next to you! So, while we may never know why we can't hum with our nose being held closed, we will at least look darn professional trying it.
Posted by amy on January 23, 2012 at 05:14 PM EST #
Posted by Business Development Program on January 24, 2012 at 01:09 AM EST #