What to Wear for Meetings?

Dress Code for tonight: Smart Casual

When you receive an invitation with a dress code, do you ever feel anxious about the word “smart” before going to the ball!?

Some freshmen may dress up in a really “smart” style, yet it might not be a smart idea… it’s one of the many paradoxes in business - to welcome people being casual at a formal occasion. So, what should we wear?

Generally speaking, there are 6 – 10 dress types, from very formal “WHITE TIE” to very informal “CASUAL”. As for international conventions, they usually require three types in one 3-day conference.

Arrival / Opening Day

Upon arrival, there is often an opening ceremony with senior and highly respected members of the organisation (of course sometimes delegates arrive one day early, which we exclude here). Accordingly, it would show respect to dress for BUSINESS. Furthermore, as first impressions play count, it’s the right time to impress people… but, of course, try not to be overstated! Prince William and his wife, Kate, set the best example.

• For HIM: Dark business suit + dress shirt + conservative tie + dressy leather shoes & dark dress socks. Optional: Wear a matching vest‍
• For HER: Suit or business-style dress or dress with a jacket + heels (low or high)

Gala Dinner

The Gala Dinner usually comes on the first night or the final evening, which is obviously to welcome or say farewell to all the delegates and gives the chance for them to know each other better. The dinner can be in many forms, from round-table catering to standing buffet. Depending on its theme, you might be required to wear BLACK TIE or SEMI-FORMAL.

BLACK TIE

• For HIM:
  1. Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers
  2. Formal white shirt
  3. Black-colored studs and cufflinks
  4. Black bow tie (silk, shiny satin or twill)
  5. Black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest
  6. Dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit (optional)
  7. Black patent shoes and black dress socks
  8. No gloves
  9. In summer: white dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers plus other black tie wardrobe

• For HER:
  1. Formal - (floor length) evening gown
  2. Dressy - cocktail dress
  3. Dressiest - little black dress

SEMI-FORMAL

• For HIM: Dark business suit + dress shirt + conservative tie + dressy leather shoes & dark dress socks. Optional: Wear a matching vest‍
• For HER: Short afternoon or cocktail dress or a little black dress or long dressy skirt & top, or dressy separates

Still have no idea? Let’s see below… Mr. and Mrs. Obama are the perfect models!

Session / Meeting Day

Now that you have these big days prepared for, you will also need something comfortable for the serious but less formal meeting. Some may dress too casually, in a homey outfit while others may wear a dark business suit to “stun” people. What is recommended is SMART CASUAL or BUSINESS CASUAL, terms which could confuse many, however, they are rather like your work outfit on an ordinary day.

• For HIM:
  1. Dark business suit + dress shirt + conservative tie + dressy leather shoes & dark dress socks. Optional: Wear a matching vest
  2. Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis
  3. Dress shirt with optional tie, or casual button-down shirt
  4. Open-collar or polo shirt+ loafers or loafer-style shoes and socks
  5. Seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks
  6. Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt
  7. Optional tie
  8. Open-collar or polo shirt

• For HER:
  1. Suit or business-style dress or dress with a jacket + heels (low or high)
  2. Skirt, khakis or pants + open-collar shirt, knit shirt, or sweater (no spaghetti straps or decolleté)
  3. Casual-style dress
  4. Dress or skirt & dressy top or dressy pants outfit or nice jeans & dressy top

In brief, for MEN, a black suit will satisfy almost every occasion and don’t forget to light up with your ties! Polo is always the best partner for less formal meetings, so make yourself comfortable. (but remember to iron it before you put it on!)

As for LADIES, we believe you are always able to make a good choice from your closet. Yet, remember to be neat and simple, rather than showing-off. If you can’t make up your mind, pick your black dress or anything comfortable with your black jacket… it works everywhere. And most important of all, DO wear what you are comfortable with!

We hope this will help you when attending any meetings!

Reference

• ‍Attire Guide, Emily Post‍
• 你不知道的Dress Code, Plain Me‍
• Dress Codes, Glamour Drops