Dining at high end restaurants in Raleigh NC used to require males to wear suits and ties and ladies to wear evening gowns and long dresses.
However, in these ever-changing days, one high end restaurant’s style criteria may not apply to another. So, the question is what is business casual for a restaurant?
Indeed, the restaurant dress code directive of business casual must be a common cause of misunderstanding for people. And it isn’t their fault that there isn’t a clear, standardized definition.
If all else fails, it’s safer to dress too formally in a restaurant rather than too casually.
Don’t be overwhelmed by the variety of dress codes available. It’s critical to understand a restaurant’s dress code, which represents the setting in which they want you to feel at ease.
Consider dressing as if you’re meeting a customer for dinner when you’re required to wear business casual.
When a dress code is introduced, there is a lot of diversity. It might be a combination of work-appropriate jackets, blouses, and button-downs, but no sneakers or jeans are allowed.
There are no particular rules about fabrics or colors, but your outfit should always be professional and polished.
Remember that there aren’t hard and fast rules, and at the end of the night, what counts is that you look and feel your best.
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What Is The Business Casual Dress Code For a Restaurant?
It’s not that difficult to dress in business casual. Many of the details are up to your personal taste and judgment.
In general, having a variety of shirts and bottoms to mix and match, as well as a few pairs of shoes to rotate in and out, will keep you looking professional and fresh.
Usually, a business casual dress code for a restaurant is the same as for an office or for other business casual occasions.
For men, for a perfect business casual look for a restaurant, wear a combination of dress shirts, and button-downs, all tucked away in a dark pair of slacks or pants and kept neat with a belt or blazer. A pair of loafers or a pair of leather shoes is always appropriate.
For women, turtlenecks, blouses, exquisite sleeveless shirts, and wide leg pants, as well as formal slacks, are all great options.
Dresses and skirts are also alternatives, but keep in mind the length of your dress or skirt. Choose from your favorite heels, pumps, and flats when it comes to footwear.
Can I Wear Jeans To a Business Casual Restaurant?
In short, the answer is no. You’re generally better off sticking to dressier pants or khakis and not taking any chances.
When the dress code is business casual, it’s not suitable to wear your favorite old jeans, ratty tennis shoes, t-shirt, or flip-flops to a business casual dinner.
Keep the “business” side of business casual in mind, and leave your old comfy clothes at home. Clothes should still be pressed, clean, and well-fitting.
In general, it’s safer to be on the formal side and avoid wearing jeans. However, it isn’t a big deal to wear jeans at some restaurants but what if you see people wearing business casual attire there? You certainly won’t feel comfortable and feel like you are not fitting in.
If you’re lucky enough to know the restaurant’s dress code ahead of time and it allows jeans, stick to dark-wash, fitted jeans. Avoid ripped, holed, printed, or embroidered jeans, as well as light washes.
What Are Rules For Business Casual?
For women, business casual means no shorts, jeans, or short dresses or skirts; for males, it means optional ties and a rotation of button-downs or blouses.
You will usually find the list of “don’ts” bigger than the list of “dos” of a business casual attire, which varies slightly depending on style, choice, and gender presentation.
For men, the line between business casual and professional is usually defined by whether or not they wear a tie. However, each occasion is unique, and there is a wide range of what can and cannot be considered business casual.
As a result, from head to toe, there are some general guidelines worth mentioning.
A business casual dress code varies a lot based on where you work, what you do for a living, how you work, and what time of year it is.
Planning ahead and shopping with guidelines in mind is the best way to look business casual. When shopping, try to choose a few different shirts, skirts, slacks, dresses, and shoes that may be worn in a variety of ways. And you can easily mix and match them to create a variety of business casual looks.
Here is a small list of rules that you can follow to create a perfect business casual look.
Choose blazers, tailored pants, or jackets, and dresses that fit you well and make you look professional.
Avoid wearing shirts or jeans that are outdated, saggy, or have a lot of logos on them. Maintain a clean and fresh appearance with your ensemble.
Purchase a few pairs of neutral pants that can be worn with a variety of shirts. This will save you money while also ensuring that your outfits look professional.
Wearing sneakers, jeans, distracting jewelry, or sandals is a no-no. For the most part, these belong in your off-duty arsenal.
What Is Proper Attire For a High End Restaurant?
A high end restaurant will usually provide a casually elegant, business casual, or formal dress code. When you are going to a high end restaurant, it’s always better to be overdressed rather than underdressed.
For women, a skirt or dress slacks, sweater, blouse, jacket (optional), twinset, hosiery (optional), and closed toe shoes are appropriate business casual clothing at a high end restaurant.
For men, a button-down shirt, dress shoes, dress pants or chinos, and black socks are all appropriate business casual clothes.
Regardless of whether polo shirts are appropriate or not, avoid wearing them to a high end restaurant. Also, avoid wearing jeans, and athletic socks are a no-no.
Also, don’t forget to check out this article on “Is a Turtleneck Business Casual?“
