What Is The Business Professional Dress Code?
The business professional dress code can vary slightly by specific company because every organization has a somewhat different culture. There are some general guidelines to follow when it comes to dressing professionally, and following an accepted dress code is critical for making a good first impression. Learning and adhering to a company’s dress code is also important for keeping a job, for advancing in the company and for fitting in with the established internal culture.
<strong>Traditional Business Dress Guidelines</strong>
For more traditional and formal business wear, both men and women should stick to suits in darker or neutral colors. Shirts should be white or lighter colors, without excessive patterns. A few of the most appropriate colors for suits are gray, black or navy blue. Women’s skirt lengths should be knee-length or longer, and heeled shoes shouldn’t be higher than two inches. Nylon hose aren’t as mandatory or in style as they used to be, and one way to get around this option is to wear an ankle-length maxi-skirt. Jewelry shouldn’t be large or excessive, and make-up should complement eye colors.
<strong>Business Casual Guidelines</strong>
Many businesses and organizations have now adopted more casual dress codes for all five days of the week, not just for “Casual Fridays.” In some organizations, it’s acceptable for both men and women to wear new-looking, darker-colored jeans as long as the jeans don’t have rips or any faded spots. Shirts can be button-down or high-quality T-shirts without any logos that some people might consider inappropriate. Shoes and other footwear should still be close-toed and on the conservative side. Shorts, short skirts, tank tops or camisoles are still not appropriate for casual business wear.
Any type of business professional dress code should convey a professional, competent image to both colleagues and customers. Selecting a professional outfit for a job interview is essential for making that positive first impression. The range of dress codes can vary widely from one organization to the next, and employees may dress from casual to formal depending on the setting. More conservative clothing is still the best choice for new employees until they get a better idea of an organization’s established professional dress code.
