<p>I am a SAHM and my wardrobe is pretty much tank tops and jeans or capris or dance wear (I am a jazz dance teacher) My son's a finalist for a scholarship and they sent an email with a dress code for the weekend. I am seriously clueless about terminology.</p>
<p>What is "business casual" and "after five evening wear"?</p>
<p>One of the events is the symphony and I had planned to wear a nice, simple black sweater with a dark red skirt along with black hose and shoes. I'll dress it up with a nice necklace and earrings. Is that ok? That night is "evening wear".</p>
<p>Are long cotton dresses ok? I don't own slacks or a suit so I'm not sure what to wear for the evening event that's not the symphony.</p>
<p>My son bought himself lots of nice clothes so he's fine, I think, but I need help!</p>
<p>Your sweater and skirt sound like business casual to me. Perhaps you could have a wrap or sweater with your longer dress for your evening wear.</p>
<p>My husband was in the Army forever. My experience suggests that you will see everything. I tend to wear what I feel comfortable in…within reason. If you are comfortable, you will have a better time at the events. Enjoy. And congrats to your son.</p>
<p>I do have a formal long dress that I wore 10 years ago (!) but I think it still fits. I also have a lined dark blue dress with material that seems more formal. Would either of those work for the formal? What do I wear to keep warm? I don’t own anything other than casual sweaters or hoodies, though I do have a pretty blue wrap. However, it will be in the 40s at night and the long gown is sleeveless.</p>
<p>I think my cotton long dress will be too casual because of the material. I live in So. Cal and dress super casually! :-(</p>
<p>I knew kids who were up for very special scholarships, and they attended such events as part of a competition weekend, but the parents did not participate…just double check to be sure you are also included in all these events…how nice if you are! Congrats on your son getting this far!</p>
<p>I think you’ll be fine at the symphony in that outfit. Long cotton dress sounds sort of summery to me. After five evening wear sounds like the classic little black dress. Every wardrobe should have one. I can’t link to blogs, but if you google “Little black dress privilge”, you’ll see examples of dresses grown ups can wear everywhere.</p>
<p>Yes, they are paying for student and one parent to fly in and stay in a hotel. We are definitely included. Thanks for the congrats. :-)</p>
<p>Mathmom, I’d forgotten that I found a little black dress at a Salvation Army! Thanks for the reminder. Do I go dark hose or skin colored? This is actually fun for me because I never dress up anymore. :-)</p>
<p>Congrats to your son! Less important than what you wear will be your attitude while you’re wearing it - look and act confident (use those dance skills!) and you can pull off almost anything. Better to be slightly underdressed than overdressed, imo. (disclaimer: anyone who’s seen my wardrobe will disregard this advice in a microsecond)</p>
<p>Thanks, all! I think I can piece it together. The one missing thing is something dressy that keeps me warm at night. I do have an old long leather jacket (with shoulder pads!). What do you think? I have a long thin knit sweater that I’ve worn forever but I love it.</p>
<p>One last question-do knee high suade boots go with anything above?</p>
<p>No to the suede boots. Those are day time fun wear. Is there a “upscale resale” boutique in your area? A knowledgeable sales gal could steer you toward good choices. </p>
<p>You want to look classy, not brazen or clueless, so ask sales lady/other shoppers “Am I hitting classy or clueless here?” A basic black dress with nylons (skin tone or black) with nice shoes is classy (shoes could be black heels or black ballet flats). Add a colorful shawl and you’re good to go. </p>
<p>As to after five evening wear, you could also wear black slacks (not capris) with a sparkly sweater. That might be perfect if the evening is cool. You could also go black slacks, silky top, sparkly sweater so you are layered and can vary your temp. </p>
<p>It is fine to interpret “business casual” in an arty way – not blue jeans, but tailored slacks with a solid T shirt and an adorable jacket or vest. A trip to Goodwill with an eye toward upscale labels may get you set for $20. Your dark sweater and red skirt sound fine to me too. </p>
<p>This is a fine occasion to wave the flag of friendship – you can ask anyone you know to go with you to shop as it is a great compliment to hear “I need some advice and I have always admired your taste.” You may make or re- cement a friendship with a shopping trip to Value Village or Ross Dress for Less. Go have fun!</p>
<p>For the formal evening: Black or very dark grey hose and black shoes with the black dress. As for outerwear…you will hopefully be picked up at the door of the hotel and be taken to the door of the symphony…so…very little outdoor time. A simple pashmina shawl (in NY you can find them on the street for $10 or less…hopefully in other places, too) or black cardigan sweater with nice buttons (Jones of NY and others make this type of sweater) will keep the chill away. Wouldn’t be very good if you are going to have to be out in the cold for a long time, though. </p>
<p>These sweaters may not be in your price range, but give you an idea of the type of sweater that might work…depending on the style of your dress.</p>
<p>Lol. Skin colored hose remind me of my hostess days in an Amish restaurant. My teenagers have never worn hose…I wouldn’t worry about having white legs, just make sure you shave them. :)</p>
<p>How very cool that you & your S were invited & being entertained! That’s quite an honor! Congratulations! Our S & we have never had such invitations. :(</p>
<p>I hate being cold (makes me have hives) so often wear dressy slacks and sweater sets or thermals under a nice sweater & even under the slacks. Good, thin thermals are great if you’ll be outdoors for any length of time in cold weather.</p>
<p>You should check out the “dressing young” thread in the parent cafe for lots of fashion tips and advice. </p>
<p>“Business casual” for a woman is typically slacks, a skirt, or a daytime dress - anything one would wear in a typical office setting. I would not wear jeans, leggings, capris, or anything trendy or very casual. Separates, such as a cardigan over a shell or blouse would work with dark pants. You mentioned a black sweater - do you have a pair of slacks you can put with it? The suede boots paired with a knee length skirt would also be nice. If you wear khaki’s - a full length dressier pair with a sweater would also be fine. Just make sure everything fits well and looks polished or put together with care. Perhaps you can add a belt or other accessories to what you have to give them a little zip. For shoes, I would avoid sandals, sneakers, or sporty looking shoes - a mid heel pump, ballet flat, loafer, or boots would be fine. Classic separates = business casual. </p>
<p>“After five” usually means dressy - a cocktail dress or wide-legged pants with a dressy top would be appropriate. You may even see some long gowns. If you have a nice black dress, dress it up with some sparkly accessories. If you wear heels, this is the time to wear them - you can really dress it up with the right shoe. Do you have a high heeled black pump? If your legs are pale, it is fine to wear opaque black tights or hose - I don’t care for flesh toned stockings. The cotton dress sounds too casual, and the wrap would be better then the leather jacket. Is it possible to borrow or purchase a dressy cardigan or jacket that will work with the dress? I would try to borrow something. I have a few evening wraps/sweaters/coats that I lend out to friends. Many people have these items that they are happy to lend because they don’t get much use otherwise.</p>
<p>Do you have a pair of great fitting black pants? These are a wardrobe staple - perhaps this is a good time to buy a pair that can be dressed up and down. Going out to shop and visiting a few stores - even if you don’t buy much - may give you a few ideas on what you can do with some of the items already in your closet.</p>
<p>You don’t say where this is, but temperatures in the 40s can be quite nippy, especially if you’re not used to it, and probably calls for some kind of coat or jacket. A pashmina really won’t cut it for more than a few minutes, especially if it’s not truly made of cashmere. Add wind, rain, or snow, and it can be very uncomfortable. Worth asking around to friends to see if they have something that might serve.</p>
<p>Another tip - our local Goodwill gets new, tags on donations from local stores. For D, who is getting more clothes conscious but still not so much that I want to spend a lot, I have found numerous pair of Ann Taylor slacks - new - at $4.99 - $9.99. Ann Taylor seems to donate overstock regularly. This way what you get will be current style. She has worn GW Ann Taylor to all her interviews etc.</p>
<p>I don’t know what your budget is or if you have a DSW, but last weekend on the clearance rack I found a 70% off last price pair of little short Nine West booties (the kind of little ankle boots that are worn with slacks and fit nicely underneath) for D to wear for her interview next month in the frozen north. Final price - $21. They did have basic black flats and pumps on this rack as well - it could be worth a look.</p>
<p>Is this event on the east coast? We are from the midwest and find the east coast to be dressier than here. Anymore there are so few things I have to dress up for that I find it hard when I do.</p>
<p>I would wear hose. It’s going to cold out and I know young people don’t wear it but I’m old and like to be comfortable. I’m warmer and my shoes don’t hurt as much when I wear hose so I would wear them. The black dress sounds fine.</p>
<p>Slacks and a nice conservative cardigan would probably be fine for business casual. I think business casual is something men made up to drive women crazy (I think someone on CC already said that but I can’t remember who!). </p>
<p>See if you can borrow a wool coat for the trip. If you have a tour of the campus and events it would be helpful. Or maybe that is something that can be found at a consignment shop. </p>
<p>My children were never fortunate to be invited to such an event but I know someone who’s child was. They were wined and dined and it was such a special thing to be invited to. Good luck to your S.</p>