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I'm going to attend a BBQ cookoff in Houston with hubby's business associates. What to wear?!

I'm going to attend a BBQ cookoff in Houston with hubby's business associates. What to wear?!

Old Jan 30th, 2007, 06:14 PM
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I'm going to attend a BBQ cookoff in Houston with hubby's business associates. What to wear?!

I know, it's the same old "what to wear" question, but...it's also a business thing, so it seems kind of important. A partner company of DH's company is sponsoring a BBQ pit at the big BBQ cookoff in Houston at the end of February. There will be drinks at a party before the cookoff. I'm a New Yorker who doesn't have a problem dressing country casual, but I want to make sure that will be appropriate. Would jeans, boots and a button-down shirt work? I don't want to feel silly or make DH and his company look bad. Thanks in advance for any help!
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Old Jan 30th, 2007, 06:44 PM
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Your uniform sounds totally appropriate.
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Old Jan 30th, 2007, 06:47 PM
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That sounds fine. The cookoff is pretty casual, and a great time. You'll enjoy it!
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Old Jan 30th, 2007, 06:49 PM
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I haven't ever been to the cookoff, but we go to the HLSR every year in a corporate box and the attire there is "country chic"! Yes, there is such a thing! That translates to nice jeans or a skirt and a stylish Western top or suede vest with cowboy boots. Some will have on a hat too, but it is not a must. I am heading to NYC Friday. Is it still forcast to be cold/snowing? Thanks and have fun in Houston.
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 03:18 AM
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Thanks, everyone! I appreciate it.

Cristinab, yes, we are supposed to get snow on Friday morning, so there might be some on the ground when you get here. However, we haven't had any snow that stuck all winter, so you might not have to worry about it.
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 06:59 AM
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I agree with Christina. If you wear jeans, make sure they are really nice designer jeans and wear a very dressy top.
 
Old Jan 31st, 2007, 07:05 AM
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I'd also say nice jeans with a dressy and/or western style top. Or khaki's and a sweater set or polo shirt.
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 07:10 AM
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Sunny16 thanks for the NYC weather info! Have fun in Houston.
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 07:55 AM
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I can wear khakis. Would khakis be better? Should I wear dress shoes instead of boots? The boots I was thinking of wearing are ankle-high and pretty casual.

Cristinab, I take back what I said about the snow not sticking. It is sticking today, but on Friday the weather's supposed to be above freezing, so maybe what we get on Friday will melt for you.

Thanks again, everyone!
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 08:01 AM
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Hi Sunny- I'll defer to frequent Houston visitors or residents. I'm thinking more from SF Bay area/ Silicon Valley point of view, as far as the Khaki/ Capri idea.
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 08:27 AM
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Are you asking what a man should wear or what a woman should wear?
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 08:36 AM
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I think Sunny is asking about herself.
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 09:03 AM
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sunny16-

Is the BBQ cookoff in the Reliant parking lot? Where is the party located? When I think BBQ cookoff in Texas, I think casual even if it is a company event. I wouldn't wear dress shoes if you're walking in a parking lot. Your jeans and boots sound fine. I wouldn't go out and spend $300 on jeans just for a BBQ - this is Texas after all. BTW, I live in Dallas, not Houston, so the Houston folks may disagree.
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 09:30 AM
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sunny - You are in for a treat! The key to your question is in the party before the cookoff. Do you know where it will be? The acutal cook-off is in the parking lot of the Dome and Reliant Center. The booths are tents...some enclosed, some not. Most are very casual. You are better off with jeans and any type of boot. The other key is the weather. We can be anything from a comfortable 60 degees to a miserable and rainy 30 degrees. Please check the weather before you head out and have a great time!
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 09:44 AM
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I'd dress it up a notch with good silver and turquoise jewelry, but I wouldn't wear a western hat unless it was required by the boss.
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 09:51 AM
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And don't forget the big belt buckle.
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 10:13 AM
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If you're really worried, bring extra duds. For example, you could throw a suit jacket in the car, and dress up the jeans that way. Black jeans always look dressier, that's an option too.

Wait a second, you said they are sponsoring a "BBQ pit"? Then it may be very messy, so definitely don't bring anything too nice, that you wouldn't want to get dead pig or cow or sauce on. Another reason to bring some extra duds.

Ask for pictures from "last year's"!
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 02:56 PM
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Sunny - Thanks for the update on NYC weather. I would not wear kakhis, denim for sure - either jeans (any wash is fine) or a skirt. The silver/turq. jewelry was a good suggestion too. If you don't own cowboy boots (and why would you in NYC!) then by all means wear your casual, ankle boots. They sound perfect. Seashell is right it can be cold and rainy that time of year so a waterproof short coat might be a good idea too.
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 04:01 PM
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If you don't already have good cowboy boots, the boots you have and boot-cut jeans should be fine.

There is no need to buy designer jeans. If you want to go "western" with your jeans, wear a western brand that the horsey set favors - Cruel Girl, Wrangler Aura, Rockies, Lawman, etc.

You can get any of those online or at a local western wear store. If you really want to look the part, spring for a BB Simon bling bling belt.

I also agree not to wear a hat unless you already have a good one. Texans (and other westernwear connoiseurs) are very picky about boots and hats, so better not to get them unless you know exactly which ones to get. (And they are expen$ive, so unless you are going to get a lot of use out of them, not worth it for one occasion.)

Here is a website with some cute western shirts if you'd like to dress up your jeans. I like the Scully brand - nice, yet won't break the bank.

http://sheplers.com/

They also have the brands of jeans I was talking about and silver and turquoise jewelry.

Have a great time - sounds like fun!
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Old Jan 31st, 2007, 06:02 PM
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When I lived in Houston there were a couple occasions where I had to attend these events as a work related function. The women tend to dress in a range from relaxed country (jeans, boots, western type shirt) all the way to big ticket custom made suede ensembles. Khakis would not fit in, but your jeans and boots would and a button down oxford cloth type shirt would work well. If your husband's position in the company is such that you need to look a bit upscale some nice turquoise jewelry would work but I would not buy it just for the occasion unless you would wear it at other times. As mentioned earlier, don't try to pull off a "western look" if it is not something you routinely do - though much less pretentious than Dallas denizens, these folks can smell a yankee trying to pass from a mile away and will either chuckle or be offended.
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