How to Interpret the Office Dress Code (or Lack Thereof)

September 1, 2008 by admin · Leave a Comment 

Whether or not your office has a dress code, there are some basic rules of dress for any place of business. Many small businesses do not have a set dress code for the simple reason that no one there has ever dressed inappropriately. You don’t want to be the first! However, many businesses do have dress codes, some may be formalized in writing , while others are verbal.

The definition of “appropriate attire” varies, depending on your industry, position, company and even on the day of the week. For example, a client-facing partner will have more formal dress expectations than the mail sorter. Dress codes often include rules which are for your safety, like wearing closed-toe shoes. Open toed shoes put you at risk for a stubbed toe, and your employer at risk for a lawsuit. More “blue collar” jobs might require steel-toed boots.

In general, the basic assumption (whether or not there is an official dress code) is that employees will arrive smelling nice (without too much perfume/cologne), shaved (or with a neatly trimmed beard/mustache), and wearing clean, non-wrinkled clothes. Hair should be neatly combed, styled or pulled back, and all clothing should be relatively modest.

If your company has a dress code then it is either laid out in detail, or it is verbally described by a standard description. Check out the list below to see what each dress code really means:

• The appropriate attire dress code is pretty much what I outlined above as the bare minimum. Cut offs, especially short skirts and shorts and tank top are all banned. T-shirts void of any offensive decoration/language are fine. Closed toed shoes are a must.
• Business casual generally does without shorts and T-shirts all together, replacing them with khakis and polo-shirts. Generally there is an expectation of no facial jewelry. This is the most prevalent dress code for most businesses today.
• Business Professional requires slacks and ties for men, often with a jacket. Professional attire is left more vague for women, but it can include pantsuits, power-suits, blouses with tailored skirts or something of a similarly classy caliber. This dress code is usually reserved for client facing professionals and others representing the business to the outside world. An exception would be at a law/finance firm where everyone would be expected to dress according to these standards.
• If your employer requires you to wear a uniform, you are still not completely off the hook. You have to make sure it is clean and not wrinkled. Also, many uniforms are “half uniforms”, consisting of a uniform vest or jacket over your own clothes. In this case, unless otherwise specified, the clothes underneath just need to be “appropriate attire”.

Remember that however you dress reflects on your company and will have an impact on the work environment for your fellow employees. Be considerate, and if you have any questions or doubts, check with a manager or someone in HR.