<p>Hey Bay area ladies- </p>
<p>Help me out here, after 20 years of life in the small town, I know my “proper attire” instincts are rusty 
I am leaving tomorrow for a business meeting in the city and attending a business cocktail party the first night. Just found out it is not “business casual,” but rather “casual elegance.”</p>
<p>What would you wear so as to not look like a hick? 
I’ll make sure the hay is out of my hair, but I know the right outfit is also paramount.</p>
<p>THANKS!</p>
<p>You can never go wrong in SF with basic black and accessories…pants are fine…we get that cold fog…but dressy slacks…I often wear black trouser, a black jacket-not a business blazer…with a silky camisole…a shiney scarf…accessories can really “elegant” out your outfit…long pearls. beads, earrings…</p>
<p>A cocktail dress with a cover…it can get chilly…</p>
<p>A skirt with knee high heeled boots</p>
<p>But as I said, can’t go wrong with black with shiney accents…its a uniform</p>
<p>I guess its a way of telling men, don;'t need a business suit, but do need more than a hawaiin shirt</p>
<p>So to not look like a hick…go with the black…a knee lenthg skirt with a silky top</p>
<p>I agree, black and shiny works. I’ve got a nice black cashmere sweater with beaded pearls and a fairly lowcut neck that I might wear to such an occasion. :)</p>
<p>Basic black w/pearls work. Nice Slacks, or dress-short-not long. Suede jacket or wool. Pashimi shawl adds color. Heels or ballerina style flats.And a dash of perfume 
Today started out clear-progressed into fog. So, be sure to bring a coat/jacket/warm pashimi shawl.</p>