The Ultimate Guide to Decoding Your Office Dress Code

The Ultimate Guide to Decoding Your Office Dress Code
Jobstreet content teamupdated on 14 February, 2022
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Most companies impose a particular dress code that reflects their work culture and projects a professional image befitting the nature of business. While that is all well and good, it can be somewhat confusing to navigate what kind of office attire is appropriate — especially if you are new to the corporate world. To add to the confusion, there are also different business attire codes for corporate events to wrap one’s head around.

But fret no more. We have put together a simplified guide to help you decode your company’s office dress code. Read on to know what corporate attire to wear and when.

Whenever in doubt, go over the following checklist:

  • Look presentable

What matters most is that you look presentable and neat. Keep clothes pressed and fresh. No one wants to see you in a crumpled shirt, no matter how office-appropriate it is. As long as you check this box, you are on the right track to wearing proper office attire.

  • Prioritise comfort over fashion

It does not matter whether you look trendy at work if you look uncomfortable most of the time. If the clothes are a bad fit, or if those shoes are killing your feet, then it is not a suitable business outfit. Your discomfort and pain will show and inevitably affect your productivity at work.

  • Avoid revealing or tight clothing

If you want to assert yourself as a professional, you need to dress like one. Stay away from low-cut tops and too tight and short clothes, especially if you work in an organisation with a conservative culture. Even if the dress code is casual, ill-fitting clothes are generally inappropriate.

  • Keep it simple

Accessories are a great way to show off your personality. However, remember that too much of a good thing can turn unpleasant.

Coco Chanel once said that before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off. While you do not have to take this advice to heart, it is good to remember to keep your accessories classy and work-appropriate.

  • Remember that the nose knows

Many people finish off dressing with a spritz of cologne, perfume, or aftershave. Fragrances are a nice touch to finish off an outfit. But while at work, make sure that whatever perfume or cologne you are wearing is subtle and refreshing rather than overpowering. Be considerate of co-workers who have sensitive noses, too.

  • Dress the part

Are you a creative professional? Then you may be expected to dress in more casual and colourful attire to reflect your personality. Likewise, if you are a software developer, you would not be expected to turn up for work in a suit.

Work from home? Make sure you still look professional during video meetings and calls. The easiest is to wear a crisp white shirt — it is simple, elegant, and no one will notice you wearing the same outfit. Please wear pants. You may be at home, but you are still working. Treat it as such.

Religious attire should also be considered when dressing for work. There is no rule of thumb as far as religious dress goes. Choice in religious attire is more of a question of culture than lifestyle. So, items such as hijabs should never be considered inappropriate corporate wear. Companies must address this culture of discrimination against religious wear if it is an issue in the office.

Now we have gone over the basic ground rules, let us get down to decoding corporate dress codes per occasion. Whether you work in a corporation or not, you will most certainly have to attend a meeting or a cocktail or an event throughout your working life. The following tips will help you figure out what to wear for any affair.

Business Formal/Professional

If you look at dress codes on a formal to casual spectrum, the Business Formal/Professional dress code would be on the extreme end of business attire.

Typical formal business attire would include a well-pressed suit or a formal shirt and a blazer. Don those cufflinks if you have them. A collared shirt and skirt with a blazer, closed-toe footwear, and subtle accessories such as stud earrings are standard for women whose company has a more formal atmosphere. Finally, stick to neutral colours such as black, brown, navy and grey.

Business Casual

This is probably the most common office dress code for companies. Business Casual allows for a slightly more relaxed dressing style.

Instead of a full suit, you could wear collared shirts and blazers. You can express more of your personality with separates such as coloured shirts with khakis or slacks, or a skirt with a blouse and cardigan. Simple but fun accessories are an excellent way to express your individuality without calling too much attention.

Informal/Casual

It is fairly common for companies with stricter business attire rules to observe casual Fridays. For some progressive companies, Informal/Casual dress is worn every day.

The Informal/Casual dress code is as relaxed as you can get where office attire is concerned. That said, it is easy to get carried away with casual clothing. Bear in mind that you are still dressing for work. So, while jeans, polo tees, colourful blouses and accessories are appropriate, that does not include ripped jeans, yoga pants, spaghetti strap tops or flip flops. Keep it casual but smart.

For events

Casual

This is your chance to be comfortable and stylish while showing a different side of yourself out of the office, so make the most of it! Just like before, your outfit should be presentable and smart — leave the tight dress and ripped jeans for when you are out with friends — and you will be good to go.

Casual here means there are no rules, but you will still want to maintain a smart albeit casual image since this is a work event.

Business

Business attire does not differ much from a Business Formal office. Men will be expected to turn up in a dark suit with or without a tie, while the ladies can opt for a classy pantsuit or knee-length dress or skirt with a blouse.

When an event requires business attire, it is an ideal time to introduce some colour to what is essentially your work clothes. A nice pair of heels or an interesting tie should do the trick. Both men and women can effortlessly jump from work to an event while in Business attire.

Cocktail

Cocktails are when you should get to know people and network. Most businesses also use cocktail parties to invite and entertain certain clients and guests in a more relaxed atmosphere than a board room. You never know who you will meet at an office cocktail event. Your next boss might be at the same party.

Cocktail business attire calls for something dressy yet elegant, such as a silk black cocktail dress for women and a well-tailored suit for men. Stay away from cotton-blends and bright-coloured clothes for this event. But, feel free to add a dash of fun with bold accessories and classy footwear.

Black-tie

Possibly the most formal business attire on the spectrum, black-tie events encompass galas, awards ceremonies, charity balls, and the like. For a black-tie event, men usually come in a tuxedo, a white dress shirt with a bow tie, a waistcoat and black dress shoes. Women can glam it up at a black-tie event. A long evening dress and heels are the standard. Sparkly and elegant accessories

Summary

Just remember, whenever in doubt, refer to the checklist to make sure you have got the basics covered. Meanwhile, have fun shopping for your new work clothes!

For more fresh insights into productivity hacking and the latest employment trends,  visit JobStreet’s Career Resources page. Start looking for #JobsThatMatter on JobStreet’s website and app. Make sure to keep your JobStreet profile updated and add #WorkNow if you are ready for immediate hiring.

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