what is 'california' business casual?

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

I came across the phrase 'california' business casual. What does this mean? The emphasis on California implies it is different than regular business casual.

[Bear Bibeault]

Wear a thong.

[Andrew Monkhouse]

Board shorts?

Perhaps some hints are in the California advertisement.

[Mike Simmons]

Bear Bibeault wrote:Wear a thong.

And post pictures!

No, not you, Bear.

Jeanne: my guess is that "California business casual" can mean anything from "slightly more informal than East Coast business casual" to "anything goes". Possibly it also connotes some combination of "you don't need to bundle up against the cold" and "seasons don't really exist here, so don't worry about seasonal fashion rules". But I suspect it still means different things to different people, and in different contexts. Probably not much help, but that's all I can think of.

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Mike,
A serious answer! Why thank you.

They tried to describe it a little, but it sounded the same as we define business casual on the east coast. (polos, etc.) I think I'm just going to wear what I would wear for business casual in NY and be done with it. Unless someone posts a better answer here.

[Mike Simmons]

I think if it they feel it needs to be described, it's probably not "anything goes" at least.

Jeanne wrote:I think I'm just going to wear what I would wear for business casual in NY and be done with it.

Not a bad idea. At worst, you're kind of hot (in the temperature sense) and you look like you're from the East Coast. Which they will probably figure out anyway; no biggie.

Jeanne wrote:Unless someone posts a better answer here.

Probably you need a female perspective here, at least as much as a Californian perspective. Perhaps my long-lost cousin Martha can lend a hand...

[pete stein]

Bear Bibeault wrote:Wear a thong.

Quite the opposite. I thought that it meant "going commando". ;)

[David O'Meara]

That would be preference. Dress up but if someone says you're too dressed for them West, tell them "It's ok, I'm commando"

[fred rosenberger]

I found this, which implies shorts and T-shirts are OK.

My general philosophy is to always err on the conservative side, if in doubt. Nobody can blame you for being too formal. They might mock you a little, but they can't blame you or send you home.

[Michael Matola]

Four inches longer and four inches narrower than regular business casual.

[Greg Charles]

fred rosenberger wrote:I found this, which implies shorts and T-shirts are OK.

That link defines "California casual", which actually is the dress code in my office, though I think it would be described as "no dress code". I would imagine "California business casual" would be a bit more formal than that. Also, there's a significant difference between what's acceptable in Northern vs. Southern California. As for weather, I don't know where Jeanne is headed, but most of California hasn't really been all that warm this summer. Certainly not as warm as the east coast. My advice is to split the difference between beach togs and a power suit, and you'll be fine.

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Northern California. It's going to be in the 50's and 60s. And I asked the person who said it since it wasn't obvious to folks here.

He said "East Coast Business Casual" is dress shirts and business slacks. Or used to be or something like that. It certainly isn't now. So the California word emphasized meant nothing.

[Pat Farrell]

Jeanne Boyarsky wrote:He said "East Coast Business Casual" is dress shirts and business slacks.

I've worked on the East Coast for 40+ years and have not seen any place expecting dress shirts this century.

Even when I worked for giant financial Mortgage Company that ruined the economy, the dress code for guys was khaki slacks, polo shirts and leather shoes. No jeans, no sneakers, collars a must.

The "business slacks" is a new term on me, but it makes sense, Dockers, khakis, etc.

I think "dress shirts" mean cotton long sleeve with French cuffs. I am pretty sure that there is no such thing as a "dress shirt" with short sleeves.

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

Pat Farrell wrote:

Jeanne Boyarsky wrote:He said "East Coast Business Casual" is dress shirts and business slacks.

I've worked on the East Coast for 40+ years and have not seen any place expecting dress shirts this century.

At the actual meeting, someone from Philadelphia said dress shirts are required to be business casual in his office. Wow.

Most people don't say "business slacks" - but I know what they mean by it. Not khakis.