<p>So..my school is hosting a few New Student Receptions across the country and my local one is at a Country Club in the wealthy side of town. It's from 5-7 PM, and I am assuming that there would be dinner. I've never been in a Country Club and not sure what the appropriate attire should be for this occasion. It says "Business Casual", but I am not sure if "Business Casual" is the same for a country club as it is for a day in the office. Would something like a tucked in Polo and chino be fine? Or should I wear something a bit nicer like a navy blazer and an oxford? What about a tie? I do not want to under dress but I do not want over dress too..</p>
<p>i think how formal the country club is depends on a lot of factors, i’ve been in some pretty informal country clubs</p>
<p>that said the dress code is “business casual”… personally i would go with sports coat + nice shirt because it’s always safe but without a tie it’s not “too” dressy, but what do i know. any other opinions? (:</p>
<p>Don’t assume that there will be dinner…could be cheesy bits and other savory appetizers.</p>
<p>I agree - sport coat, slacks, no tie. I think the oxford is fine. I personally do not consider a polo shirt to be business casual but I suppose there are areas where that is acceptable. Business casual is not as casual today as it was during the dot com era.</p>
<p>Edited to add - agree with ellemenope - there may not be dinner at that hour. I would hope for heavy h’orderves.</p>
<p>A “Rich People Suck” shirt.</p>
<p>Or a Che shirt. Both give out the same message.</p>
<p>WASPY gathering is usually very light on food and good on presentation, don’t expect much food between 5-7, it’s considered cocktail hour for some people. Oxford shirt, khakis, and loafers, sports jacket (blue blazer) optional. Since this is summer, no socks with loafers.</p>
<p>Shirt - no gray, tan, any muddy colors or dark colors. Stay with light blue, white, pink, yellow (not muddy), light green. When getting plaid or stripe shirts, only get colors mentioned above also. No short sleeve dress shirts.</p>
<p>I’d go with socks, but otherwise the above advice seems on target. Don’t expect dinner – drinks and appetizers are more likely.</p>
<p>[Business</a> casual - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_casual]Business”>Business casual - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>I have been to lots of different CC’s and I would have an 18 year old wear khaki’s and a button down collared shirt. Loafers or other solid shoe. Socks optional but depends on the shoe. I’d have my son wear socks. You can wear a blazer, but it is not wholly necessary as this is a reception for a lot of people, and not just members of the club obviously. All those color restrictions? A little on the extreme side. However, a kid should almost always have a light blue dress shirt and a navy blazer. I agree with No tie, unless it’s a “casual tie” like from Vineyard Vines or something, which could also negate any need for a blazer. Just make absolutely certain all clothes are crisply pressed… i.e., launder at a drycleaner - light starch.</p>
<p>Girls: Skirt and/or dress. Watch the length and make sure it’s NOT TOO SHORT. Anything more than a palm size above the knees is probably too short. You can wear sandals, but never flip flops.</p>
<p>I also agree that this is a cocktail reception from 5-7. Members of the club will probably go to dinner following. Others will be shooed out around that time. If it were me and I were not a member: I would go from about 5:30 to 6:30/6:45 at the absolute latest and make my apologies while saying I have dinner plans elsewhere. If, by chance, something comes up that entices you to stay, you can always excuse yourself to make a “phone call” to change those plans. Just whatever you do, don’t overstay.</p>
<p>Having attended and hosted numerous nights like this for a few different east coast colleges, and one west coast college, I would say khakis/chinos, casual shoes (but not sneakers/athletic shoes) and either a woven sport shirt or a knit shirt with a collar (Polo-style) would be fine.</p>
<p>But you can also call the country club and see if they have a dress code. Was the room the event is going to be in mentioned on the invitation? Some rooms have different dress codes…so…you can ask what a typical teenager attending an event in that room from 5-7 on a weekday would be wearing.</p>
<p>A “Rich People Suck” shirt.
[will this do?](<a href=“http://www.fatamerican.tv/t-shirt-page/stuff-white-people-like-grey.htm”>http://www.fatamerican.tv/t-shirt-page/stuff-white-people-like-grey.htm</a>)
it glows in the dark!</p>
<p>Agree with the khakis (pressed), no sneakers. Yes for a polo shirt or a woven shirt. Maybe with a sport coat. Agree you can check with the club re: dress code. In the summer in our area you see alot of long shorts (not cargo shorts) except in the dining room. I notice you are in Florida so the jacket might not be needed if this event is soon because it will probably be hot. If you do bring a sport coat, make sure it fits. Agree with the others that this is not “dinner hour” so probably will be finger foods only.</p>
<p>Out of curiosity this morning, I googled “business casual country club” and some clubs have the definition posted on the websites. There is a distinction between “business casual” “country club casual” and “golf casual.” Some have a class called “smart casual” which can include bermuda shorts. So, look at the country club website or call if you are concerned because they obviously deal with this regularly. Here are some descriptions of business casual from country club websites -</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Ours is quite specific for the general clubhouse…</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Slacks, Bermuda-type shorts and skirts that have a 15-inch or longer out seam. Halters, tank tops, blue jeans, are not allowed.</p>
<p>that pretty much rules out * my* wardrobe!
( except for the * things white people like* tshirt of course
;)</p>
<p>Emerald: You could always be the renegade outlier and aschew the rules LOL.</p>
<p>Women not allowed to wear slacks? I wouldn’t want to be a member of that club!</p>
<p>The rule was that women should wear
“Slacks, Bermuda-type shorts and skirts that have a 15-inch or longer out seam”
but that you can’t wear
“Halters, tank tops, blue jeans”</p>
<p>So I guess my 10 inch micro mini is out! Darn!
;)</p>
<p>Considering the fashion of today… I imagine a lot of women are wearing their Michael Kors tank tops… maybe with a little cardigan? Basically, I think any club looks the other way as long as you are dressed in good taste. Of course, you’d probably meet their standards of good taste if they’ve accepted you as a member.</p>
<p>While we are a independent private institution, our school is no longer allowed to have any school-related activity or meeting at a Country Club for the respect of others who don’t belong or how about wouldn’t have them as a member. According to some unwritten rules, anything which would be deemed prejudicial to any member of the whole will not be tolerated. Not a bad rule in theory. but in practice there shouldn’t be such a big hang up as there is.</p>
<p>What do you mean by “wouldn’t have them as a member”? If the club is racist or sexist, I think it’s a wonderful policy, not a “hangup.”</p>