Ask the Editor: Baseball Work Events
Jun 21, 2023
One of summer’s great joys is watching baseball at the ballpark. Baseball games are also a popular activity for offices and conferences looking to build morale. But what does one wear to such an event?
Hi Abra,
Greetings from the east coast, thank you for your sartorial guidance for over 14 years! I am an attorney in a medium firm, where the dress code is business casual. I generally skew to the business end of that.Networking with other professionals is part of the job, but having moved here in the pandemic, I haven’t done many events in this geographic area. Soon, the attorneys from my firm are networking with another professional firm (think financial advisors or accounting firm) at our local minor league ballpark to take in a game.
What do I wear? Thank you! Pine Tree State Reader
This is a question we’ve tackled before, but as the weather warms, it’s an issue many of us will likely run into. For a trip to the ballpark, there are two ways to go: A relaxed dress or denim.
For a relaxed dress, try a t-shirt dress or a shirt dress. I own this camo t-shirt dress (ditch the belt) and it’s a great option for something cool and relaxed. I also like this striped dress and this navy dress.
To accessorize, choose a simple sneaker, a baseball cap, and a clear bag (most stadiums require them now). I like a simple baseball cap like this $9 one from Amazon. But if you want something more on the fashion side, a pale tan cap is a great option. It’s a nice neutral look that’s also chic.
I bought a ton of shorts to try this summer. A ton. My favorite ones came from Gap Factory. The length is good, the quality is good, and they’re comfortable to wear. I also bought these distressed cuff jeans in the 5″ length. If you need another affordable pair, I picked these up at Nordstrom Rack. Plus-size? A friend swears by these Tommy Hilfiger shorts.
For a lightweight shirt that is also appropriate for a work event, try something in linen or gauze. This button-up gauze shirt is a great option. For a bit more color, try this hot pink option with short sleeves. For something more feminine, try this blue linen shirt from J.Crew with a ruffle edge.
What do you like to wear to the ballpark? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
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It would be helpful to know what day of the week and what stadium…Broolyn? Hudson Valley? Rockland? If its after work anything goes…its not uncommon for folks to show up at a Yankees game in a suit and briefcase. If its a weekend, I think whatever your typical summer outing wear is would be appropriate. Clear bags are actually not that necessary in most NY area baseball stadiums (football yes).
I have done firm events at Yankee stadium and thrown on Yankees attire as a genuine fan.
My firm just went to a Nats game a few weeks ago, and I wore linen pants with a Nats t-shirt and sandals, and was perfectly comfortable and felt appropriately dressed as a senior associate. It was also hot as hell the day of the game, and the linen pants felt like the coolest choice!
I’m going to a work event at tomorrow’s Guardians/A’s game. It’s a day game and I arranged things so I can work from home in the morning, so I am going to wear cropped jeans and a Guardian’a t-shirt. If I’d had to go into the office, I would have worn capri pants and a breton striped top, or a shift dress and changed into sneakers.
It also depends on where your seats/event are and the weather. If you’re in a suite no one will look twice if you’re in anything from full professional dress to what everyone wears to a ballgame. But if it’s 90 degrees and your seats are in the sun, wear shorts, a casual top, and a hat (and sunscreen!). I’d just stay away from strappy tops and short shorts.
Hello to a fellow New Englander! I would not wear a dress, as it is cool in Maine. If it is hot, go for linen pants or wide leg pants, a breton tee, nice sneakers, and a ball cap, hopefully for a local team. Red Sox or Patriots would be ok. I would not wear shorts as who wants to sit on those dirty seats and have the thighs stick??? If it is cooler, nice jeans, a nice tee, sneakers, a vest or fleece, and a ball cap. Again, show some team spirit by wearing the team colors or a local logo. Have fun!
I think this is good advice, but I’d say that if you do not follow the sport and aren’t *actually* a fan of any local teams, don’t bother spending money on team merch to show team spirit you don’t actually have. It’s more important that you’re there, appropriately dressed, and comfortable.
I just attended a baseball game with clients – it was hot AF so I wore a team t-shirt (that I already owned), denim cutoff shorts and Stan Smiths. I ended up buying a hat at the game because it was so damn hot and my face was frying. If it’s hot and you’ll be outdoors, dress for comfort.
For the cano t-shirt dress, would you just ditch the belt that came with it, or ditch belting all together? I like the look of the dress, but suspect without some waste structure I’d look like I was wearing a sack.
I own this dress, it’s a nice column fit. A little loose, but not shapeless.
Thank you