For a company outing you wear something that suits the activity and still stays polished. Think of smart jeans or supple trousers, a knitted polo or top and comfortable shoes. For the evening, bring an extra layer if you like. That way the same outfit can also work at drinks or dinner.
An outing is still a work moment
A company outing is more informal than a working day, but you are still with colleagues and sometimes clients. At the same time you do not want to be the only one starting a boat trip or workshop in office clothes. So choose something relaxed and polished.
Read the invitation carefully
A few questions help with choosing:
- What is the activity? A cooking workshop calls for something different from a walk, a boat trip or a museum visit.
- Indoors or outdoors? Outdoors means taking wind, rain and sun into account.
- Is there a dinner or drinks? Then you want your outfit to still work in the evening.
- Is there a dress code? "Casual" on an invitation from work rarely means tracksuit bottoms, but rather smart casual.
- Who is attending? With management or clients there, choose something just a bit more polished.
Per type of outing
| Outing | What works | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Boat trip | Polo, supple trousers, flat shoes, cardigan | Heels, wide skirts |
| Walk or bike ride | Jeans or stretch trousers, polo, raincoat | New shoes, white trousers |
| Cooking workshop | Dark top, short or roll-up sleeves | Wide sleeves, delicate fabrics |
| Museum or city tour | Trousers or jeans, knitted top, loafers | Big bags, uncomfortable shoes |
| Sporty activity | Sportswear for the activity, a polished outfit for afterwards | Staying in sportswear all day |
Outfits for Men
A knitted polo is a practical base for men. The Alistair knitted piqué polo in cream has a stripe detail that makes it just a bit more special than a plain polo, without standing out. Combine it with the Winston light high-waist trousers in cream for a summery, polished look on a warm day, or with dark jeans if the activity is rougher. Suede loafers or clean leather sneakers finish it off.
If the day turns into a dinner, the polo with trousers is already polished enough. A light cardigan or overshirt over your shoulders gives extra warmth on the terrace. You will find more polos in the polos for Men collection, and inspiration in City Life.
Outfits for Women
For women, smart jeans or trousers with a knitted top work for many types of outing. The Adelaide high-waist contour-fit jeans in blue sit comfortably, even when you climb into a boat or walk all day, and look polished with a tucked-in top. The Arabella fine-knit lyocell polo in cream striped feels cool and has a collar that makes the whole look neat.
For the evening, bring the Veronique fine-knit lyocell cardigan in light blue. Light enough to carry in a bag, and lovely enough to wear at the table. Choose flat shoes or sneakers for daytime, and perhaps bring a pair of smarter shoes for dinner. You will find more combinations in the Boulevard collection.
What to carry in your bag
- A light extra layer, such as a cardigan or overshirt.
- A foldable raincoat if part of the programme is outdoors.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for activities in the sun.
- Possibly a second top if you expect to sweat or cook.
- Plasters, in case you did end up in new shoes.
From activity to dinner
Many team days end with drinks or dinner. You do not have to change if your outfit is already geared to it. For dinner you can make the outfit smarter with small adjustments: a cardigan, loafers or simple jewellery. That way you go from active to polished in five minutes, without dragging along a full weekend bag.
What you had better not wear
For a company outing, rather choose clothing you already know and wear comfortably. Avoid texts or prints meant as a joke, clothing that is too short or too tight and clothing you have not worn before. Also important: take the activity into account. White trousers and cooking workshops go badly together, just like heels and a walk through the dunes. Choose clothing you feel confident in, so your attention is with your colleagues and not with your outfit.
If you are unsure about the level, feel free to ask the organiser what is intended. That way you know better what level is expected.
If you organise it yourself
If you organise the outing yourself, help your colleagues by being concrete in the invitation. State the activity, whether it takes place indoors or outdoors, whether there is a dinner and what you expect in terms of clothing. A sentence like "comfortable clothing and shoes you can walk in, smart casual for dinner" prevents a lot of questions and awkwardness. Also think of colleagues who come by bike or public transport: a place to leave a bag or coat is always appreciated.
Shop the look
Alistair: knitted piqué polo, cream
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Arabella: fine-knit lyocell polo, cream striped
Adelaide: high-waist contour-fit jeans, blue
Veronique: fine-knit lyocell cardigan, light blue
Frequently asked questions
What does casual mean on an invitation from work?
Usually smart casual: smart jeans or chinos with a polo, knitted top or blouse. Tracksuit bottoms or worn sneakers are too informal then.
Do I have to change for dinner after a team day?
Not if your outfit is polished enough. With a cardigan, smarter shoes and a tucked-in top you make the transition quickly.
Which shoes do you wear to a company outing?
Comfortable, clean shoes that suit the activity, such as leather sneakers or loafers. Avoid new shoes and high heels.
