Many participants inquire about our dress code when entering the program. We have provided the following guidelines because as participants during seminars, you are representatives of the program, the foundation, and the Illinois agricultural industry. Remember, when in doubt, there are always “old reliable” options like darker colors and other items mentioned below that will be useful and appreciated.
We generally select one of two dress codes – business formal or business casual – for the activities for a given day at a seminar. The selection is based on the location, the activity and the person(s) with whom we are meeting. Some of the guidelines may seem to go back to some of the “older” dress guidelines, but the more casual business attire seen in some current workplaces is viewed as not appropriate in the political realm we visit in Illinois, Washington, D.C., and internationally (such as the U.S. Embassy).
The following key points are a guideline on what is considered appropriate attire for activities of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program. You are expected to present yourself during the seminars in a neat, professional and business-like manner regardless of which style of attire is worn. The seminar agenda will indicate the attire for each segment of the day.
DEFINITIONS
Business Professional
- Men: dark business suits with light colored long-sleeved dress shirts, neckties, and dark-colored dress shoes and socks. (If shoes can’t be polished, they are not business dress)
- Women: dresses, suits, or matching pantsuits with dress shoes
Business Casual
- Men: business suits without a tie; sport coat or blazer matched with dress slacks and a collared long sleeve shirt with tie
- Women: dresses or suits with a more casual top; skirts of knee-length or longer with jacket or sweaters and appropriate shoes
Sport Casual
- Men: sport coat or blazer matched with slacks and an open or mock turtleneck, collared shirt (long or short sleeve). Clean, pressed khakis or dress denim jeans (dark, non-faded) are sport casual acceptable when worn with a sport coat and collared shirt or mock turtleneck.
- Women: casual dress slacks, skirt, or dress denim jeans (dark, non-faded) with a blouse.
Casual
- Men: casual slacks such as khakis or dress denim jeans (dark, non-faded), polo shirt or other collared shirts. Jacket optional.
- Women: casual slacks such as khakis or dress denim jeans (dark, non-faded), blouse or shirt with a collar.
Athletic attire (including athletic shoes and “flip flops”), leggings, capris, and “club” clothes are generally not acceptable during a seminar or activity unless specifically authorized by IALF staff. The IALF staff has been instructed to enforce the dress code, and where appropriate to refuse admittance to IALP/IALF functions. Note that some hotels have dress codes.
Business Professional
Business Casual
Sport Casual
Casual
