Why I'd die if I ever held a real job

[craobhruadh]

I've almost exclusively held jobs where the standard dress code is "jeans and t-shirts", which is pretty fortunate, I suppose. I've met only a few people who actually enjoy dressing up and wearing suits and ties. However, this leaves me somewhat screwed when encountering situations where the expected attire is somewhat stricter. I have two

Comments

[kalliplokime]

You do have a Real Job. You have normal hours and get paid something that isn't a stipend. That's a Real Job.

Based on my (severely) limited experience, "business casual" seems to involve a button-up shirt and slacks and maybe a tie.

But I'm probably not the best source of professional clothing advice, 'cause in my line of work I can pretty much wear anything as long as it's black and lets me climb up a ladder in an emergency.

[ra1330]

I've found that, where I've worked that's called for "business casual", khakis + polos have generally worked well. Some places will allow jeans, too; the general advice I've always seen is go over-dressed to begin with, and then just see what everyone else is wearing (I practically always have started khakis+button-down shirt, and reduced thereafter)

[carnap]

Typically, business cas for men is nice shoes, slacks, and a button-down shirt. Sweaters over the shirt are typically fine. Polo shirts are generally fine on summer Fridays, or on Fridays generally in places that are warm year-round, though depending on the office culture they may make you look pretty out-of-place. Jeans may be acceptable on Fridays, but are no good on other days unless you're in California, where some places will permit jeans on a daily basis. I don't think sneakers are ever acceptable, even on casual Fridays.

[craobhruadh]

Cool, thanks to all of you for the much appreciated fashion advice! Though business casual tends to vary widely, all of your suggestions seem to converge on roughly the same level of formality.

[willseg]

the trick i've found to surviving the 'smart' situation is to have fun with it. For example my current attire for that scenario is a black denim fusiliers outfit with black satin military trim. although not technically 'smart' dress it is sharp and as long as you style it out you're fine. Another good example is a friend of mine who works in Barclays capital in London. From getting the job he's been going into work wearing double-breasted pinstripe gangster suits spats and a bowler hat. He's been waiting for someoen to tell him its not cool but it hasnt happened