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For May, 2000:

Q: Terms like "business casual", "smart casual", "sport casual" and "dressy casual" are listed on dress policies, conference registrations and social invitations with little, if any, explanation of what each means. Can you give some clear definitions? Thanks!

A: Below is a list of some common casual dress phrases with ideas on how to practice each effectively:

All-Out-Casual (a.k.a. grubbies): What you throw on to wear in the privacy of your ownhome or to be comfortable with family and friends. Sweatpants (including running suits),t-shirts, sweatshirts, well-worn jeans and shoes and stretch pants are good examples. Everything in this category is unacceptable for most business situations.

Sport Casual: Jeans, other cotton pants and shorts that are tidy and in good repair fit here. Clean, crisp t-shirts and sweatshirts also define this category of casual. Sneakers are the footwear of choice with sport casual looks as long as they're not dirty or ragged. Soft knit pants with elastic waists that are not too tight are also nice for women. Some industries (i.e. high tech, publishing etc...) allow sport casual Monday through Friday or just on Friday. Off-site meetings and weekend work events sometimes allow this type of look, especially during the summer months.

Business Casual: A more dressed-up look than sporty casual but not nearly as dressed as traditional office clothes. Think khaki pants (especially no-wrinkle styles) worn with a polo or oxford shirt, or mock or regular turtleneck with or without a sport coat if you're a man. Women, choose pants (with or without the matching jacket), crisp cotton shirts, sweater sets, and Bermuda style-shorts and jumpers. To set a business tone, skirts, shorts and jumpers selected for business casual are best worn with a medium or flat heel height shoe and hose. Like traditional office clothes, the length of casual dress garments should be no shorter than three inches above the knee. Vests, cardigans, pullover sweaters, loafers and high quality belts are all great finishing pieces for both men and women dressing for a business casual environment.

Dressed-up Casual (a.k.a. smart casual): What you wear to evening office functions that don't require a suit, cocktail dress or other formal business attire. For men, a navy blue blazer with gray or tan pants are standard — you don't necessarily need a tie. Silk or banded collar shirts without a jacket are appropriate too. For women, jumpers, palazzo pants with matching or well coordinated tops work well. A black pant suit that can be dressed up or down is always a good investment for professional women, especially those who attend these events regularly.