Reader question: What is "business casual" attire?

In an attempt better target my trend research and writing to be truly helpful to you, the reader, I will occasionally be answering questions from readers in my weekly column. If you have a question, please send it to me at kelly@theclothesgallery.com, and it could be featured in an upcoming week.

To start with, I will answer a question that I (and the ladies at The Clothes Gallery) hear quite often: Just what, exactly, constitutes "business casual" attire? This is a great question, though a difficult one to answer, because dress codes vary greatly by company. I've worked for a company where pretty much anything was acceptable for business casual dress, with the exceptions of jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. I've also worked for a company where business casual simply meant that a full suit wasn't required. I guess the best I answer I can give is this: err on the side of conservatism.

A knee-length skirt with a sweater or blouse is a good start. Tailored pants of any cut, along with a casual or dressy top (nothing sleeveless), are a simple and classy look. Cropped pants may or may not be acceptable, depending on the length of the hem. Generally, ankle-length is fine, but mid calf or shorter is not. In many circumstances opened-toe and -heel shoes are acceptable, and stockings are generally not required.

If you’re concerned with business casual attire for a luncheon or other event, there is probably more leeway. You could wear city shorts (Bermuda shorts in a crisp tailored fabric) or a sleeveless top and be perfectly acceptable. Of course, if this is for a workplace, consult your company's dress code and take a look at what those around you are wearing. That is often your best reference.

If you feel that the dress code doesn't allow you to be "you", try adding some fun accessories. A print scarf or headband, an armful of bangle bracelets, or a pair of brightly colored shoes can liven up any outfit and express your true personality. Below are a few unique jewelry pieces The Clothes Gallery carries, just to give you some inspiration. Check out our site at theclothesgallery.com for more.

Colorful Mixer

The combination of neon and neutrals is a fun look that you can show off now, and still wear well into fall. The bright punch of color gives this trend a youthful feel, but the right pieces can still be appropriate for any occasion. The trendiest of us might even be able to make this look work in a more formal setting, by pairing, say, a tangerine cocktail dress with tan jewelry and accessories, or by showing a lime button-down top under a suit. Here are a few ways to try this look for everyday wear.

These Karen Kane Capri pants in blue, when paired with this Lynn Ritchie silk tunic in grey, make a great foundation for this trend. For summer, add some cute sandals and a few bangle bracelets and you’re set for a business-casual day at work, a lunch date, or an evening at a street fair. For fall, add a cardigan for a work-appropriate look or a sweatshirt jacket for a casual night out.

Christopher Blue’s stretch denim pants in warm stone are a great neutral bottom to wear with a variety of bright and neon tops. Lynn Ritchie’s long-sleeve V-neck top in bright pink is a perfect way to “rock” the neon-and-neutral trend. Natural wood bead jewelry and natural-colored sandals or ballet flats complete the look without overdosing on color.

Do you have a fashion question you’d like answered? Email kellyjean81@gmail.com and your question could be featured in an upcoming “Fashion Advisor” column.

And so it begins (Fall 2008, that is)

June is finally here, which means it’s time to start checking out the fall runway shows and picking the hot new looks for the season. Most fall 2008 looks are a far cry from the floral-heavy feminine looks from spring, but there are a few that transition nicely. Let’s have a look…

The first fall trend, which I think translates nicely into the transition period, as well, is the combination of neutral colors with neons. Pick a few of your brightly colored tees and tanks from summer, layer them with grey, beige, brown, or black, and you’re all set for fall!

Masculine 70s looks are a holdover from spring. If you’ll recall, a few of the hot spring trends were 70s inspired, including belted waists and safari-inspired looks. These become looks perfect for cooler weather when structured jackets over collared shirts and high-waist are substituted for halter tops and high-waist shorts.

The only feminine-feeling trend for fall is that of the maxi skirt. Most maxi skirts shown for fall were in neutrals or floral print, so they will wear well with spring’s lingerie-inspired and transparent trends. A long skirt with a camisole will be perfect for today’s warm weather, while the addition of a snuggly cable-knit sweater and boots would be great come the cooler weather.

Next week, I’ll show you the looks The Clothes Gallery way! Until then, stop by the store to do some fashion exploring of your own.

Street Style

I spent a few days downtown this weekend and, as always, I was amazed at the many different styles I encountered while walking Michigan Ave. From punk-rock wannabes with multi-colored Mohawks and black combat boots, to groups of kids in their Prom formalwear, I saw all kinds of clothing. My favorite, of course, was the multitude of wedding parties getting their pictures taken on the medians of the busy streets or in front of the famous architecture.

What I really noticed, though, was that in spite of the multitude of trendy stores and trendy people, most people were dressed very simply. Most women wore straightleg or bootcut jeans or khaki shorts, both with simple tee shirts, mostly in plain white or black. The other popular look was the summer standby of pretty dresses. I saw all styles and all prints, but I noticed that they were always knee-length and worn with flat sandals. Florals were everywhere, in an array of colors and prints. The most popular silhouettes were strapless empire waist dresses and loose-fitting spaghetti-strap A-line dresses.

With it being a hot and humid day Chicago, what this tells me is that we, as a whole, dress for comfort. We aren’t slaves to fashion and we don’t throw aside the basics because the powers that be tell us that what’s really hot this season is the most uncomfortable or impractical thing ever.

And what’s really great is that The Clothes Gallery can help you maintain the perfect mix of comfy basics and trendy new pieces that make up your unique wardrobe. Stop by to see what we have to offer!