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It’s getting to be that time of year for company picnics.

Now, even if you don’t work for an actual “company”, you know what I mean…the event where all gather in an outdoor area and get the chance to visit with other co-worker’s families. Is it just me, or is does this situation feel peculiar to others as well? Perhaps the strange feeling only occurs every so many years, or perhaps even for only a few minutes each year. But there are moments where I look around and it feels definitely odd to be around work colleagues in a place other than work.

During my corporate career, there was no regular “company” picnic, except for a day at a local amusement park, and once a year my immediate group met at someone’s house. However, such events often have a schedule and order of their own. Folks usually contribute the same foods year after year and sit with the same friends year after year. Without fail, there is always twice as much dessert choices as side dishes, and everyone always complains there is “too much”, just like at family picnics. But at company picnics, the difference is seeing spouses, significant others, and children of people with whom you spend a good deal of waking hours. Although we have heard all about their dear ones (having seen pictures and heard stories), witnessing the dynamics of others’ personal lives can take a few seconds of mental adjustment.

So, since a company picnic is a fairly important social event, either for the first time or twentieth time, the majority of us want to make a good impression, or at least not a bad one. A big question for most people is what to wear. On one hand, comfort is the name of the game, since it will likely be hot and last from the afternoon into the night. If you like to take part in physical activities (like the inevitable volleyball or softball) you’ll have special requirements, just like you do if you opt to go swimming. It makes figuring out what to wear and what to take seem like more work than an overnight trip, since you shouldn’t be quite as casual as you might be with friends or family.

I’m not saying that you should plunk down big bucks for designer duds that will just get dirty from park benches, dusty from bleachers, or sweaty from cheering associates on in friendly competition. But aim for clothes just a bit more upscale than what you wear around the house or to wash your car. These folks, after all, may be in the position to someday be giving you ratings or references; you want their image of you to remain as professional as possible-and that means no skimpy attire for girls or offensive shirts or caps for guys. Most importantly, think about the fact that you don’t want as much familiarity with colleagues as you may have with strangers, as odd as that may sound. As a guy, do you really want your employees to get a close look at your bare chest while you’re grilling hot dogs? As a gal, do you want other women who are in the position of concurring with your pay raise see you braless? Does anyone really want to meet the families of associates wearing anything that’s dirty, ripped, or decidedly ratty?

All of this may not seem like it’s not the least bit relevant to a young person just starting out, but believe me, it is. Whether you like it or not, how you look when away from the work environment and clients says a lot about your overall work image. It’s always better to be a bit more conservative than to be daring and regret it. Save the outrageous stuff for your own time, and down the road, you’ll be glad you did.

What makes company picnics what they are is that they are for those who have bonded from situations during the recent past. As much as you may think you won’t miss anything if you skip this year’s annual picnic, go anyway. You’ll be glad you did. As much as we may grumble about possibly needing to make another trip to the store or juggle our personal schedules, it’s good to do so once a year. Camaraderie can go a long way in making you feel better overall!