Table of Contents
What kind of dress code?
What dress code should I follow for my workplace? This is the question that no one pays much attention to, but it can be quite bothersome. If there is a dress code policy, you might feel a bit offended. You might ask yourself that are you a little child that you need to be instructed what to wear?
The problem doesn’t go away in the other case as well. What should you wear? Should it be too casual? How much casual should it be? What if you go too casual and it appears unprofessional? What does your colleague wear? Should you take the safer road and wear a formal dress? Your colleagues might not like that and think you are too “high and mighty” to relax a bit.
Universal Guide
Fortunately for you, we have prepared a short universal guide that would help you make a better decision for your dilemma. Business attires are mostly native to the business and its environment. It is sometimes set according to a theme that is synonymous with the firm’s motto or services.
When it comes to dressing for a workplace, you can choose your dressing according to the formality. Your dress code will fall in one of the three criteria discussed ahead.
Also Read: How to Build Your Career in One Company 2021
1. Casual Dress Code:
This is the most preferable dress code in many workplaces, especially tech-related environments such as software houses or incubators. Because otherwise setting up a strict policy sends the feeling that employees are children. A strict dress code is an old-fashioned approach that has now been replaced by casual clothing. However, it does not mean that employees become too casual such as wearing old, dirty, or frayed clothes.
Casual dressing includes jeans, shorts, T-Shirts, and athletic shoes. Sandals are also permitted but don’t get too comfortable and wear your slippers to work. You might also want to avoid sundress or tank tops because you might want to save them for other and better occasions. Besides, they would hinder your comfort in the workplace. Dressing casually does mean choosing dresses that make you comfortable.
2. Business Casual:
Business casual dressing lies just on the midway between formal and casual dressing. It is a balanced clothing, perfect for people that usually find choosing the right clothes a chore (it might be me).
The purpose of business casual clothes is to casually appear formal and yet not too formal. You can wear collared shirts with coats or jackets. Avoid jeans and wear nice khaki or corduroy pant. A stylish sweater can also go on top. Ties can also be worn to add a bit of class. What a person should avoid are sandals, sundresses, shorts, and tank tops. These clothes might send an unprofessional look when meeting new and prospective clients.
3. Full Formal Clothes:
Some businesses set up a strict dress code policy, which is also reasonable according to the job. For example, would you want to meet your lawyer who isn’t in a suit? Exactly!
Formal dressing is on the other end of the spectrum of casual dressing. This type of clothing is normal in industries such as banking, law firms, accounting, and consulting. It also helps distinguish managers from employees and is often adopted by workers at corporate headquarters. A formal dress usually consists of a suit, or sometimes a jacket. Dress shirts, dress shoes, and ties are also integral in such clothing.
Bottom-Line
Let your employees choose their own dressing. They are not kids, after all, and they deserve some independence. Let them dress casually, especially if the interaction at work is purely among peers. If the job involves meeting new people, formal dressing becomes important. It sends a professional look.
However, if you are visiting a trade show or an open house, another type of clothing might be more viable. For example, something that represents your logo such as a handprint of company “Bloody”. You might also consider dressing up in a way that makes you look more approachable. Overall, the dress code in work depends on the occasion and the requirement of the job.
team eaboute
