4 Fail-Safe Formulas to Dress to Impress in the Workplace
I’m sure you were hoping that dress codes would be left in middle school as a thing of the past. But in reality, it’s still a necessary measure taken to ensure employees look presentable for their client and customer interactions. It can be tricky to distinguish between the differences in formalities and their guidelines for dressing in the workplace, especially for newbies to the industry. Here are four categories of office dress codes broken down for you (and me)…
Business Formal
Also referred to as “Boardroom Attire,” you’ll find yourself in this dress code if you work in law, regularly meet with executives, or hold some other high-level company position. This is the fanciest you’ll have to look in the workplace.
For Men:
- Suit: can be 1, 2, or 3-buttoned in a solid, neutral color (black, gray, navy)
- Tops: white collared button-up
- Shoes: closed-toe oxfords in brown or black (no loafers)
- Accessories and ties: modest in color and style
For Women:
- Suit: pantsuit or skirt suit* in a conservative, neutral color
- Tops: white collared button-up
- Shoes: closed-toe heels in a neutral color
- Accessories: conservative (studs instead of dangly earrings)
*Skirts should be no more than two finger-widths above the knees
Business Professional
This dress code is the “Traditional Business” attire. Business Professional gives you an everyday professional appearance with more flexibility when it comes to color and pattern, so you can add a little more personality to your outfits.
For Men:
- Option 1: 1 or 2-buttoned suit, still in conservative colors (but more leeway when it comes to patterns)
- Option 2: lighter-colored dress pants with a sports jacket
- Tops: collared button-up in a conservative color
- Shoes: oxfords or polished loafers
- Accessories and ties: conservative colors and patterns, high-end accessories such as nice watches and cuff links
For Women:
- Suit: pantsuit or skirt with a neutral-colored jacket
- Shirt: collared button-up in a solid color
- Shoes: closed-toe pumps
- Accessories: more noticeable jewelry (statement necklace or a chunky watch)
Business Casual
Also known as “Executive Casual,” this is the most common dress code in North America. You can be a lot more expressive in terms of color and accessories while still retaining a professional look.
For Men:
- Tops: collared button-up (any color or conservative pattern), with the option to wear a sweater or pullover on top
- Bottoms: dressy slacks (black dress pants, or khakis in the summer)
- Shoes: any comfortable yet dressy shoe (no sneakers)
- Accessories and ties: ties are optional, but still no novelty ties! More casual accessories, such as a leather watch
For Women:
- Business separates (not a full suit): could be a skirt with a cardigan or jacket
- Tops: colored shirts and blouses (solid colors or muted patterns)
- Bottoms: slacks and khakis
- Shoes: comfortable flats or loafers, closed-toe pumps
- Accessories: larger jewelry is again acceptable, as well as scarves. Hair should be neatly styled but can be in a ponytail or a bun.
Casual
More self-explanatory, but make sure your attire is still neat, pressed and appropriate for the work you’ll be doing!
For Men:
- Tops: collared polos or crew neck sweaters and pullovers
- Bottoms: casual pants and slacks, but you should double-check with your HR if jeans are acceptable
- Shoes: sneakers or loafers
- Accessories: very casual, such as brightly colored watches
For Women:
- Tops: nicely fitted shirts and blouses, but shouldn’t be too tight or revealing
- Bottoms: slacks or skirts in more casual fabrics (like cotton), dark wash denim
- Shoes: avoid casual shoes (like sneakers), but opened-toe shoes are okay
- Accessories: scarves, brightly colored nail polish, more adventurous hairstyles and colors
Offices may interpret these dress codes in different ways, so be sure to feel out the vibe of your workplace to plan your outfits accordingly. Regardless of the environment you work in, it’s hard to go wrong with clothing that is clean, tailored, and professional.
Sources:
https://www.moneycrashers.com/what-wear-work-tips-office-dress-code/
