A dress code is a set of rules governing what garments may be worn together. Examples of dress codes are combinations such as "smart casual", or "morning dress".
A work dress code is a set of standards that companies develop to help provide their employees with guidance about what is appropriate to wear to work. Work dress codes range from formal to business casual to casual. The formality of the workplace dress code is normally determined by the amount of interaction employees have with customers at their work location. These sample work dress codes include business casual, business casual for manufacturing, casual, and formal work dress codes.
Importance Of Dress Code in Work Place:
Dress codes are an integral part of work culture of any organization. No matter if your company deals with creative work and has a very friendly work culture or if it has a strict business culture, you are definitely expected to follow certain workplace ethics and norms about your attire. Dress codes in the workplace convey a positive image or certain ideals and traditions that a company upholds
The
main goal of dress code is to bring all the employees on a common platform, so that there is no biased behavior by the management.
The next goal is to alleviate all the possibilities of distractions that come with skimpy outfits of some female employees or obscene texts on the shirts of some employees.
Also, sometimes attire of some employees may hurt the religious or personal sentiments of other employees. Moreover, it is necessary to project an appropriate image of the organization in front of the customers and potential employees. This is the reason why dress code in the workplace is of immense importance.
"Casual Dress" for an office environment:
For Men:
- Pants: Khakis or gray wool (lightweight or heavy) long slacks are always a safe bet.
- Shirts: Button down cotton shirts are okay without a tie, a long sleeve button down shirts is preferable to one with short sleeves. Cardigan sweaters are a good choice in cold weather. Short-sleeved polo or golf shirts with a collar are acceptable as well.
- Shoes: Well maintained bucks and loafers (Keep polish in your briefcase for quick touch ups.)
- Blazers: Either a double or single-breasted blazer with gold or silver-colored buttons can dress up any casual day, especially if there is a spontaneous meeting or lunch with clients.
- Accessories: One ring per hand, a wristwatch, ties are optional in many companies, it is best to check before leaving yours at home. For pocketed shirts, one ink pen is sufficient. A leather belt that matches your shoes. (Brown belt for brown shoes, black belt for black shoes etc.)
- Business visit (viz. business deal or meeting): Suit is the most appropriate and preferred business formal. A suit with a light color collared shirt, a matching necktie, and a formal leather shoe is what makes a perfect business formal dress. Suits of dark color like black, navy blue, gray or brown are most common, and are conventionally considered as perfect business formals.
Always at work: Have good posture, smile and act confident
Never at work: Tennis Shoes, Sandals, Visible tattoos, Sleeveless Shirts, Tee shirt with no collar
Tips:
- Wear belts that match your outfits.
- Wear fresh pair of socks, and clean shoes.
- If you carry lunch to office, get a good lunch box.
- Carry a good office bag to your office. A good leather bag, or laptop bag is most convenient.
- Maintain your clothes by regular washing, dry cleaning, laundering and ironing.
For Women:
- Pants: Khakis and Chinos are best in Gray, Beige and Taupe.
- Skirts: 1 inch above or below the knee, longer lengths are also acceptable. Avoid miniskirts at all costs. They reek of unprofessionalism in a corporate environment.
- Shirts: Natural fabric shirts in solid colors, cardigan sweaters and lightweight jackets are always good choices.
- Shoes: Closed toe (flats or heels) and loafers, Shoes should match the hem of the pants or skirts or be darker. (White shoes are not a good investment - ever!)
- Dresses: Think classy when choosing dresses. Avoid spaghetti straps, sundresses, and those with low necklines or sequins. Always wear hose with dresses and skirts.
If the dress code is casual, then you have a wide choice. In IT companies, women wear jeans, casual pants, shirts, T-shirts, blouses, skirts, trousers, dresses, shorts, sweater sets, and blazers. As far as possible, do not wear saris or salwar suits.
Some business places require women to wear business suits, jackets or trousers. Business suits can be worn with a matching or contrasting blouse. With short skirts, one must wear stockings underneath, along with high-heeled sandals.
- Accessories: Think conservative. Small earrings and a necklace are always good. Either a bracelet or wristwatch, but never together on the same arm and one ring on each hand is plenty.
Always at work: Have good posture, smile and act confident.
Never at work: No blue jeans with holes, spaghetti-strap tee shirts and barefoot sandals, big floral prints, visible tattoos, or earrings bigger than a quarter.
Tips:
- Usually women must wear closed high-heeled shoes.
- Wear limited jewelry. Avoid flashy and chunky jewelry.
- Choose a handbag or purse to match your outfits. Shades of black and brown compliment almost any color.
- Hair should be styled, cut, shampooed and conditioned.
- Pay attention to your hands and nails. Remove peeled or chipped nail polish. Makeup should be minimal.
- Wear mild perfume. Deodorants are a must, as they help keeping body odor at bay.
- Some offices or places of business require suits for men, and dresses and hosiery for women. If your workplace has this standard, denim of any type would not be appropriate.
