Business Casual-- What are this?!

BenchPressingCats
BenchPressingCats Posts: 1,826 Member
in Chit-Chat
Next August, I am going to be teaching a class at the university I attend and this is going to be my first experience in this type of field. All of my other jobs were super casual and as long as I was wearing clothes, they didn't really care. Obviously that won't fly in this job, so I need a bit of help with clothes that are fitting for the job. I already know some of the basics (ie, dress pants, nice shirt, blah blah blah) but I had a few specific questions about other clothing items. I would go based on what my female professors in the past have worn, but usually their clothes are just blah or they're old lady clothes (to be fair, most of them were old ladies, so it's fitting for them)

One of the clothing items I was wondering about were pencil skirts. I really like pencil skirts, but I wasn't sure if they were too formal for the position? And the other thing is that I have a tattoo on my leg and I want to cover it up. Are pantyhose still in style or should I go for leggings?

The next question is about tops. Most of my tops are just solid colored shirts, something like this:

cn5276019.jpg

So my question is, would I be able to dress this up some by wearing a cardigan over it, or would that be too casual?

And finally, a question about nail polish. I like to have my nails painted all the time, but my color of choice is always black. I already get that black is typically no bueno for nail polish, so what colors ARE bueno? Or should I just skip the nail polish all together?

Thanks!


ps, before any grammar nazis try to hunt me down and eat my face off, the "What are this?" is a Jenna Marbles reference. Yes, grammar nazis, this is how I view you

tumblr_men4lhR8Ni1r4e01e.gif
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Replies

  • catrinaHwechanged
    catrinaHwechanged Posts: 4,907 Member
    Pencil skirts and tights/pantyhose are both ok for business casual. Wear flats with them to dress them down. Or just a simple shirt with cardigan. I think that outfit would be ok with a cardigan as long as everything fits nicely. And I have no clue about polish....I don't paint my nails.
  • tehboxingkitteh
    tehboxingkitteh Posts: 1,574 Member
    Deep red nail polish. Or a french manicure. Or even like a neutral shade of brown.

    Is the tattoo on your calf? I know boots work good for that. And no pantyhose. Leggings are okay.

    And I think if you paired that shirt with a button up cardigan and tucked it in you'll be fine.
  • BenchPressingCats
    BenchPressingCats Posts: 1,826 Member
    Deep red nail polish. Or a french manicure. Or even like a neutral shade of brown.

    Is the tattoo on your calf? I know boots work good for that. And no pantyhose. Leggings are okay.

    And I think if you paired that shirt with a button up cardigan and tucked it in you'll be fine.

    I don't think I could wear boots with a skirt because I have corgi legs so it would all run together and look not so hot.
  • nz_deevaa
    nz_deevaa Posts: 12,209 Member
    I wear coloured T-shirts and trousers all the time in my 'business casual' work environment. I often dress them up with a coloured scarf or cardy... or statement jewellery (or a combo).

    I've had grey or purple nails... no one has ever said anything about the colour really... I don't see why black wouldn't fly.
  • Becka77
    Becka77 Posts: 284 Member
    I've always worked in an office and I think black nail polish is fine, depending on what outfit you are wearing it with. If your whole outfit is dark I would skip the black and go with a color, so you don't come off as Gothic or depressed. If you were wearing the outfit in the picture, black would be fine.

    In general, I think any color goes, as long as it compliments the outfit. Only people over 100 or psycho Christian conservatives would have a problem with nail polish.

    Also, a pencil skirt is fine for business casual. Business casual is not the same as "casual", business casual is professional but without having to wear a suit, it is NOT t-shirt and jeans. A pencil skirt with a button up blouse or shirt and cardigan fits well into business casual.

    You might check with the school to see if they have any rules or guidelines regarding dress.
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    Yeah, I have never seen an instructor wear a pencil skirt, unless it's in such a low-key way you don't know it's a pencil skirt. Unless you can make it more chic than sexy (ie: fitted, not tight; everything else covered up and low heels), I'd avoid it, too sexy for the job.

    You will want to be able to move, sit, and breathe comfortably (because you'll be talking and walking around) . Would avoid clothes that inhibit that, or make you feel self-conscious. You have to feel free to tap into your awesomeness, not worry about how it's coming across.

    Get some nice pants, or a knee-length skirt you can actually sit & cross your legs in. Anything you like, just not too tight.

    And whatever top you want (not transparent), and a cardigan or other layer, because of air con. *Structure is good, that conveys authority. A light jacket with some sharp shoulders would work.

    I've been taught by people in cargo pants (like, a lot), and have seen black nails (not a problem, depending on the setting, e.g., fine arts, humanities, social sciences, probably ok depending, have no idea what happens elsewhere).

    corporate business casual and academic authority-casual are not really the same.

    Here's what I'd wear: Blazer (probably, a bit on the trendy side - looser is being worn right now) + nice top (silk tee as below, or fitted or loosish blouse) + nice pants (personally would go for slim pants with a touch of stretch, or else peg-leg pants, LOVE me some peg-legs).
  • tehboxingkitteh
    tehboxingkitteh Posts: 1,574 Member
    Corgi legs?! This I must see. Oh, and here's a tshirt with a cardigan and pencil skirt and it looks good.

    2314121.jpg
  • Alta2000
    Alta2000 Posts: 655 Member
    Yes it is going to be too casual. Look at the Ann Taylor website, there is a career clothes tab, look at the tops and bottoms, not the suits, and you'll get the idea of what they mean business casual.
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    I think you can wear solid t-shirts - just get nicer ones. The kind of material it is matters - a decent-weight silk tee can take you everywhere (nothing flimsy, though).

    What were you going to wear with the leggings?
  • anthonymannon
    anthonymannon Posts: 21
    always be the best dressed in the room.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    Corgi legs?! This I must see. Oh, and here's a tshirt with a cardigan and pencil skirt and it looks good.

    2314121.jpg

    i loooove this outfit!!!
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    I'd go with a pair of pin striped slacks and a nice button up blouse, preferably a darker color because of your complexion. I'm thinking a dark purple/burgundy.
  • catrinaHwechanged
    catrinaHwechanged Posts: 4,907 Member
    Corgi legs?! This I must see. Oh, and here's a tshirt with a cardigan and pencil skirt and it looks good.

    2314121.jpg

    This is actually very similar to how I dress for work. I'm not sure what the above poster was talking about, but I can sit comfortably in cross my legs in every single pencil skirt that I own and I have many!
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    This is actually very similar to how I dress for work. I'm not sure what the above poster was talking about, but I can sit comfortably in cross my legs in every single pencil skirt that I own and I have many!

    Right, but do you have 200 kids staring down at you in a lecture hall, with variable points of view? I'm saying, if you go pencil skirt, GO LONG

    (that pic above is probably ok)
  • heatherloveslifting
    heatherloveslifting Posts: 1,428 Member
    I also teach at a university and wear what I like. That turns out to be casual dresses, skirt and tee combos, dress pants and tops, and nice jeans and tops. I wear a lot of knit tops, but try to find less casual versions- faux wrap or twist v neck or cowl neck, etc.

    My fave summer outfit is this skirt with a nice black tank top:
    http://www.titlenine.com/product/170981.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn#.UdTgFcu9KK0

    I love tall boots in fall/winter. Yay shopping! :)
  • MyChocolateDiet
    MyChocolateDiet Posts: 22,281 Member
    I like clothes a lot. But I'm stumped. I don't know anything about professor clothes. Except that I knew how the professors dressed at my old school. And now I know some professors in my regular life as freinds and family. About a handful. They seem to wear whatever he heck they want most of the time. I always had the impression they could. Like their brains are the main attraction. Lemme see if I can get any professors from my FL to chime in here. BRB.
  • 1PatientBear
    1PatientBear Posts: 2,089 Member
    I love tall boots in fall/winter.

    Tall boots in fall/winter are VERY hot. Just sayin.
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    I love tall boots in fall/winter.

    Tall boots in fall/winter are VERY hot. Just sayin.

    agreed.
  • Mr_Competitive
    Mr_Competitive Posts: 845
    Corgi legs?! This I must see. Oh, and here's a tshirt with a cardigan and pencil skirt and it looks good.

    2314121.jpg

    This is actually very similar to how I dress for work. I'm not sure what the above poster was talking about, but I can sit comfortably in cross my legs in every single pencil skirt that I own and I have many!

    Bang
  • tehboxingkitteh
    tehboxingkitteh Posts: 1,574 Member
    I love tall boots in fall/winter.

    Tall boots in fall/winter are VERY hot. Just sayin.

    agreed.
    Yep. Although it makes me sad when said boots don't fit around my calves :grumble:
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    Corgi legs?! This I must see. Oh, and here's a tshirt with a cardigan and pencil skirt and it looks good.

    2314121.jpg

    This is actually very similar to how I dress for work. I'm not sure what the above poster was talking about, but I can sit comfortably in cross my legs in every single pencil skirt that I own and I have many!

    Bang
    ^^ this is what i'm talking about.
  • hdean1989
    hdean1989 Posts: 158 Member
    Corgi legs?! This I must see. Oh, and here's a tshirt with a cardigan and pencil skirt and it looks good.

    2314121.jpg

    This is actually very similar to how I dress for work. I'm not sure what the above poster was talking about, but I can sit comfortably in cross my legs in every single pencil skirt that I own and I have many!

    Bang
    ^^ this is what i'm talking about.


    Love this outfit!! Couldn't pull it off I have too much butt. I love a good sexy pair of boots they make me feel powerful. What are you teaching?
  • BrainyBurro
    BrainyBurro Posts: 6,129 Member
    who are jenna marbles?
  • KateBarnhart85
    KateBarnhart85 Posts: 125 Member
    lol I only clicked so I could say I too watch and love Jenna Marbles!!! weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
  • BenchPressingCats
    BenchPressingCats Posts: 1,826 Member
    I like clothes a lot. But I'm stumped. I don't know anything about professor clothes. Except that I knew how the professors dressed at my old school. And now I know some professors in my regular life as freinds and family. About a handful. They seem to wear whatever he heck they want most of the time. I always had the impression they could. Like their brains are the main attraction. Lemme see if I can get any professors from my FL to chime in here. BRB.

    I know I have at least one teacher on my FL *cough* LuckyLeprechaun *cough*
  • BenchPressingCats
    BenchPressingCats Posts: 1,826 Member
    Ok. back to thank you all for your answers, clarify some things, and ask one other question. Maybe two.
    Corgi legs?! This I must see. Oh, and here's a tshirt with a cardigan and pencil skirt and it looks good.

    2314121.jpg

    I ♥ this outfit and it's something similar to what I was thinking about wearing. I always thought pencil skirts were super cute!

    [quote
    ]In general, I think any color goes, as long as it compliments the outfit. Only people over 100 or psycho Christian conservatives would have a problem with nail polish.
    [/quote]

    Honestly, I just quoted this because I found it hilarious. Moving on. :laugh:
    *Structure is good, that conveys authority. A light jacket with some sharp shoulders would work.

    I am really wanting to make myself look more authoritative than I naturally do. I'm much younger than most of the other professors that these students will have (21) but I don't want them to think that means I'm going to let them get by with doing whatever they want to do. I know a lot of posters mentioned that most professors can wear what they want to wear, but I am hoping that if I wear something a bit more formal (is that the word, I have no idea...) that the students will take me more seriously.
    What were you going to wear with the leggings?

    My idea was to wear them under a skirt or dress to cover my tattoo. It's not an offensive tattoo by any means, and I know the university does not have a strict code on tattoos (my boss has one on her wrist that she doesn't even bother covering) but I wanted to cover it just to be safe.
    I'd go with a pair of pin striped slacks and a nice button up blouse, preferably a darker color because of your complexion. I'm thinking a dark purple/burgundy.

    I was thinking of something similar. I love pin stripe pants with deep red shirts, so I'm going to be looking for that as well.
    I'm saying, if you go pencil skirt, GO LONG

    At 5'3 almost every skirt is long, lol. Normal pencil skirts hit me about mid calf.
    who are jenna marbles?

    You obviously have not lived. I am sorry for you, dear lost soul.
  • anemoneprose
    anemoneprose Posts: 1,805 Member
    I can understand why you might feel the need to dress 'up' (or 'old', maybe), but I think good posture, a direct gaze & confidence are going to be more effective than any skirt. Also, voice - sit deep in the centre of your tone, and end sentences with a downward (vs upward) inflection.

    V is a good vid on nonverbal language that may help

    http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.html

    "Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how “power posing” -- standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident -- can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.

    Amy Cuddy’s research on body language reveals that we can change other people’s perceptions — and even our own body chemistry — simply by changing body positions"
  • newmrsboyd
    newmrsboyd Posts: 13 Member
    good call!!
  • hide_yo_cats
    hide_yo_cats Posts: 83 Member
    Okay, i don't know your body tipe or taste in clothes, but here are a few things i would wear:

    Pants like this:
    3jY0iFb.jpg

    With a shirt like this, but white:
    HD5i1WE.jpg

    I also like this:
    J0yO9uZ.jpg

    I would wear this skirt with something more daring on top:
    hNwrcTw.jpg

    I also like the preppy blazer dressed down with a simple looser shirt:
    IqHusiW.jpg

    For a really casual look i would wear that^^^^ with dark boyfriend jeans and pumps.

    And add some color to your outfits always, even if it's just the shoes, or a bracelet, ring, whatever you want.
  • newmrsboyd
    newmrsboyd Posts: 13 Member
    Things that are business cas:

    cardiagans
    necklines with at the most a hint of cleavage
    trousers
    khaki capri style pants
    no jeans
    pencil skirts
    long skirts
    dresses
    flats, heels (no crazy heels), wedges ok but i would stay away from platforms
    no sneakers

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