Author: Kris McPeak / Source: Lifehack
You really don’t need a credit card at Nordstrom or a personal tailor to have a good wardrobe for the office. The days of suit and tie for men and tailored dresses may still be the norm in the big corporate places, but not so much for the average company.
These days, business casual can and may be the norm, but one should always do their homework on what is expected of you in the workplace.
While it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, this can still put pressure on newer, younger employees who may just be starting out in their career.What is a dress code, anyway? Simply put,[1]
“A dress code is a set of written and, more often, unwritten rules with regard to clothing. Clothing, like other aspects of human physical appearance, has a social significance, with different rules and expectations applying depending on circumstance and occasion.”
In this article, we will take a look at the business dress code expectations and how to dress for success.
Dress code expectations then and now
Since the 50’s, at-work wardrobes have followed the fashion of the decades, including expectations of men and women, given that most women stayed at home.
In the 50’s and 60’s, men wore three piece suits in blue, grey, or brown, and uniform ties. Women wore tailored dresses or skirts plus hats and gloves; although pants and pant suits became acceptable in the 60’s.
Corporate Class Inc. features a wonderful infographic on dress code expectations from the 50’s until today. And the requirements have become more casual and comfortable:[2]
There can be a great deal of ambiguity, and the best way to get around this is to observe and ask questions.
Get expectations first
When starting a new job, it’s not out of line to ask about dress code during your job interview. Pay close attention to what EVERYONE in the office is wearing. From the administrative staff to senior staff. When you meet your potential colleagues, you can ask what is worn on a typical day.
On your first day of work, always wear a more formal ensemble until you get more comfortable with the environment. It’s better to overdress than under-dress. Workable shares these general expectations for how to dress for work before you know the specifics:[3]
“All employees must be clean and well-groomed. Grooming styles dictated by religion and ethnicity aren’t restricted.
All clothes must be work-appropriate. Clothes that are typical in workouts and outdoor activities aren’t allowed.
All clothes must project professionalism. Clothes that are too revealing or inappropriate aren’t allowed.
All clothes must be clean and in good shape. Discernible rips, tears or holes aren’t allowed.
Employees must avoid clothes with stamps that are offensive or inappropriate.”
What’s comfortable for you?
Now that you have a sense of what’s expected in your place of business, think about the clothing that makes you feel the most comfortable?
Ladies, do you really love dresses and skirts, or are pants and blouses your jam? Fellas, does the tie and slacks suit your taste, or are you hoping for a more business casual vibe at your office?
You can build an ensemble wardrobe with just a handful of unique pieces that you can mix-and-match to create several outfits for the work week.
Companies like Lucy, Beta Brand, and Columbia are starting to produce clothing items that stretch like yoga pants, but still look professional enough to wear in the workplace.
If the idea of dress pants or skirts with standard waist lines sounds constricting, you may be able to connect with some of these brands as part of your ensemble.
Sadly, women have a great deal more leeway in the wardrobe arena than men do. Women can vacillate between skirts, dresses, and pants or pant suits, and no one really cares. Men can wear slacks or….slacks. Sometime jeans.
And when it comes to shoes, ladies get away with a lot. Strappy sandals with open toes to feature our matching toe nail polish is considered acceptable; but men wearing sandals that show off their feet…
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