What is "Casual Elegant"?

[Angela in TN]

My dh and I are going to Florida for a national brokerage incentive conference. He was the only one from his office to qualify so it will be us and lots and lots of people we don't know. It's a free trip and there is only 1 business metting he has to go to for the whole 5day/4nights. Three of the evenings are termed Casual Elegant. I've got a few things picked out (we leave on Sunday!) but I'm wondering if I've got it wrong? What does Casual elegant mean?!!:eek: Thanks!

[elegantlion]

I had never heard that term before, but here is what I picked off of google.

"Dressy Casual/Elegant Casual
Informal and relaxed, but still chic. Almost anything goes, apart from denim and sweats. Try a pair of slim slacks with a sweater set in a bold color like fuchsia; a straight, knee-length skirt and cashmere shell; or man-tailored trousers and a silk blouse (think Banana Republic style). For hair and makeup, keep things simple and subdued, as you would at the office. "

hth

[Whisperlily]

I'd guess Sunday dress, but not formal wear?

Slacks/Skirt and Blouse. Comfortable, yet nice dresses. (Not jeans, not capris and a tee-shirt)

[Mrs Mungo]

My dh and I are going to Florida for a national brokerage incentive conference. He was the only one from his office to qualify so it will be us and lots and lots of people we don't know. It's a free trip and there is only 1 business metting he has to go to for the whole 5day/4nights. Three of the evenings are termed Casual Elegant. I've got a few things picked out (we leave on Sunday!) but I'm wondering if I've got it wrong? What does Casual elegant mean?!!:eek: Thanks!

When I wear something along these lines it tends to be slacks, a shimmery top and strappy, high-heeled sandals.

[Stacy in NJ]

I'd wear dresses or skirts with strappy heels.:cool:

[3littlekeets]

When I have traveled, my sense was always that casual elegance meant "nice Italian restaurant," or Country Club evening wear. Simple strapless dresses with strappy shoes, flowing pants with hip tops with bold jewelry. No "daywear" like pastels, old-fashioned dresses, or shorts, capris or business pants. In other words, feel pretty and attractive, and you'll be great!

Of course, men always have it easy because it just means nice dress pants and a shirt with sleeves, ranging from a silk Tommy Bahama style, to a dress shirt with non-businesslike Tie (Vineyard Vines, etc), or even more formal with a sport coat or suit and tie.

[HSMom2One]

I think this is just another post-modern play on words. 'Casual Elegant' is a complete oxymoron! Seems undoubtedly added for those that don't really like to go all out to get dressed up. :rolleyes:

Maybe it's supposed to mean that you should be a bit more polished than 'Business Casual', but not quite as polished as 'Formal'.

Blessings,
Lucinda

[KAR120C]

What does Casual elegant mean?!!:eek:
I think it means you should look fabulous, but as though you could always dress like that. :D Silky, strappy, slinky all come to mind... nothing frilly or poofy, nothing heavy or stiff. Black, bold colors, maybe metallics... I think.

[Angela in TN]

I think this is just another post-modern play on words. 'Casual Elegant' is a complete oxymoron! Seems undoubtedly added for those that don't really like to go all out to get dressed up. :rolleyes:

Maybe it's supposed to mean that you should be a bit more polished than 'Business Casual', but not quite as polished as 'Formal'.

Blessings,
Lucinda

This is kind of what I thought. :) Thanks ladies for all the help, I think I might have it covered. One more trip to Kohls might cover it for me!;)

[Ellie]

It's a term invented by some folks who want their guests to dress nicely but don't have the guts to say "informal." "Informal" does not mean wearing your jeans with the holes in them and your grubby tennies, which is how some would interpret it. *That* would be "casual."

So we have hosts and guests who are ignorant of correct behavior.

[Mrs. H.]

That would be 'church work day' for the flower beds, or 'come as you are'. Casual to me says: nice jeans and a polo or nice t-shirt for men, since I don't wear pants, it would be a blue jean or khaki skirt and a decent blouse or nice t-shirt for me...nothing with holes, everything ironed.