I attended a business function for one of our vendors and the dress code was “business casual,” a variable term here in Houston. The owner of the company who was sponsoring the event was there with his wife – both dressed in “Neiman’s casual.” Several employees of the company were also there, dressed in “Nordstrom’s casual.” About the middle of the evening, the son of the owner, who also works for the company and will probably one day own it, turned up in “college casual.” You can guess what that looked like.
I’ve met with the son on other business occasions and for the most part he’s always been dressed appropriately. But this time, he just dropped the ball. I wanted to tell him, “Dude, it’s an indoor business function – you don’t wear sloppy cargo shorts. And I prefer not to see your feet in sandals (the last man who looked good in sandals was Jesus.) And didn’t your father teach you that you need to shave at least once a day?”
My point is that when you attend a business function, it’s business. That means dress for business, come ready to do business and don’t get me started on your feet (really). As a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant, dress the part and it will help you act the part. Never let the attorneys’ attire, no matter how bad it is, lull you into thinking that it’s okay to look less than the professional you are. And my parting words for male CLNC® consultants: Guys, if you are going to wear sandals (and I don’t recommend it – ever), think about getting a pedicure first.
Success Is Inside!
P.S. Comment and share the business dress mistakes you’ve run into, or the ones you’ve committed.
