2. Most major religions do not frown upon women in pants. This is 2008, not 1708. In fact, a nice pair of tailored pants is probably the safest thing you can wear in autumn, both in terms of weather and in terms of appropriateness.

3. I would wear a “business-casual” version of my usual wintertime work/professional style. I would avoid jeans and sneakers. I’d veer toward tailored pants (or maybe a wool skirt if it isn’t super cold) with a nice work-appropriate sweater. If I’m taking public transit in NY or DC I’d probably wear a dressy flat or low shoe.

Therefore, jeans are way too risky for a Sunday brunch. Dress slacks are fine, and a dress or skirt is PERFECTLY appropriate. The fact that you’re not in jeans on a weekend doesn’t suggest you’re stuffy (I wear skirts and dresses on the weekend). And it’s never inappropriate to overdress a little in respect to your host/hostess. Though, because it is Sunday, if you do wear slacks, I’d add some color.

If there’s any chance you could be outside on grass, wear flats or wedges (heels will sink). And your boyfriend should be pretty J.Crew invisible — slacks or khakis, button down, and a sweater or casual blazer on top.

You just want to be dressed appropriately (i.e. don’t show cleavage (wear a tanktop), don’t wear see-through top without appropriate coverage underneath, no mini skirts (just above the knee is probably ok, don’t show your naked belly…) – just don’t look naked or provocative. Which is the same rule you should follow for a professional look anyway.

And fall skirts or dresses with boots or shoes are in fashion and totally ok. Just look professional, and not too homey or frumpy. But staying close to your normal style is alright (if you wear flowery dresses with a blazer to work, it should be ok to wear the flowery dress to brunch… if you really want to.)

Otherwise, I’d agree with the majority… Good luck!

WTF? This isn’t the Great Gatsby. Here’s an idea: ask what the dress code is.

WTF? As someone who is very active in a large traditional protestant church, I just don’t understand where this person is coming from. Going to church ain’t like it was in the 1930s. Women aren’t expected, or even frowned upon for wearing pants.

If it’s cold, wear pants; if not, your choice. I agree with most of the commentators on the jeans — Don’t wear them. They may have climbed to the status of “business casual” in the younger crowds, but the older folks definately don’t understand.

Ultimately, I would err on the side of business casual vs. casual.