Tuesday, February 3, 2015

How To Dress For Your Work Environment


For those of you who are unsure of the typical in-the-office etiquette on corporate to causal swag, this post is for you! What makes an outfit acceptable or not isn’t what is physically being worn, but how people perceive you when wearing a certain item.

Corporate Attire
A 2-piece dark suit in a classic cut with pinstripes or another simple pattern is your safety, go-to outfit. Accompany your suit blazer with a white, crisp dress shirt. Traditional patent leather shoes are a solid wear for men and patent leather pumps for the ladies. You can never go wrong with neutral colored makeup and neatly styled hair.

Business Attire
Similar to corporate attire, a 2-piece blazer and dress pants also works under this dress code category. The exception? Throw some flair out there with colorful prints and patterns! You can use a wide range of styles here so go for it!  Shoes and makeup should remain neutral, unless your outfit is neutral, then spunk it up with some eye-catching shoes and a belt. Jewelry and nail polish is also a nice personality popper, still trustworthy to sport in a conservative work environment.

Business Casual aka Smart Casual Day
Big question when it comes to casual Friday! Let me lay down the law ... jeans are appropriate as long as holes, tears, stains or any other demeaning spot is obviously noticeable, as well as the condition that clients are absent from the office. Cardigans, vests, and flats are also allowed.

Note that women and men have different style guidelines to follow … like how men can wear shorts and women probably should avoid wearing shorts, even if allowed. Under some circumstances, shorts may quite possibly be appropriate if they are on the longer, baggier side, with stockings or leggings underneath to hide all visible flesh.

It is a good idea to see if your company has a strict dress code policy and if you are still unsure, it never hurts to ask! When it comes to your professional image, always be play the safe hand as you only get one shot to ruin your reputation.

Fun fact: If you work at an advertising agency, anything Star Wars related might earn you some brownie points on your higher rank’s personality!


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