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We all know the pain of trying to conform to the office dress code guidelines (unless you are fortunate enough to work in an office at a company that has a relaxed work environment).
Generally large corporations, which a lot of people love to work for (benefits, pay rate, perks, holidays, etc… and yes the occasional downsizing) generally tend to gravitate towards business casual or business attire requirements.
That means many things, depending on the company HR guidelines, the fact that your office has direct interaction with customers, the industry you are in, etc.
The truth is that a lot of times, there is a thin line between “appropriate” and “inappropriate” or HR guidelines compliant or non-compliant.
Even if the guidelines are fairly clear, the ability to dress comfortably according to one’s personal style is somewhat restricted.
Let’s take men for example:
Business casual guidelines gravitate around dockers-like pants, buttoned shirts or sweaters and conservative shoes.
Unfortunately most of the pants for men come in 3 major styles: jeans (not allowed), dockers-like (pretty dull and bland and low quality in general) and dress pants (you have to wear dress shoes then and you might as well put on a tie and why not a suit jacket to look any decent).
Aah, not to mention hats, jewelry and others…
Here’s an article describing the general guidelines for the business Casual Dress code.
Quote from about.com:
“Slacks, Pants, and Suit Pants
Slacks that are similar to Dockers and other makers of cotton or synthetic material pants, wool pants, flannel pants,dressy capris, and nice looking dress synthetic pants are acceptable. Inappropriate slacks or pants include jeans, sweatpants, exercise pants, Bermuda shorts, short shorts, shorts, bib overalls, leggings, and any spandex or other form-fitting pants such as people wear for biking.
Skirts, Dresses, and Skirted Suits
Casual dresses and skirts, and skirts that are split at or below the knee are acceptable. Dress and skirt length should be at a length at which you can sit comfortably in public. Short, tight skirts that ride halfway up the thigh are inappropriate for work. Mini-skirts, skorts, sun dresses, beach dresses, and spaghetti-strap dresses are inappropriate for the office.
Shirts, Tops, Blouses, and Jackets
Casual shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, tops, golf-type shirts, and turtlenecks are acceptable attire for work. Most suit jackets or sport jackets are also acceptable attire for the office, if they violate none of the listed guidelines. Inappropriate attire for work includes tank tops; midriff tops; shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons, or slogans; halter-tops; tops with bare shoulders; sweatshirts, and t-shirts unless worn under another blouse, shirt, jacket, or dress.
Shoes and Footwear
Conservative athletic or walking shoes, loafers, clogs, sneakers, boots, flats, dress heels, and leather deck-type shoes are acceptable for work. Wearing no stockings is acceptable in warm weather. Flashy athletic shoes, thongs, flip-flops, slippers, and any shoe with an open toe are not acceptable in the office. Closed toe and closed heel shoes are required in the manufacturing operation area.
Jewelry, Makeup, Perfume, and Cologne
Should be in good taste, with limited visible body piercing. Remember, that some employees are allergic to the chemicals in perfumes and make-up, so wear these substances with restraint.
Hats and Head Covering
Hats are not appropriate in the office. Head Covers that are required for religious purposes or to honor cultural tradition are allowed.”
See full article here.
