As the XO of my unit, can I show up to tomorrow's family day in a business dress, blazer, and heels?

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 22:24:03 -0400

My last unit never had money for Family Day events so it's been almost 7 years since I've been to one. We will be wearing civilian clothes. I want to just wear my typical civilian job clothes--I work in corporate, and I wear a modest sleeveless dress that covers my knees, a long sleeve blazer, and close toe nude stilettos to work every day. Can I wear this to family day? I really don't like khakis, and the only polos I currently have in good condition have my civilian job business logo, name, and title embroidered on it.

I'm going doing PAO duties the entire time anyway...should I just go in uniform? That would be a lot more preferable than me running around with my camera taking photos in heels.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jul 20 at 2019 10:27 PM

LTC John Mohor — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 22:27:07 -0400

Why not wear a comfortable pair of shorts with your company golf shirt untucked along with sandles or sneakers? As hot as it is right now I’d go with functional comfort.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Jul 20 at 2019 10:28 PM

LTC John Mohor — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 22:28:44 -0400

You can wear whatever civilian clothes you want. I’d still recommend comfort!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 20 at 2019 10:51 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 22:51:25 -0400

Par 2 sounds good to me. 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 20 at 2019 11:20 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 23:20:17 -0400

When in doubt, ask your boss...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2019 12:12 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 00:12:47 -0400

Every family day type activity that I’ve ever attended was a wear whatever you want as long as it’s tasteful type event unless otherwise stated.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2019 5:43 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 05:43:48 -0400

Realistically, any tasteful civilian clothes would do. Think like business casual. If it would be appropriate in a relaxed civilian office environment, it will be good to go. You could even wear jeans (or slacks) and flats with a nice top. Any modest dress would definitely be ok as well. Uniform is always fine as well, but usually the family day vibe would best be supported with some civilian clothes...uniforms kinda make people uptight sometimes. Good luck though, sounds like a good time.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Jul 21 at 2019 8:16 AM

LTC John Griscom — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 08:16:49 -0400

Family Days are very casual. Go for comfort; blend in.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2019 9:07 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 09:07:32 -0400

As long as your civilian clothes are in good taste then there shouldn't be an issue.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2019 10:56 AM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 10:56:29 -0400

Any civilian attire that fits the event is fine. If it's a cook out, more casual. If it a hail and farewell type setting, business casual. So long as it's decent and fits the environment you're good to go. Just like anywhere you go, don't overdress and look awkward, and don't underdress and look uncomfortable/unprofessional.

This is definitely something I think more about being an officer now, so I understand your concern haha

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jul 21 at 2019 2:01 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Sun, 21 Jul 2019 14:01:12 -0400

Hope it went well ... I just read your post, sorry.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Jul 22 at 2019 7:59 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 19:59:26 -0400

I would recommend against the heels. Every family day I went to was kid-centric like BBQ at a park or a bowling alley. Heels may not be very comfortable to move around on, based on the venue.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2019 3:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 03:46:24 -0400

I don’t see why you couldn’t. Family Day basically means dress comfortably as long as your not wearing anything offensive.