Dress codes...what to wear?

[Seabag]

In this day and age of shifting boundaries, i'm slightly flummoxed by 'the dress code' thing.

I've been invited to an event at an Embassy (one of the Scandinavian ones). I'm looking forwards to it as it's a prelude into some business i'm persuing over there. However, when I inquired as to the dress code, I received the response 'business'

But what does that mean in this day and age. Suits. Shirts, tie or not? And the Scandinavians are pretty laid back, so i'm further not sure.

Any ideas?

[KidKruger]

You have to assume suit and tie and shiny shoes to be safe innit.

It's all bollox tho.

[TheArtfulDogger]

Scandinavian embassy ? Only one type of suit for that sort of event sir, a birthday suit !

[red devil]

Business still means a suit and tie, doesn't have to be stuffy though, try a knitted tie, the Scandis will love that...

[Lowlander]

Business dress is nice and easy: suit, shirt, tie and smart (preferably black) shoes. No need to worry about brown shoes or the right tie-knot in this day and age (for the most part).

Even in Scandinavia. Just don't wear a white tie - they're for funerals.

The nightmare begins with smart-casual!

[????]

I haven't even got a suit and i work in the 'corporate' world - Tie (as compulsory)seems a bit over the top in 2016?

[titch juicy]

Yeah, always assume suit, shirt and tie. If you get there and no-one's wearing a tie, take yours off.

[red devil]

You strike me as the quirky, idiosyncratic type Seabag, keep your tie on if no one else is wearing one, and take along some Ferrero Rocher, the Ambassador will love you for that...

[Angelina]

http://www.businessknowhow.com/growth/dress-impression.htm

[peckham_ryu]

The pocket handkerchief remains firmly in fashion across Scandinavia (and Finland). Often worn flamboyantly erupting from a blazer. When I worked for a Swedish company I eventually developed a taste for it myself.

Having said that, the most important thing is to wear stuff you know looks smart, and doesn't make you feel uncomfortable. Pocket squares are good if you're confident enough not to feel the need to check and fiddle with them. British businessmen are renowned for simple smart elegance, so a lounge suit and tie would enable you to emphasise any British decency stereotypes.

[Siduhe]

Agree that suit, shirt and tie is the safest interpretation of "business dress". That said, there are a few photos of more social events (one at the Swedish embassy on children's literature for example) which suggests an equal mix of tie/no tie (but all in suits/shirts).

[Lowlander]

???? Wrote:

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> I haven't even got a suit and i work in the

> 'corporate' world - Tie (as compulsory)seems a bit

> over the top in 2016?

If an event is marketed as business dress, and you want to do business or otherwise get on, it would be prudent to wear a suit and tie. That's what business dress is.

Once you get there you can establish whether people are tie-wearers or not, and take yours off. In law and finance for example ties are still virtually mandatory; in consulting they're unfashionable.

If you really feel uncomfortable in a suit, then follow the old actor's advice - wear one for a few days in advance until you become comfortable and forget what you're wearing.

[????]

I don't think Seabag is in Law and Finance tho

[Lowlander]

???? Wrote:

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> I don't think Seabag is in Law and Finance tho

I have no idea - he or she was asking what to wear to an event where the dress code is "business dress"

As a Scandinavian businessman with modest diplomatic connections I felt qualified to provide some advice. The other posters commented in such a way as to suggest Seabag is a he, and so I added my advice within that context.

[DaveR]

Suit and tie still default option for 'business dress', unfortunately

Though I met recently with a guy from the Bank of England, and reluctantly put a tie on, then he turned up in an open necked shirt and bright red cardigan.

[titch juicy]

I work in finance and office wear is now smart/casual but any external meeting or event is definitely 'business' (shirt, suit,tie)

[DovertheRoad]

Ah Seabag. I think if it is business then definitely a suit (navy or grey best bets) and (polished!) black shoes.

To be clear, modern business attire does not dictate a tie any more (check out VC and Private Equity guys, bankers etc) but for a non corporate embassy do its a chance to show some character... you can wear a brighter tie and possibly accessorise with a pocket square. Or go open necked shirt but make sure it has a crisp collar with some depth which stands up a bit (not a cutaway type designs for a tie knot. You want to look like you intended to go without a tie not like you just took it off on the bus.

One thing though - nothing worse than a man who never wears a suit squeezed into one if it is dragged out the wardrobe and leaves you looking/feeling uncomfortable. So wear something inc shoes you feel at ease in if you can. If you don't have a suit at home that you like, it may be time to go out and invest in a suit that fits you.

You get plenty good made to measure type options now from places like asuitthatfits.com for ?300 or so. If you're luckier than me you'll have a body shape that lends itself to "off the peg" in which case you can buy cheaper than that from the likes of M&S and get it altered by a tailor. You can also make an old suit look better with a dry clean and buy a crisp new shirt (in white) with the right sleeve lengths (0.5 inch showing at the cuff or less). Try Lewins in the City ( www.tmlewin.co.uk) for a decent but cheap option.

Off the peg is also your best option if the do is in a few weeks and you don't have time to wait for m2m. I know a great alterations shop in the bowels of Soho who will sort you out if needed and they take 2 days max to turn stuff around. If so PM me.

All that said don't streets too much about it. Embassy do's are great. Only been to one but usually plenty booze doing the rounds. Enjoy. Ferrero Rocher sir?

[Seabag]

So a navy boiler suit, with a tie and Grenson dispatch rider boots won't cut it (even with a florid hanky)

Oh well, it's the Aquascutum suit then and the rest

Tho I might add a knitted tie from Cordings

In for a penny and all that, will wear it for the day prior.

Whilst I'm at it, I'll get Barry Rd barbers to give me his 'media beard and haircut' special tomorrow

[Jeremy]

Maroon shirt with a "piano keys" tie.

[red devil]

Oh for goodness sake Seabag, just wear what all the other waiters will be wearing!...

[DovertheRoad]

And drink all the booze.

Ambassador....you spoil us!

[red devil]

[titch juicy]

Aren't knitted ties a little bit Essex now.

Apologies to any non knitted tie wearing folks from Essex.

[Salsaboy]

Just put your best frock on, possibly one that shows just a hint of knee.

[Seabag]

I've ditched the tie, and kept the business (charcoal grey pinstripe) suit.