Dress Codes in the Workplace

A dress code at work is an issue that has been supported as well as opposed equally all over the world. True, there should not be very strict guidelines that one expects employees to adhere to. In countries like the United States, where employees belong to diverse cultures all across the globe, everyone cannot be expected to follow the same dress code.

Yet, when you work in the corporate world, where your business has an image of its own, you are definitely expected to dress appropriately and in sync with your business image.

Dress codes are an integral part of work culture of many organizations. No matter if your company deals with creative work and has a very friendly work culture, or if it has a strict business culture, you are definitely expected to follow certain workplace ethics and norms regarding your attire.

The main goal of a dress code is to bring all the employees on a common platform, so that there is no biased behavior by the management. The next goal is to alleviate all the possibilities of distractions that come with skimpy outfits. Also, sometimes, the attire of some employees may hurt the religious or personal sentiments of other employees.

Moreover, it is necessary to project an appropriate image of the organization in front of customers and potential employees. And lastly, no one wants any of their employees to come dressed shabbily to work. It is simply not good for the working environment.

Dress codes are mostly decided on keeping females employees in mind. Scantily clad women employees in deep-cut blouses are a sure shot distraction for male employees around.

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you leave all the skimpy, flashy outfits for night parties only. Skirts which end above the knees and formal blouses are a comfortable and acceptable formal attire for office. Cleavage-showing blouses or dresses with plunging necklines are a big no-no for office.

You can wear shoes without stockings in the warm weather. The choice of shoes and accessories should also be made appropriately. Heels or flats that cover the toes are appropriate for office. Also, avoid carrying flashy bags with lot of embellishments. Do not go overboard with the use of jewelry and make up.

No matter how casual or friendly your office work culture is, you sure cannot turn up in your boxers, right? Similarly, Bermuda and denim shorts are to be strictly avoided at work.

If you cannot dress up in business suit all the time, a crisp formal shirt combined with formal pants can be a good option. If you are going for slacks, make sure they are decent ones and made from linen or similar fabric. There is no substitute for formal leather shoes when it comes to office footwear.

In some companies, loafers or sneakers may be acceptable as casual business dress code. Men should avoid displaying body piercings or tattoos on visible parts of the body. Jewelry and accessories should be left for the womenfolk only.

A well-groomed and shaven look is something that is expected from all male employees. Many organizations have Monday to Thursday as days meant for formal dressing, while Friday is kept for casual dressing style. Though, casual does not mean jeans with holes or cuts, and T-shirts with unacceptable graphics and wordings.

People extensively judge you from your dressing style and body language. Also, it is a proven fact that the better one is dressed to work, the more productive he or she is throughout the day. Thus, it is necessary to follow the proper dress code at the workplace and complement it with appropriate actions.