Almost everybody wants to know the secret to the perfect attire at the workplace. The kind of outfit that exudes the confidence we wish to project. However, there’s no checklist where you can tick off things to decode the ultimate work outfit. The real parameters to determine the right kind of outfit are our own confidence and comfort levels.
The kind of outfit we wear is a huge giveaway of where we are headed. While heavy ethnic wear usually brings weddings to mind, business formals bring huge Multi National Corporations to mind. An outfit also defines the kind of behaviour we project by affecting us subconsciously. Wearing work attire automatically puts us in a zone where we wish to look sharp and project the best version of ourselves- in terms of confidence and reliability. Smart casuals are also taking over the work sphere with the advent of startups. This adds the element of being comfortable.
Business Dress Code Styles.
Let’s start by specifying that there is no fixed rule when it comes to a business attire. The work environment is essential for creating our business dress code. With the growth of start-ups and the spread of a smarter work concepts, even professional clothing has undergone changes. A tie and a suit might not alway be the preferable solution. First, consider the image of your company, its size, the average age of colleagues and the type of target you focus on. Below, I have prepared five different business dress codes for you, to create your office attire based on different company profiles.
1. Casual
your office environment is informal and you don’t word face-to-face with customers, you can opt for a casual look. Even some companies where a formal dress code is requested, sometimes allow for a more comfortable and sporty “casual Friday”attire. However, a casual office lookdoes not mean neglect. Avoid ripped clothes, Bermuda shorts, shorts and tops with thin straps. Instead wear blouses and shirts, flat shoes for women as well and a sweater for men, instead of a jacket. In this style, and only in this, you can also wear sneakers with jeans. But not ripped, of course.
2. Smart Casual
This kind of office attireis very appreciated in young companies, with employees under 40, and a professional and dynamic approach. The smart casual style dress codeprovides a mix between a sporty look and more elegant elements. As a whole it is both professional and comfortable, which allows you to look friendlywithout losing credibility. Blazers and shirtswithout a tie, pastel blousesand wide-leg pants or straight-cut denims, knee-length dressesare the heart of this style.
3. Business casual
The casual business dress codeis a rather formal office look. Professionalismplays an important role but there is still room for comfort, and for playing with accessories. It is an ideal look for structured companies, especially if you are planning a business lunchor a meeting with a client. For men, the suit is recommended, but without a tie, while women can focus on knee-length skirtsor soft pantsor straight-cut pants. Yes to soft colors, like pink and cream, and pastel shades.
4. Business
The office lookpar excellence. The business dress codeis the typical corporate professional attire. Even if you don’t work in a large company, consider it the ideal look for formal occasionssuch as conferences, meetings, presentations, workshops, conventions and trade shows. Be careful not to confuse elegance with excess: simplicityis the key word. Suit and tie for him, with blue, gray or beige suit; suit, blazer or tight dress for her. The shoes are always closed; heels are allowed butnot over 10 cm.
5. Formal business
The formal business dress code is the most classic of all the office attires. As the name implies, it provides an extremely formal outfit, which leaves little room for creativity. It is the type of professional clothing used at the highest levels of management and during official corporate occasions. For men, the white shirt is a must, with a dark suit and a non eccentric tie. For women, dark suit with jacket/skirt or jacket/trouser, with a shirt, or a high necked knee-length or calf length dress. Accessories will be of quality, and classic shoes. Tights are essential for women, even in summer.
Things To Avoid In Office Attire.
Although the nature of the work environment allows a bit of freedom, there are some choices to be avoidedwhen it comes to a professional attire. In particular:
- Shorts and bermudas
- Ripped and worn out jeans
- T-shirts with lettering
- Tops with thin straps
- Deep necklines
- Skirts and dresses too short or too long
- Patterns that are too vivid
- Colors that are too bright
- Flashy accessories
- Heavy make-up
- Very long nails and a nail polish too vibrant
- Too intense fragrances
- Heels too high (do not exceed 10 cm)
- Over the knee boots
- Sandals and/or flip flop
- Sneakers (only allowed in casual dress code)
What colors should you choose for an office attire?
The choice of suitable professional attire is not only a matter of types, but also of shades. What are the colors suitable for the workplace? Here is a quick summary of the most recommended ones.
Blue.
Blue is one of the favorite colors for business, and for a reason. It is a color that conveys trust and responsibility, making you appear competent and credible. Blue is the symbolic color of balance and stability, therefore it instills a sense of security. This is why it is also perfect for public speaking, by establishing an immediate bond with the listener and creating a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere. You can choose it in any shade, from navy blue to dark blue.
Grey.
Another ideal choice for an elegant and sophisticated office attire, without making you look pretentious. The gray evokes calm and naturalness, and has the advantage of not distracting the interlocutor. But be careful to the work environment. It is a cold color that evokes rationality and an analytical personality. Great if you are self-employed, not recommended if you work in a team or in contact with creatives. It would increase the detachment.
Black.
Black is the color of authority and power. Elegant, minimalist, and very charismatic. Perfect if you have a key role or wish to convey an impression of flawless confidence. But avoid the total look: it would make you look impenetrable, dark, and strict. It is a color to choose to enhance the outfit limited to a garment or some accessories.
White.
White is the color of purity and elegance. It gives class and conveys a sense of cleanliness. Declined in a sweater, or a shirt in combination with other colors, it makes the outfit more elegant.
Beige.
Again, a color that works every time. Beige expresses great mental clarity, organization and ability to concentrate even in chaotic situations. It is an excellent color for a professional dress code, but always to be combined with other shades. The total look is to be avoided, while a beige sweater or jacket conveys confidence and knowledge.
Final Word.
Basic tips are the name of the game for deciphering corporate dress code, if only for the reason that your office might interpret “business casual” differently than another organization. In office dress codes, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and dress a little more formally than necessary until you have a better grasp of what is and isn’t acceptable at work. If your business clothing mantra is “clean, tailored, and professional,” it’s pretty hard to go wrong, regardless of the environment in which you work.
