Ok, I work I home pretty much exclusively right now.  I can do my work in pjs if I want to.  I mostly wear shorts and t-shirts all summer and jeans and t-shirts in the winter.

Next week I have to go to a on site meeting and meet my boss, my boss’s boss and so on for the first time.

I know I can’t wear jean/shorts and a t-shirt, but I am really struggling with what to wear to make the right impression.  I have been told the meeting is business casual.

Suggestions?  Could I get away with capri pants and nice sweater sets?  Should I go with nice slacks and blouses?  Are Tevas for foot wear out? :(

I think I recall a thread about sandals and showing cleavage. Personally, I don’t view toes nor cleavage as professional. Guys wear dress shirts with the top button open for business casual, so should “professional” women. Personally, I would wear a matching beige slacks & fitted sport coat with a bold colored shirt under it (blue, red, or black are my favorites) with black half-heel close-toed shoes. Conservative, professional, and still relatively in fashion.

I have watched co-workers get told they look like they’re “going to the beach” and “cat’s meow” when wearing cleavage shirts and knee-high boots to work. Personally, I don’t want to be viewed that way. If you want to be treated equally to your male counterparts, dress and behave equally--it’s always worked out in my favor in the long run.

Just remember, you’re there to work and do a good job. To me that means minimizing distractions of sexuality. Men think about sex ALL THE TIME. You don’t need to encourage it at work. Keep the beach and bar wear at the beach or bar.

I agree with the first reply; you’re there because of your ideas and expertise, so let them show through.  Don’t give anyone an opportunity to think of you in an “after hours” context by showing too much cleavage or leg, and don’t lead them to discredit your professionalism by showing up in something that makes you look like you don’t take pride in yourself. 

Something basic and classic is always the safest bet… go with a great pair of pants, low peep-toed or close-toed heels, and a simple, comfortable blouse.  Nothing tight, scratchy or fussy, since tugging, pulling and adjusting your clothing will only take your—and their— focus off of what you’re doing and saying.  All in all, be you.  Be pulled together, polished and smart.  Let your clothes reflect that.  You’ll leave a great impression.

And hey, wardrobe aside, good luck with the visit itself :)

I’d go with a nice pair of gray slacks, and a black 3/4 length sleeve top, but not a blouse, a top (check out old navy).  I’d wear a pair of black simple flats and simple jewelry and makeup.
I also work at home and can wear my pj’s and I’m a jeans and t-shirt girl too, but when I see clients, I have to step it up a notch.  This is the type of stuff that I wear.  It’s nice, but it’s simple and classic and isn’t so far out of the range of jeans and t-shirts that I feel not myself.  And it’s demure and appropriate and professional.

zazilinguist - 28 July 2008 07:09 PM

I’d go with a nice pair of gray slacks, and a black 3/4 length sleeve top, but not a blouse, a top (check out old navy).  I’d wear a pair of black simple flats and simple jewelry and makeup.
I also work at home and can wear my pj’s and I’m a jeans and t-shirt girl too, but when I see clients, I have to step it up a notch.  This is the type of stuff that I wear.  It’s nice, but it’s simple and classic and isn’t so far out of the range of jeans and t-shirts that I feel not myself.  And it’s demure and appropriate and professional.

You actually described almost exactly what I have settled on.  Except for the makeup because I wear lip gloss (Burt’s Bees) and that is about it.

Yep, that’s the way I do it, and I wear my hair back.  That way it also keeps down the sexual harassment, it looks polished and you’re not flaunting your looks.  I have found this works quite well when I interface with the public or others in my field. 
I wish you much luck in this meeting, but I think you’ll do fine.  It sounds like you’re very prepared and that’s what it’s all about.  :)

zazilinguist - 28 July 2008 11:03 PM

Yep, that’s the way I do it, and I wear my hair back.  That way it also keeps down the sexual harassment, it looks polished and you’re not flaunting your looks.  I have found this works quite well when I interface with the public or others in my field. 
I wish you much luck in this meeting, but I think you’ll do fine.  It sounds like you’re very prepared and that’s what it’s all about.  :)

While I agree with the comments about hiding cleavage, I think that wearing your hair down is perfectly acceptable.  You should never tolerate sexual harassment, and you should not have to wear your hair a certain way to avoid it.  I understand that it happens though, and I have heard women make comments about how they were perceived with their hair down.  Are there other women here that have experienced similar things?

Also, about flaunting your looks, I slightly disagree.  I think that as beautiful, intelligent women, it is perfectly acceptable to present yourself in the most polished and stylish manner that fits your style.  While you shouldn’t distract, dressing to impress is important in business - the guys do it too!  No matter how you dress or wear your hair, how people perceive should ultimately be based on the work you do and the ideas you contribute.  You shouldn’t have to play down your beauty or the fact that you are a woman in order to be accepted.

That’s a good point… hair up or down, makeup or no makeup, either way, I don’t think we have to feel like we should pretend we’re not women underneath the clothes.  I definitely believe there’s something to be said for balance.  As long as we present ourselves professionally and in good taste, that’s the key.  While it’s never wise to dress provocatively at work, there’s also no need to apologize for being a girl.  I’m all about a happy medium. :)

Totally interesting discussion. There’s so much subliminal communication that occurs via our chosen clothes!

WRT hair, I’ve never run into any problems wearing it down or up. I agree that you should feel pretty comfortable doing what you want with it (with the caveat that blue or pink hair is not for every company, but that’s not gender-specific.)

I almost never wear dresses or skirts to work, but that is a very personal choice. At my last company I didn’t want to distract the men I was managing or “remind” people I was a girl. But there was nothing that said I couldn’t. at that company, casual was king - so I was either jeans and T-shirt or a step up with a trendy flattering top and nice pants. I do think there’s a difference between flattering and showy - there is no reason you have to avoid flattering clothes, but they shouldn’t be excessive. Midriffs are right out, as are excessive cleavage and really short skirts. But you don’t have to wear a paper sack either. :)

I have always worn makeup on the job, though I try to keep it as subtle as possible (I’ve gotten better over the years.) I read a study that showed people percieved women wearing makeup as more professional. I don’t think people do that intentionally, but I accept that they do make that judgement and so I’ve chosen to play along. Just a little mascara and some foundation go a long way. But that’s a personal choice too - plenty of women I know forego the makeup and look ad do great without worrying about it. :)