These days, we have a new and more undefined way of dressing, as evidenced by the widely used oxymoron, business casual. Is it business or is it casual? No one seems to know for certain, so it is open to individual inter- pretation. Take for instance, footwear. To some, casual means flip-flops; to others, Gucci loafers. Casual pants: faux-tattered jeans or cuffed khakis?

What's It All Mean?

In the last year, I have been asked to define smart casual, chic casual, resort casual, country club white, and white formal. Here is what I've determined:

• In relation to clothing, smart means neat and fashionable. So, depending on the formality of the event, you could wear Armani jeans or a Donna Karan pants suit.
• According to Merriam Webster, chic means elegant and sophisticated. So chic casual is the same as smart casual with a bit more panache.
• For meetings held in warm-weather resort settings, resort casual does not mean shorts, mini skirts, tank tops, and flip-flops. For women, you should not wear the same short-sleeved or sleeveless top that you would wear to a weekend barbecue. Take it up a notch, and pair your tops with lightweight sweaters or blazers, nice slacks or skirts. Khakis and collared shirts for men. 
• Country club white does not mean tennis whites. It means white or off-white summer clothing; think modern-day Great Gatsby.
• When the invitation says white formal attire, men should wear a white dinner jacket with traditional tuxedo accessories: black tie, cummerbund, and suspenders. Women wear formal evening attire.

Although I can't tell you exactly what to wear to some events, I can tell you what not to wear. Jeans, sneakers, T-shirts, and casual sandals are not appropriate in most settings. Reserve them for baseball games, picnics, backyard barbecues, and other similarly casual outings. Formal or black tie always means a tuxedo for men and an elegant evening garment for women. Don't wear anything else. If you don't know what the requested dress code is, ask the host. Both of you will be uncomfortable if you arrive in the wrong attire. And if you are hosting an event, be sure to let your attendees know the dress code. Print it on the invitation and marketing materials.

For Work

 If your organization's culture requires employees to wear professional clothing, it is easy: suit and tie for men; business skirt or pant suit, dress slacks, sweaters, and blouses for women.

Business casual is a little trickier. It means different things to different people. Here are some guidelines for dressing in business casual attire:

• If you don't have to change your clothes when you get home from work, you have worn the wrong thing.
• Dress like a senior-level professional.
• Keep a jacket handy. A jacket is especially important for women. It projects authority.
• Men, wear collared shirts or turtlenecks.
• Women, don't wear low-cut blouses. They are unprofessional and male colleagues will struggle to make eye contact with you.
• Pay special attention to your accessories. Worn shoes will ruin the look of high-quality clothes, while polished, high-end shoes will enhance it.
• And finally, in any setting, you and your clothes should be neat and clean. Keep yourself impeccably groomed. Ladies, if you're wearing dress sandals, for goodness sake, make sure you've had a pedicure.

Corby O'Connor is the founder of Corby O'Connor Etiquette & Protocol, and a columnist and expert in the subject of etiquette in the workplace. She and her staff have trained thousands in business dining skills, professional image and communication techniques. Visit her Web site at www.corbyoconnor.com.