What “Casual Attire” Really Means for Your Next Meeting—And Why It Matters More Than You Think
Recently, I attended a large business event in a warm and humid city in the Southeast. The agenda urged participants to dress “casual.” Not business casual. Women have largely cracked that code. For those who haven’t, there’s no shortage of advice. And retailers have special sections featuring business-smart brands like INC, JCrew, Lafayette 148, and my everything-old-is-in favorite, Halston Heritage.
But casual? You’re on your own.
The problem with “casual” is particularly acute when the occasion is an industry conference where you may be meeting many people for the first time—customers, competitors, potentially valuable contacts, or industry experts—whom you would like to impress.
