Help w/ Dress Code

[AmberGretchen]

Hi all, I''m hoping the wise PSers (especially those TX/Southern PSers) can help me with a little quandary I''m in here. I''m departing on Friday for a trip to visit Dallas and Houston with my DH, sponsored by the company with whom I will be employed come August (the dream job that so many of you generously dusted me for

).

I''m very excited about the trip, but having some trouble deciding what kind of attire to bring along. The rough outline of the itinerary is as follows: fly into Dallas on Friday, lunch in the Dallas office of the company, then happy hour at a place in the same building. Then we have a brief break (I assume to drop our stuff off at our hotel) and then dinner at this restaurant (that''s a link). On Saturday, we have brunch here then a city tour and then we head off to Houston. Saturday night''s dinner in Houston is here, then a similar plan on Sunday in Houston as Saturday in Dallas (brunch then city tour) then we head home.

The person who is coordinating the trip described the dress code for the weekend as "smart casual." I''ve never heard this phrase before to describe a dress code, so I''m not sure what it means. She said Friday in the office might be more casual, and that it would be OK to wear jeans to that, so I''m assuming that means that "smart casual" means no jeans.

I was thinking of wearing a nice silk blouse and dark jeans and heels on Friday during the day and changing to slacks or a skirt at night, but other than that one brainstorm (and I''m not even sure that will be right) I''m a bit lost. When I was in the office on a Friday for my interview I saw people wearing everything from neat jeans (i.e. not faded or ripped or anything and with nice shirts and shoes) to button-down shirts and even ties (though those were the people interviewing me). So I''m really not sure what to bring/wear, but I really want to make a good impression as this will be my first time meeting many of my future co-workers.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or interpretation of the phrase "smart casual"??

 

[strmrdr]

Here you go:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_casual

That should answer the question.

 

[Kaleigh]

Smart casual to me means nice dress slacks and a nice sweater, or blouse. I wouldn''t wear jeans.. but that''s just me.
Congrats again, I am so happy for you!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Date: 1/20/2009 7:25:54 PM
Author: Kaleigh
Smart casual to me means nice dress slacks and a nice sweater, or blouse. I wouldn''t wear jeans.. but that''s just me.
Congrats again, I am so happy for you!!!

Ditto! Probably wouldn''t do jeans on this trip. Congrats on the new job!!!

 

[jcarlylew82]

i think you are on the right track - make sure the High Heals you are wearing are comfortable though!!

 

[ChargerGrrl]

Texas was part of my western territory for many years, and my experience was that folks were very well-groomed and accessorized- at least in Dallas and Houston! I always tried to take care of "maintenance" before I traveled there (haircut & nails). I called it my "texas prep"

They''re a bit more dressy than we are in CA (then again, almost everyone is!). My industry isn''t conservative or stuffy, so no suits. But I did wear a lot of dresses and slacks with jackets. Since you''re going for Friday and the weekend, i would wear nice trouser-type jeans, slacks and perhaps a skirt.

Check out yelp.com for what I think are detailed restaurant reviews- some go into detail about how the patrons dress.

 

[OUpearlgirl]

Steven Pyles! I am jealous... You are in for a great meal! It''s definitely a nice, upscale restaurant. I think you will be fine in a silk blouse and nice pants or a skirt.

Have fun!!

 

[Bliss]

You can never go wrong with a solid color wrap dress in jersey knit. DVF dresses are perfect -- and since you''re going on business, wear a little cami under it to make sure it''s not too low cut. But they''re business casual, dressy, classy and wrinkle-free.

I like the other ideas you had, too!

Have fun! I''m sure you will look coiffed and beautiful.

 

[bebe]

Hi AG,

I kinda agree with Kaleigh, I wouldn't wear jeans on Friday. But then again I'm older, FWIW. But I am in professional offices here and there,
and I don't see many jeans. Maybe nice slacks, shirt and belted cardigan look (a la J. Crew)

I hope you enjoy your time here in HOuston. I have not been to Hugos, but I have heard it's nice.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 7:22:45 PM
Author: strmrdr
Here you go:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_casual


That should answer the question.

Thanks Karl - that''s definitely a great start

Unfortunately, its still sort of vague...

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 7:25:54 PM
Author: Kaleigh
Smart casual to me means nice dress slacks and a nice sweater, or blouse. I wouldn''t wear jeans.. but that''s just me.

Congrats again, I am so happy for you!!!

Thanks Lisa - I wouldn''t have normally considered jeans either but the person from the company specifically said they were OK for the Friday events in the office...hence my confusion

I know this will not be a huge deal in the end.

I''m leaning away from the jeans though...

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 7:30:44 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006

Date: 1/20/2009 7:25:54 PM

Author: Kaleigh

Smart casual to me means nice dress slacks and a nice sweater, or blouse. I wouldn''t wear jeans.. but that''s just me.

Congrats again, I am so happy for you!!!

Ditto! Probably wouldn''t do jeans on this trip. Congrats on the new job!!!

Thanks DS - definitely leaning away from the jeans...

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 7:31:11 PM
Author: jcarlylew82
i think you are on the right track - make sure the High Heals you are wearing are comfortable though!!

Oh for sure - my mom gifted me a pair of those Cole Haan Nike pumps (we found them for like 65% off at Bloomingdale''s) so I think I''ll wear those

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 7:53:33 PM
Author: ChargerGrrl
Texas was part of my western territory for many years, and my experience was that folks were very well-groomed and accessorized- at least in Dallas and Houston! I always tried to take care of ''maintenance'' before I traveled there (haircut & nails). I called it my ''texas prep''


They''re a bit more dressy than we are in CA (then again, almost everyone is!). My industry isn''t conservative or stuffy, so no suits. But I did wear a lot of dresses and slacks with jackets. Since you''re going for Friday and the weekend, i would wear nice trouser-type jeans, slacks and perhaps a skirt.


Check out yelp.com for what I think are detailed restaurant reviews- some go into detail about how the patrons dress.

Chargergrrl - that''s really good to know. I read this post and immediately called and scheduled the haircut I''d been wavering about for tomorrow

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 8:02:59 PM
Author: OUpeargirl
Steven Pyles! I am jealous... You are in for a great meal! It''s definitely a nice, upscale restaurant. I think you will be fine in a silk blouse and nice pants or a skirt.


Have fun!!

That''s good to know that its a nice restaurant - the website looked really good, I''m excited for the trip

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 8:14:44 PM
Author: Bliss
You can never go wrong with a solid color wrap dress in jersey knit. DVF dresses are perfect -- and since you''re going on business, wear a little cami under it to make sure it''s not too low cut. But they''re business casual, dressy, classy and wrinkle-free.


I like the other ideas you had, too!

Have fun! I''m sure you will look coiffed and beautiful.

That''s a great idea Bliss - I''m going to dig around and see if I have anything like that, although I don''t think I do - wrap dresses are often tricky on me (petite w/ large bust) and don''t look appropriate even with a cami. But I think I might have some dresses that are in that spirit and would be really comfy on the plane...

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 10:55:11 PM
Author: bebe
Hi AG,


I kinda agree with Kaleigh, I wouldn''t wear jeans on Friday. But then again I''m older, FWIW. But I am in professional offices here and there,

and I don''t see many jeans. Maybe nice slacks, shirt and belted cardigan look (a la J. Crew)


I hope you enjoy your time here in HOuston. I have not been to Hugos, but I have heard it''s nice.

Thanks Bebe - I think you gals are talking me out of the jeans, no mean feat for a graduate student who currently lives in them

I think we''re going to a place called Benjy''s in Houston for Sunday brunch - I''m excited to try all these nice restaurants!

 

[bebe]

Date: 1/20/2009 11:17:55 PM
Author: AmberGretchen

Date: 1/20/2009 10:55:11 PM
Author: bebe
Hi AG,


I kinda agree with Kaleigh, I wouldn''t wear jeans on Friday. But then again I''m older, FWIW. But I am in professional offices here and there,

and I don''t see many jeans. Maybe nice slacks, shirt and belted cardigan look (a la J. Crew)


I hope you enjoy your time here in HOuston. I have not been to Hugos, but I have heard it''s nice.

Thanks Bebe - I think you gals are talking me out of the jeans, no mean feat for a graduate student who currently lives in them

I think we''re going to a place called Benjy''s in Houston for Sunday brunch - I''m excited to try all these nice restaurants!

I was in Benjy''s around Thanksgiving. It''s very casual, a local hot spot for that area. And some good shopping a few streets over, ha ha!!

 

[pennquaker09]

I think some gray wide leg trousers would be ideal.

 

[neatfreak]

Hehe, one of my advisors loves the term smart casual. I think basically it means no jeans! At least the number of times I have had dinner with him and other colleagues where he said smart casual and people were basically wearing slacks and a nice but not super dressy shirt.

And I agree about the no jeans, just better to start out on that foot I think. And women in TX are fancier than us coasties, so make sure to do your hair and makeup too!

 

[Girlrocks]

I dress smart/business casual everyday, I do consulting for doctors office and nursing homes, so my clients run the spectrum from scrubs to 3 piece suits.

Almost everyday I wear either a button down french cuff shirt (I think I have all of the ones that Victoria Secret sells), slacks and boots/heels. Or I may wear on top a belted cardigan with a tank underneath and a chunky necklace, or a collared shirt or tank with a v-neck pullover. Also, Docker''s has a brand called "Metro" Pants and they have a dark denim that are cut like slacks...I love those. Or a knee length skirt with high boots. I think you''d be fine for your entire weekend with any of those choices. Good luck!

 

[tlh]

Yes, Texas is a fancy kinda place... even "casual" is more dressy... but being a PSer I know yuo''ve got it covered!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Friday, I would wear a really stylish and classy pant outfit...black pants or charcoal grey pants, blousy top in a solid color, refined yet fun jewelry--maybe add a pop of color here, kitten heels with a rounded toe, and a nice bag. White House Black Market has some great options if you''re considering buying new.

Saturday, I would wear dark wash/grey trouser jeans with a thin yet longer sweater jacket/ish, classic white tee-shirt, and leather ballet flats, carrying a satchel bag would be a nice finishing touch plus maybe some fun beads around your neck. Modern, fresh, forward.

Sunday, I would wear another pair of dark wash jeans, thin cable knit sweater in a fun color (if you like color) Gap as some on sale right now, maybe a boot, simple jewelry. Carry a hobo bag. Classic, refined, and simple.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 11:38:35 PM
Author: bebe

Date: 1/20/2009 11:17:55 PM

Author: AmberGretchen

Date: 1/20/2009 10:55:11 PM

Author: bebe

I was in Benjy''s around Thanksgiving. It''s very casual, a local hot spot for that area. And some good shopping a few streets over, ha ha!!

Good to know - sounds like Sunday might be a bit more casual then, maybe a good day for some dark jeans.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 11:59:53 PM
Author: pennquaker09
I think some gray wide leg trousers would be ideal.

Cool - that I can do, I just got some cute wide-leg grey trousers with a subtle herringbone pattern a couple of weeks ago on sale, so those should be cute with a blouse of some kind...

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/21/2009 4:34:50 AM
Author: neatfreak
Hehe, one of my advisors loves the term smart casual. I think basically it means no jeans! At least the number of times I have had dinner with him and other colleagues where he said smart casual and people were basically wearing slacks and a nice but not super dressy shirt.


And I agree about the no jeans, just better to start out on that foot I think. And women in TX are fancier than us coasties, so make sure to do your hair and makeup too!

Thanks NF - I hear you on the hair and makeup, I am frantically running around these last few days and getting caught up on all of that - mani-pedi today, then eyebrows and haircut tomorrow. I think once I start working I''ll be more motivated to maintain those things, especially the haircuts and nails - right now I''m in a lab with my hair in a ponytail and my hands in gloves (which destroy nails) most of the time, so its hard to stay on top of it...

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/21/2009 8:54:21 AM
Author: Girlrocks
I dress smart/business casual everyday, I do consulting for doctors office and nursing homes, so my clients run the spectrum from scrubs to 3 piece suits.


Almost everyday I wear either a button down french cuff shirt (I think I have all of the ones that Victoria Secret sells), slacks and boots/heels. Or I may wear on top a belted cardigan with a tank underneath and a chunky necklace, or a collared shirt or tank with a v-neck pullover. Also, Docker''s has a brand called ''Metro'' Pants and they have a dark denim that are cut like slacks...I love those. Or a knee length skirt with high boots. I think you''d be fine for your entire weekend with any of those choices. Good luck!

Sadly button-down shirts are really tricky on me - I have a lot of trouble finding ones that fit because of the large bust/small waist issue. But I do have lots of nice knee-length skirts, so maybe I''ll look into bringing one of those for one of the days, with a nice simple top and a cardigan...

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/21/2009 9:06:11 AM
Author: tlh
Yes, Texas is a fancy kinda place... even ''casual'' is more dressy... but being a PSer I know yuo''ve got it covered!

Thanks tlh - I definitely got the vibe when I was in Dallas for my interview that people dress up more down there, and definitely do more hair and makeup than we do out in San Francisco. I think I''ll just have to figure out how to adjust - I live in my jeans now, but that''s mostly ''cause I''m still finishing graduate school and in a lab most of the time...

 

[ChinaCat]

Hey Amber!

Stephan Pyles is pretty nice and a "scene" so I would definitely wear my dressiest outfit there. You could maybe get away with jeans- if they were really nice and you really dressed them up. But I would go with a wrap dress or pants.

Toulouse is great, very casual, you could easily wear jeans or a cute skirt.

Hugo''s is nice, but not fancy and you could definitely wear jeans/casual pants/skirt if you wanted. Benjy''s is the same- Houston is not as dressy or as fashionable as Dallas, it is much more casual.

Those are all some great restaurants in both cities, you are going to have so much fun!

I agree that Texas is a bit more "done" than California- so if you have time, make sure to check your "details"- purse, shoes, make-up, nails. I only say this for work purposes- otherwise, just be yourself!

Let me know if you need more specifics.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/21/2009 9:06:38 AM
Author: Italiahaircolor
Friday, I would wear a really stylish and classy pant outfit...black pants or charcoal grey pants, blousy top in a solid color, refined yet fun jewelry--maybe add a pop of color here, kitten heels with a rounded toe, and a nice bag. White House Black Market has some great options if you''re considering buying new.


Saturday, I would wear dark wash/grey trouser jeans with a thin yet longer sweater jacket/ish, classic white tee-shirt, and leather ballet flats, carrying a satchel bag would be a nice finishing touch plus maybe some fun beads around your neck. Modern, fresh, forward.


Sunday, I would wear another pair of dark wash jeans, thin cable knit sweater in a fun color (if you like color) Gap as some on sale right now, maybe a boot, simple jewelry. Carry a hobo bag. Classic, refined, and simple.

Wow Italia - that''s a great set of detailed ideas!

I definitely am thinking something like what you describe for Friday - nice grey wide-leg trousers, tucked-in blouse in a pretty color with a thin patent leather belt, and some nice black leather pumps, plus a cardigan and a cute linen jacket from J. Crew on top.

I think I might do a skirt on Saturday, because the brunch place in Dallas looks kind of fancy, and save the dark jeans for Sunday in Houston with a cute silk top and heels.

I have some cute delicate necklaces that I can layer with some of those outfits, so that should help jazz things up. And I haven''t decided what bag I''m bringing yet - I''m torn between my three Rebecca Minkoff bags: I have one in black with light gold hardware, that''s a tiny bit edgy but still really cute, but the linen jacket I''m bringing is navy blue. I have a deep blue bag that''s a slightly more refined shape but the leather is veiny and "fashiony" for lack of a better word, and it has heavy hardware and a purple patent-leather bottom. Last bag option is an eggplant-purple bag, which I think the color would be great with everything, but it has tassles and I''m not sure if those are too out there...