Business Casual or not?

JanglyBeads · 13/06/2023 23:04

Does the conference state a dress code at all?
What industry?

MavisTheMonkey · 13/06/2023 23:06

To my mind that jumpsuit is casual and pairing it with air force makes it super casual. I would say jeans, a smart top and non-trainer shoes would be better

HundredMilesAnHour · 13/06/2023 23:07

That jumpsuit is most definitely NOT business casual.

BitOutOfPractice · 13/06/2023 23:08

Maybe if it were plain? Maybe?

Sunnydays0101 · 13/06/2023 23:08

Far too casual imo.

Original poster

Awaanbileyirheid · 13/06/2023 23:10

Awaanbileyirheid · 13/06/2023 23:02

Help! I work for a small business thats pretty laid back. We wear jeans or comfy trousers and tshirt as our work is informal and can be labour intensive.
Next week I've been invited to a business conference where I don't think a pair of clean jeans is going to cut it! Most people going are discussing which Louby's to wear!
I'm far too poor for Loubys or indeed any designer names!
So Next it is!
Wise stylish mumsnetters, is this jumpsuit business casual?
Thought I'd wear it with white Air Force 1's for casualness?
Be gentle, I may even have to brush my hair, trim my monobrow and put on make up!!

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st602257/192495#192495

Dress code is business casual so I don't think jeans will be appropriate.
Industry is waste.
Suggestions welcome!

OP posts:

PurplePear7 · 13/06/2023 23:16

Business casual to me would be dark-ish jeans with smart top and shoes or perhaps smart trousers with t shirt. Or maybe smart top, smart trousers and trainers.

Tiktok has this new 2x2 rule where you wear 2 casual items and 2 smart items - that might work here??

HundredMilesAnHour · 13/06/2023 23:17

Do you not have any smartish trousers and a blouse @Awaanbileyirheid ? Trousers, blouse (not low-cut/revealing), shoes (e.g. loafers).

I don't understand why you were looking in the 'holiday shop' for an outfit that's business casual? Do you usually go business casual on holiday?!🤔

NatashaDancing · 13/06/2023 23:18

I'm struggling to imagine anyone going to any business conference discussing the opportunity to wear Louboutins unless (a) the industry was something very glamorous (and even then it's a bit passé) or (b) it was a joke.

That jumpsuit is far too casual. Black jeans and a good quality shirt (cotton, linen or silk) with shoes (loafers or pumps) are "business casual"

NatashaDancing · 13/06/2023 23:19

BitOutOfPractice · 13/06/2023 23:08

Maybe if it were plain? Maybe?

No. Not even then.

Original poster

Awaanbileyirheid · 13/06/2023 23:20

HundredMilesAnHour · 13/06/2023 23:17

Do you not have any smartish trousers and a blouse @Awaanbileyirheid ? Trousers, blouse (not low-cut/revealing), shoes (e.g. loafers).

I don't understand why you were looking in the 'holiday shop' for an outfit that's business casual? Do you usually go business casual on holiday?!🤔

I honestly don't have any smartish trousers! Maybe a blouse somewhere but thats it!
Loafers is a no too, sorry! I live semi rural where wellies and trainers are everyday wear!
Nope its not holiday shopping, this came up when I searched for business casual summer outfits!

OP posts:

Original poster

Awaanbileyirheid · 13/06/2023 23:24

NatashaDancing · 13/06/2023 23:18

I'm struggling to imagine anyone going to any business conference discussing the opportunity to wear Louboutins unless (a) the industry was something very glamorous (and even then it's a bit passé) or (b) it was a joke.

That jumpsuit is far too casual. Black jeans and a good quality shirt (cotton, linen or silk) with shoes (loafers or pumps) are "business casual"

Some of the attendees own their own business, I only work for one!
Can't wear loafers or pumps as I have plantar faciitis. Need something to strap to my feet!

OP posts:

NatashaDancing · 13/06/2023 23:24

Do you own any dresses or skirts?

What's your budget?

MavisTheMonkey · 13/06/2023 23:24

Easy rule of thumb for business casual = take a smart outfit and swap one item for something more casual.
Eg- smart blouse and shoes, swap trousers for jeans or smart trousers and shoes swap blouse for more casual top.
Avoid trainers completely.

HundredMilesAnHour · 13/06/2023 23:26

Maybe this will help you get ideas @Awaanbileyirheid

https://www.sumissura.com/en-uk/blog/business-casual-for-women

Guide to Business Casual for Women

Many of us work in an environment that is not formal enough to dress business formal, but it is also not casual enough to pull off the sneakers look. This means it’s time for a business casual style. Some say it’s complicated to achieve the in-between...

https://www.sumissura.com/en-uk/blog/business-casual-for-women

Original poster

Awaanbileyirheid · 13/06/2023 23:28

NatashaDancing · 13/06/2023 23:24

Do you own any dresses or skirts?

What's your budget?

Yes, I have a funeral dress and a patterned skirt.
Trying to avoid black in this sweaty weather.

Budget £40?
I do have nice wedge shoes somewhere-they strap on!

OP posts:

UndercoverCop · 13/06/2023 23:28

A dress and flat shoes, a midi maybe as that's more casual, not a beachy one though

Whataretheodds · 13/06/2023 23:29

Business casual could be:
Smart jeans, air force ones, A silky vest/t-shirt and a blazer.

A midi dress or jumper in a smarter (heavier, not Jersey) fabric and more tailored cut. Again clean trainers fine with this.

Check #business casual on Instagram for inspiration

NatashaDancing · 13/06/2023 23:30

I'm getting the impression that dressing up isn't for you. Any of the trousers on here are fine.

With any of the Breton style tops (but not a t-shirt)

Or any of the dresses apart from the strappy sun dress.
Community Clothing trousers

Community Clothing tops

Community Clothing dresses

WOMEN'S TROUSERS & CHINOS

https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womens-trousers-chinos

MavisTheMonkey · 13/06/2023 23:34

White blouse, khaki trousers and your strappy shoes. Under £40

www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-collared-long-sleeve-shirt/p/clp60510080

www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-wide-leg-trousers-with-stretch/p/clp60506499

NatashaDancing · 13/06/2023 23:35

Awaanbileyirheid · 13/06/2023 23:28

Yes, I have a funeral dress and a patterned skirt.
Trying to avoid black in this sweaty weather.

Budget £40?
I do have nice wedge shoes somewhere-they strap on!

Show quote history

These dresses are a bit over your budget but apart from the sundress all of them will pass muster as smart casual and can be worn with wedges. They also have the advantage of being linen or cotton so will look more professional and more expensive than a cheaper option in man made fibre.

Community Clothing All dresses

WOMEN'S DRESSES & JUMPSUITS

https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/womens-dresses-jumpsuits

PJRules · 13/06/2023 23:35

Everything has gone down a level since covid imo so smart jeans and af1s with a shirt/blouse/very smart tshirt seems to fit your spec and budget.

mondaytosunday · 13/06/2023 23:41

This is something you'd wear on a picnic with the kids - certainly not business casual!
I think a blazer style jacket with smart trousers and silk t shirt.

fairycupcakes · 13/06/2023 23:43

I would say a nice pair of tailored trousers (beige/grey or khaki) with a good quality white t shirt and heeled sandals/wedge would work well for business casual in the summer and feels like it suits your style more than suggesting dresses or skirts?

for example -

NatashaDancing · 13/06/2023 23:49

fairycupcakes · 13/06/2023 23:43

I would say a nice pair of tailored trousers (beige/grey or khaki) with a good quality white t shirt and heeled sandals/wedge would work well for business casual in the summer and feels like it suits your style more than suggesting dresses or skirts?

for example -

Yes ! That's pretty much what everyone has said but OP has said her budget is £40. I think she'll struggle to get a nice pair of tailored trousers and a good quality t- shirt for that.