Lakeland (FL) business and casual style

[epa]

I have to go to Lakeland (Florida) for a business meeting. I am not really familiar with the dress code in the south of the U.S. Heard about this special kind of jackets (seersucker?) and things like that. But maybe the safest bet is just a normal suit? I guess that people wear dark suits and ties for business, right?

But what about outside the job, when going out in the evening? I guess that you can wear jeans and long sleeve shirts (hate the short sleave ones) without sticking out too much?

By the way, is tipping practice more or less like in N.Y.?

 

[epa]

Booring title of the thread, boring subject or nobody has a clue about what is going on in Lakeland?

 

[Matt S]

I was there once to visit a friend attending FSC. We took pictures of birds.

 

[v0rtex]

Originally Posted by epa

I have to go to Lakeland (Florida) for a business meeting. I am not really familiar with the dress code in the south of the U.S. Heard about this special kind of jackets (seersucker?) and things like that. But maybe the safest bet is just a normal suit? I guess that people wear dark suits and ties for business, right?
Unless you're meeting C-level execs of very large companies that are otherwise not based in Lakeland, a dress shirt and slacks is considered dressed up. Part of this is because it is ridiculously hot and humid here, part because it is a casual culture - people move here from NY, Chicago, etc so they don't have to dress up any more. This is a part of the country where people own dress crocs.

But what about outside the job, when going out in the evening? I guess that you can wear jeans and long sleeve shirts (hate the short sleave ones) without sticking out too much?

If your shirt has sleeves of any kind in Lakeland, you'll stick out. It's, uh, somewhat rural.

By the way, is tipping practice more or less like in N.Y.?

Not sure about NY, but it's 20% standard in FL.

 

[epa]

Originally Posted by v0rtex

Unless you're meeting C-level execs of very large companies that are otherwise not based in Lakeland, a dress shirt and slacks is considered dressed up.

Part of this is because it is ridiculously hot and humid here, part because it is a casual culture - people move here from NY, Chicago, etc so they don't have to dress up any more. This is a part of the country where people own dress crocs.



If your shirt has sleeves of any kind in Lakeland, you'll stick out. It's, uh, somewhat rural.



Not sure about NY, but it's 20% standard in FL.

LOL at the dress crocs. I think I get the idea. I still will wear some long-sleeve shirts but make sure to roll up the sleaves to aquire a more rural look.

Thanks also for the 20%. Coming from a place where tipping is completely up to you, it is really nice to know. Don't want to give rise to any hard feelings, but likewise don't want tipping more than what is "expected".

 

[v0rtex]

Originally Posted by epa

LOL at the dress crocs. I think I get the idea. I still will wear some long-sleeve shirts but make sure to roll up the sleaves to aquire a more rural look.

Thanks also for the 20%. Coming from a place where tipping is completely up to you, it is really nice to know. Don't want to give rise to any hard feelings, but likewise don't want tipping more than what is "expected".

Rolled up sleeves sound fine. Would go in a little overdressed the first day, then dress appropriately on following days depending on how dressed up everyone else is at the company.

Food is cheap in the US compared to Europe, partly because the wait staff make maybe $2 an hour and make the rest of their income in tips.

Florida is especially big on tipping well as it's a service economy - so if someone goes out of their way to provide a good experience, don't be afraid to be generous. It also looks good to clients/colleagues if they glance at the check and see that you tipped generously.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[ter1413]

IMO, business meeting means a suit. You are representing your company and yourself.
After work, anything goes. Wear what you would if you were out where you live!

I covered all over the US and had 2-3 day trips to the South/Midwest/Caribbean/N East/etc. When I am in front of clients or potential clients, I wear a suit. End of story!

 

[epa]

In the end I opted for a sport coat and slacks. I guess that with a white shirt and tie it will look decent enough for the kind of business I am here for.
Let's see how it works out.
Regards,

 

[epa]

It was indeed quite casual and I was invited to take off sport coat and tie.
It was also very warm and humid, indeed.