Pants, nice top and simple non gaudy, simple accessories. Open toed shoes would be OK but not sandals.

I agree with dress pants, nice shoes, and a fancy top.

I would do a light weight black pants. I would do any color top but white. (I know it's just me, but usually the wait staff wears black and white, not that you'd be mistaken for a server, but again that's just me.)

You will see a whole array of clothing. A nice shift dress would be good as well.

You can probably check out the school website where there might be pictures of events etc. and you can get some ideas.

Go on-line and Google "business casual," and there is lots of information and pictures. Here's just a sample:

Business casual for women

Satine, I would suggest whatever makes you feel confident, and falls somewhere in between jeans and a cocktail dress. Nice pants, skirt with or without jacket depending on the weather, simple dress. I hope you'll go, and then tell us all about it.

Business casual for business (khakis and sports shirts for the men (whose dress is easier to define)) is more casual than business casual for a cocktail party (ties and sport coats), but those in academia are notoriously underdressed so I think that puts it back to the beginning. I pretty much agree with the others: a really nice pair of pants or not-too-short skirt, especially in a dark color, and a slightly fancy top because it's cocktail and off campus. If you're slender, a tucked in silk shirt would be fine. If rather larger, that might be too severe, and a blouse with some detailing on the neckline might be better. A nice day dress would also work fine. With any of them, pretty shoes that you can stand around in will make your outfit.

Most of all, if you dress as yourself dressed nicely going out for a drink, you'll probably hit it right. If you'd look appropriate both next to a guy in a sport coat and next to a guy in a polo shirt, you'll have all your bases covered.

A friend of mine defines business casual as "could be seen in church clothes", but they do dress up for church where she goes (I know many churches are come as you are, nowadays, and people wear their gardening clothes).

I like plllog's example of looking appropriate next to the guy in a sport coat or polo shirt.

We as women make stake so much on our appearance and what we will wear to any event whether it be a girl's night out, business event or wedding. I know I can be obsessive. But, I do try to enjoy the idea of dressing up because I don't have to do it in my everyday life. My job is casual, jeans welcomed, but since I work mostly with women, many enjoy bumping it up a notch.

Try not to let what you are wearing overshadow enjoying the event. I am sure you have something in your closet, but if you can, shop for something new. It can make you feel a bit more special. I agree about the shoes. Wear only tried and true that are comfortable. If you need to take a break, I am sure there will be seats to relax in.

This event sound like fun. Enjoy and report back!

I would think black slacks a nice blouse and some pretty jewelry would be just fine. I'll bet you will see people "decked out" and people very dressed down.

I would be in a dilemma because I don't even own a dress. The dressiest clothes I have are the ones I wear to mass. Black dress pants (white in summer) haha, and nice blouses.

Have a great time, can't wait to hear about it!

Dress comfortably, most important.

Since we 'know' you, we know you'll look just fine. I'll be waiting for your report on what everybody *else* thought was appropriate.

I'll just add that since 'dinner' is involved, and you will be seated, I'd wear something that doesn't wrinkle badly and can be cleaned/laundered. I'd hope that there will not be a lot of flesh exposed -- male or female.

Thank you all for your responses. I realize that business casual means different things to people and also can be different according to the type of business or venue. I guess I am questioning myself because I happen to know "of" the people who are hosting. The husband is a real estate developer from my home town and not to be crass but he is mega rich and because of having grownup in the same town I know some history others may not know. This of course has absolutely nothing to do with my original question which is leading me to believe Im more hesitant about things other than what to wear. I will have to give this some thought. My sister will be visiting me that week so I would not have to go solo. Ok so now I feel silly. Thanks for your input. Im just overthinking this for no good reason!

You're not being silly! There was a time when dress was more rigid and the only issue was making sure one's clothes were clean, stain free, pressed, fitted and tidy. Now we have to guess what the right thing to wear is! Since your sister is going, too, coordinate your dressiness level with her and you'll be fine. When you go as a pair you reinforce each other's choices.

Re the mega rich guy, what matters is how down to earth he and his household are. Some who are self made love to show it off. Some people, both old and new money, are very rigidly "proper" in an old school way. Some rich folks don't give a hoot and dress for comfort. If your history and knowledge tell you what type he is, you can dress up or down accordingly.

All this aside, however, YOU are the donor. That makes you beloved of any university. Whatever you choose to wear, being that you aren't planning to wear your gardening clothes, will be appropriate because, while you're not the honoree, you are one of the ones who makes his/her job possible. The host and his house are just a convenience. :)

I always judge by the host and hostess. When I say "casual" people know me and will come in shorts or whatever they feel comfortable in. When I say dressy casual, they will come in nice slacks and a pretty top. I have friends the then they say "dressy casual" I know I will still wear slacks, but dressier slacks and a dressier top and some pretty jewelry. I think you should go and have a great time. You will see an array of clothing. I'm always comfortable wearing something simple which could be considered dressy or dressy casual. Here we call "Business Casual", Country Club Casual". It just means a tad dressier than casual, but not "black tie" dressy.

'Business casual' in my business means that you should dress as if you
are attending a meeting or giving a presentation/demonstration for the
customer. Like georgysmom said, it's dressier than casual everyday work-wear. The venue makes a difference, but since it's a cocktail/dinner party and given the reason for the celebration, I'd kick it up a notch. The most important thing is to be comfortable in the outfit you choose -- both physically and in how you'd like to be perceived. My dad always told me that you can never be overdressed. :)

I agree with the general consensus of what business casual means. I think I will buy a new pair of black dress pants and wear a top I already have. The party site is about an hour away from me so I'll do a dry run to make sure we don't get lost! Pillog, thanks for your comments. They make sense to me.