Summer's Casual Events -
What Should I Wear?  Your company, client, or networking group is hosting a summer event and it is casual. It may be a golf tournament, picnic, or pool party. This is an informal event and you want to be able to be comfortable, to relax and have a fun time but you don't want to dress too casual and create the wrong impression. Keep in mind you are among your fellow employees, clients, and superiors. You don't want to confuse casual with unprofessional. It would be a big mistake to create the wrong lasting image, possibly jeopardizing your professional image and your career advancement. This doesn't mean that you can't be comfortable, relax and have fun. Guidelines for Casual Event Wear Dressing for the occasion - For example, golf-wear for the golf tournament or swimwear for the pool party are perfectly acceptable. After all, you will look awkward at the boss's pool if you are in a dress suit and tie and everyone else is in swimsuits and tee shirts. Provocative, revealing attire - Be careful you are not dressing too sexy and sending the wrong message. The general rule is, the more skin you show the greater your chance of offending or sending the wrong message. Braless styles, short hemlines, tight spandex, and sheer fabrics are not good choices. Not an excuse to be a slob - Clothes that are worn, torn, wrinkled, or dirty are not acceptable. Logos - Company logos, bright prints and colors are all acceptable. This is one time you can wear your favorite team jersey or cap; what a great conversation piece. Just be sure any written message on your outfit is not offending anyone. Swimwear - A bathing suit is acceptable only at the pool or beach party. Your swimwear should not be overly revealing (bikini, thong, deep cleavage, etc). Be sure to bring a cover-up to wear before and after your dip in the water. Hats or caps - Head-cover is perfectly fine, maybe even necessary to protect against the hot sun. If there is a sit-down meal, or the event moves indoors, men are always required take their hats off. If a woman is wearing a hat of "unisex style", for example a baseball cap, she too is required to follow the same guideline as men. Shorts - A skort or shorts will work but be sure they are not too short, worn, or wrinkled. The best choice will be a coordinating top and bottom. Sandals, athletic shoes, flip-flops - This is the time to wear this type of footwear. Be sure they are in good shape. Your favorite flip-flops or sneakers may be a bit too worn out for the company cookout. Conclusion - Don't let your doubts about what to wear stop you from attending and enjoying this summer's outdoor events. If you are not sure what is acceptable, ask the event host or someone you trust what is appropriate. When in doubt, don't wear it. | 
