Dear Mr. Mandals,

Last week I was graced with the opportunity to attend a work conference in San Diego, the same conference that I believe you attended as well. This being my first out of town work conference, I carefully reviewed and thought about my “business casual” attire for weeks. I planned out outfits, accessories, shoes and even thought about ways to make myself appear older (and taller).

Now, after putting this much time and effort into my appearance, imagine my shock (horror) when during the opening session on my first evening at conference, I look over to see a late comer forty-something male (you) arrive in cargo pants, a white t-shirt and mandals. “That is NOT business casual,” a woman next to me muttered. As I nodded my head in agreement, we watched as you confidently strutted to one of the front aisles proudly showing off your NON-business casual attire and wedge your way into the middle of an already almost full row. Mind you, this woman next to me, along with the vast majority of other professionals in attendance were as equally put together as I was and we were already twenty minutes into the session. Meaning you sir, had just performed a “What Not to Wear” fashion show for all to see.

Mr. Mandals, I was wondering if you could explain to me what it is with people these days? When did business casual turn in to a t-shirt and flip flops? What happened to the days when business casual meant business casual?? Last I checked slacks, skirts, sweaters and blazers were given the green light. But cargo pants? Nowhere have I ever seen cargo pants as a basic business necessity. I was almost positive those were given a red light at merely mentioning. In addition – who the heck still wears cargo pants?

Yes, I get that we were in beachy, beautiful San Diego and that you were probably extra excited about the prospect of some fun in the sun – but Hello?! Your vacation time can take place outside of the conference center. A strict rule of thumb to follow in the future Mr. Mandals, would be that people don’t want to see your toes unless you have an awesome pedicure going on, especially at work and professional events. (That goes for males and females thankyouverymuch).

Now, I would love to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that your flight arrived late or there was a mishap with your hotel reservation and you couldn’t clean up in time… but really, buddy… you couldn’t dig through your suitcase and find an actual pair of shoes?? Not even a polo shirt? You know you have a polo shirt in there… It’s practically a requirement that you be a golfer to be in this industry.

In conclusion Mr. Mandals, I’d like to leave you with this definition and one special request:

Monster.com says, “In general, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed yet neat and pulled together.”

Notice that it does not say “…looking so relaxed that one could curl up and take a nap.” (Speaking of naps, there was a man who did nod off or should I say “rest his eyes” next to me in one of the sessions as well…)

So in the future, I’d just like say that if the dresscode is stated as “business casual,” please – just dress “business casual.” Keep your mandals, your Quiksilver t-shirts and your cargo pants packed away for your family day at the beach and please, oh please – just make the same effort that anyone else would make and put on a shirt and slacks. Heck, I don’t care if you pick them up off the floor. That would still be less of a spectacle than parading your sloppy self down the aisle.

Warmest Regards, 

FabFinclySav

P.S. Though I love to include visuals in my posts – I figured we could all be spared in this weeks.