There was a time when work attire was easy to identify. Contractors wore overalls or jeans, office and store workers wore suits and formal dresses. It wasn’t difficult to know what you had to wear to work. These days office workers are wearing business shirts with jeans and embroidered polo shirts are more popular than ever.
Some companies accept a casual dress code while others vary between business casual and formal. So let’s talk about the different types of workplace attire and when to wear them.
Knowing What Each Attire Means is Crucial
If you’re about to start your first real job, you’d be forgiven if you have to Google what “business casual” is. What are the right pants to wear with business casual shirts? Where do jeans and cargo pants fit in?
While each company might vary in their interpretations of the different business attires, there are a few standard rules that generally apply. Knowing them should prevent you from showing up to work in your favourite Taylor Swift T-shirt!
Casual Workplace Attire
Depending on the company, casual might be the required choice. Companies that don’t interact with customers or the public, such as call centres and tech companies, might opt for this choice.
Tips for Men and Women
- Casual pants: Only opt for jeans if the company dress code allows for it. Ensure jeans are dark-wash and not ripped. Pants should always be well-fitting.
- Company shirts: If not supplied, regular collared polos and crew-neck sweaters are a good choice. Avoid shirts with other company slogans and logos on them. Sport team shirts, music shirts should also be avoided unless there’s a specific theme day at work.
- Shoes: Sneakers are usually acceptable. Specific dress code regulations will list which shoes are acceptable to be worn. Shoes should always be clean and not damaged.
- Blouses and skirts: Ladies can wear blouses or skirts provided neither are too revealing, tight or short.
Business Casual Attire
Many companies opt for business casual attire if they are working with customers. For the most part, the company wants the employee to look professional and represent the company in a specific manner. This usually includes a company shirt or polo with casual pants.
Tips for Men
- If a company shirt isn’t provided, opt for collared button-ups in any colour unless colours are specified.
- Use dress pants or khakis.
- Shoes can be loafers or oxfords. Avoid sneakers.
- Sportcoats add a professional touch.
Tips for Women
- Skirt with jacket or cardigan.
- Blouses and shirts in solid colours. Avoid miniskirts and low-cut blouses.
- Accessories such as jewellery and scarves will accentuate your look.
- Comfortable shoes such as flats, loafers or pumps. Closed-toe shoes are always more professional.
Formal Workplace Attire
Formal workplace attire is the highest level of professional dress. Imagine yourself attending a board meeting, you’ll want to look professional and well put together. While this might seem old school to many young employees, formal workplace attire represents the ultimate in professionalism.
Tips for Men
- A tailored suit in a neutral, solid colour such as black, navy or grey. Avoid bright colours.
- White, beige or light grey collared button-up shirts.
- Ties should be modest. Avoid novelty ties such as ones with sports team motifs or joke images.
- Shoes should be closed-toe tie-up shoes such as oxfords. Generally, the preferred colour is black or brown.
Tips for Women
- Well-cut skirt or pants suit. The Colour should be conservative and neutral. Black and navy are considered power colours and make you look professional.
- Light toned formal shirts with button-ups and collars.
- Conservative jewellery and other accessories such as scarves. Don’t wear too many accessories.
- Shoes should be closed toe in neutral colours such as black, white, grey or brown.
General Tips for First-Time Employees
There are several rules that first-time employees should always consider with their clothes. Whether your work uniform is a pair of jeans and a company polo shirt or formal pants with a business shirt, the rules are the same. The most common are listed below:
- Clothes need to be clean, well-fitting and pressed. (Work isn’t the place for your favourite grunge outfit.)
- Women should dress conservatively. You will be dealing with customers of all ages and don’t want to be regarded as tacky.
- Shoes should be clean and polished. Be sensible, if you’re walking a lot, or standing behind a counter all day, high-heels might not be the best option.
- Always adhere to your company’s dress code and required colours.
- Familiarise yourself with your company’s stance on piercings and facial hair.
- Dress like the person whose job you would like to have!
Final Thoughts
Many workers might view the concept of company dress code as outdated and a means to eliminate individuality in the workplace. They might even argue that work performance has nothing to do with how an employee dresses.
The truth is, in the real world, professionals are judged and evaluated by the clothes they wear. Clothing is just one of the factors that will determine whether a customer feels comfortable approaching you. Don’t let your favourite rock n roll t-shirt stand between you and success!