Unofficial Official Guide to SAS Global Forum – What NOT to wear

What're you wearing? I get that question all of the time …. OK, let me re-phrase that. In regards to events, I am often asked, “What are you going to wear?” It’s always hard to answer as the standard for events, including SAS Global Forum, is business casual.

What does that mean?

Well I looked up the definition on Wikipedia, and the one I found was:

"In general, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed, yet neat and pulled together."

What the H^&* does that mean?

I’m no fashionista by any stretch of the imagination, so I reached out to colleagues for help. I figured since we can’t clearly define business casual, perhaps a list of what not to wear would be better.

The question I asked was “What should you NOT wear at SAS Global Forum?”

A: One colleague answered, “Grass skirts.”
My thought - When you see a crazy law, it’s usually based on an actual situation. This sounds like the same thing….Hmmm – sad.

A: Black socks with sandals.
My question to that is, “Are other colors of socks with sandals ok?” Just to clarify, the answer to that is NO. That means no socks with sandals.

A: Purple or Propeller hats.
I am guessing that there is a SAS user who accessorizes with hats. Personally, I think that’s great. I hope you won’t heed the advice as these are the characters I would find myself standing in line to see.

A: Suspenders.
While I understand the answer (suspenders are a little outdated), I would like to say that we don’t want any wardrobe malfunctions. Perhaps a visit to a tailor is in order or PLEASE KEEP THE SUSPENDERS!

A: Scrunchies.
This one was thrown at me as I have been known to sport one of these useful, yet completely outdated accessories. I have since thrown my collection away and am advising others to do the same.

A: SUGI t-shirts.
I understand the answer  - as a “newbie,” I want to shout at the top of my lungs that the conference is called SAS GLOBAL FORUM! I do, however, have to say VINTAGE BABY. So go ahead, proudly wear  those SUGI classics. But remember, SAS Global Forum t-shirts will be handed out at the event, so don’t bring too many of those antiques.

A: Cartoon boxer shorts.
Really? Did someone do this? Hopefully everyone knows that visible underpants is a no-no. Yes, I called them underpants.

A: Beach clothes.
It might have been able to fly for American Idol season 8, but in a business setting you should leave your beach clothes on the beach – not literally of course!

A: And finally, zebra-patterned rain coats.
I’m not going to call this fashionista out, but I’ve never seen it rain INSIDE a conference venue yet!

So what won’t YOU be wearing at SAS Global Forum? Or better yet, provide us a great definition of business casual!

Unofficial Official Guide to SAS Global Forum – What NOT to wear was published on SAS Users.