Business Casual for Networking—What Exactly Does That Mean?

You’re getting ready to attend a networking event. It’s time to make a positive first impression on prospective employers and others who may lead you to one. The announced dress code is “business casual.” What the heck does that mean?

For one thing, it may depend on your city or area whether business casual really means dressy but not cocktail party wear or it means a nice pair of khaki’s and a clean dress shirt with no tie. A career advisor told a group session I attended that Washington, D.C. is a conservative city, so wear a nice business suit (with a tie, for men) or dress (and heels). But there are times when that is not necessarily true and a dressy shirt with nice slacks for either gender would be just fine.

You want to be noticed, but in a positive way, and you want to be remembered not for your clothes, but for who you are and what you say. For sure, however, business casual in a networking environment is not jeans, tank tops, short skirts or other revealing clothing. And, you definitely don’t want to make your appearance wearing flip flops.

Here are some sites with tips on business casual attire that may be helpful. http://www.ehow.com/how_49_dress-business-casual.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_business_casual_attire_for_women
http://www.career.vt.edu/Jobsearc/BusCasual.htm

Personally, if I am not sure about an event, my approach is to arrive slightly overdressed rather than too casual.