Trying to decide what to wear on your first day? Here's how to interpret the office dress code.
Navigating an office dress code can be tricky. Terms are vague and often out-dated. Here’s an idea, in laymen’s terms, of what to wear in today’s workplace.
Business Attire. This is as formal as it gets, without a cummerbund and yards of satin and lace.
- Business-suit and tie for men, no exceptions.
- Women have a bit more leeway and can wear skirts as well as nice blouses with pressed trousers, but clothing should be tailored and well-fitting.
- Closed-toed shoes are a must, as are pantyhose.
- Avoid too much flashy color, such as an all-neon suit. However, a splash of color in a tie or scarf is appropriate.
- Styles should be classic, with nothing too trendy or obtrusive. For instance, a purple velvet suit is still a suit, but much more appropriate for a televangelist than an investment banker.
- Accessories such as jewelry must be simple and traditional. Piercings anywhere besides earrings for women (one in each ear) must be removed. Tattoos must not be visible.
- Hair should be clean-cut and carefully styled. No messy hairdos or days-old facial growth. If facial hair is worn, it should be groomed often and already exist during the work-week (no growing a beard on a Thursday).
- Many companies encourage women to wear subtle make-up, however, they cannot legally force you to do so. If you do choose to wear make-up, choose subtle colors and avoid sparkles or flash.
- Shoes should be heels for women, or dressy flats, and men should wear nice polished shoes.
Business Casual. This is the most common dress-code you will encounter, and the interpretation of this term is the broadest. In general, consider the following:
- Clothing should be conservative and nice. Button-down shirts, trousers, blouses, sport coats, and skirts are suitable.
- Shoes need not be patent-leather and polished; loafers or similar styles are acceptable. Avoid sneakers and sandals, and in most cases closed-toed shoes for women are still required. However, styles can vary toward more trendy looks.
- Keep skirts knee-length or longer.
Casual. This is the most poorly interpreted dress code option. Casual still means work-appropriate, so your clothes must still be neat and conservative.
- Showing a lot of skin (like a bare midriff, or too much cleavage) is always a no-no.
- Avoid sweats, cut-offs, tank tops, and flip-flops. Sneakers are okay, as long as they are new-looking and clean.
- Pair jeans with nicer shirts like polo shirts or casual button-downs. A T-shirt is sometimes acceptable, if it is in good condition. Avoid t-shirts with slogans or ads for things such as beer companies.
- Hair, make-up, and accessories can reflect more personal style, as long as it does not get in the way of your job (such as hair dangling in food, etc.)
In general: it varies by region, so keep that in mind. Business attire in Hawaii means Aloha shirts and khaki pants, which definitely wouldn’t fly on Wall Street. If in doubt, choose something conservative for your first day, and take your cues from the leaders in the office to choose your wardrobe going forward.
The definition of “nice” may be confusing if you’re just entering the workplace, so keep in mind that dressing for work is different than dressing for a party, or for church. Though you may choose nice, dressier clothes for each occasion, the styles you pick will be very different. An Easter Dress will tend toward prettier, flowery fabrics, while a dress for a New Year’s Eve party might be flashy and sparkly. Both are considered “nice” but neither would be appropriate for work.
If you’re still not sure, take your cues from others in your workplace, or watch an episode of The Office on NBC: the wardrobe crew is paid to make them look work-appropriate.
