Business dress code in LA and San Francisco

[fiorentina]

I have a week of meetings in LA and San Fran in a few weeks. Never been before and I wondered if anyone knows the usual dress code for offices. I work in finance if that helps. Just keen to know how conservative they are. Do I need a jacket at all times? Thanks for your help.

I would go for conservative - suit and shirt. I'm sure the tech people/film people in LA and SF have their own more casual dress code, but I would say finance people would still be the usual smart business. Have spent time in both places and do not work in an office but I saw plenty of typical "officey" people around in both downtown areas and the American office workers are more conservative than uk ones I feel.

I would say that typically American office wear is smarter than the UK, but I don't know LA and SF

Oh, and they accessorise. If you ever wanted to tie a scarf around the handles of your handbag, this is your chance

Thank you both.

I work in finance, worked both in the City and the US (NYC). In my experience, the dress code is pretty much the same. I don't find american office wear more conservative. That said, business wear in finance IS pretty formal everywhere, more so for men than women (they don't have much choice apart from suit and shirt, we have more options to look smart but not over the top formal).

I would go for skirt/trousers and jacket, yes, because you can easily take it off if you find it appropriate. You can wear shirt, top, blouse, anything really depending on the weather. As long as you wear skirt/trousers and jacket and appropriate shoes, you are formal enough.

I haven't worked in LA, but I visited many many big offices there (finance industry as well) and would say the dress code is pretty much the same as on the east coast.

What I do find more conservative in the US compared to the UK is the language (has nothing to do with S&B, but could be useful).

Gosh really ? my only experience is my BIL and SIL who live in SF.

They are professionals in silicon valley and they are the scruffiest hobos I know despite earning mega bucks. Maybe thats the computer industry for you ?

Ok. I do tend towards dresses and a jacket, rather than a suit at the moment. Hopefully that will be ok! Will watch the language too. Thanks for the tip.