Casual Business Attire:The clothing that is appropriate and acceptable to wear to the workplace either on casual friday on depending on the workplace, possibly a daily basis. It is important to consult your workplace ( preferably upon receiving your job offer) regarding what their standards for workplace attire are. They may hand you a sheet outlining the dress code, or simply provide you with information on the spot as to what is appropriate. With a variety of different careers comes a variety of acceptable clothing. A good guide may come from your boss, and the other employees who have been working at the company for many years.
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Below is a video referencing an image expert named Roberta Hughes. She provides excellent examples of why your image in the workplace is so important, as well as helpful guidelines as to what is appropriate.
In posts to come I will discuss such topics as: the idea of casual fridays, the appearance of tattoos in the workplace, the Do's and Don'ts for both women and men in the workplace, and suggestions on how to create appropriate outfits to go to work in.
The most important things to remember are to aways make sure that your shoes are well kept.
This means clean, shiny, no scuff marks, no dirt, and no missing accessories, or falling off parts.
The Do's and Dont's. . .
Do NOT wear, flip-flops, running shoes, over the knee boots, ten inch heals, or bright colours
Do wear, two inch basic height heals, wedges, flats, boots (below knee), dark colours
Following these simple guidelines makes finding appropriate work shoes a fairly easy task.
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The typical go to shoes that should be in every woman's closet, are a pair of black heals and black flats.
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While fun, some heals are not appropriate for the workplace. Typically any heal with big, chuncky accessories (such as the ones in the picture to the right), or a raised toe peice (for example the picture underneath) are not appropriate.
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Colours will give the edge to your outfit that you may be desiring. Typically coloured shoes should have no more than two solid colours in them.
From here, you can add shoes that have a variety of colours, and tones, such as beige, brown, grey, dark green, red, burgandy, white, peach etc.
Remember how long you need to wear these shoes for, as well as what you will be doing in the shoes (a lot of walking, standing, or sitting?) This may help you determine which shoe is best for you to wear on certain days.
Tip: It is a good idea to get a pair of insoles to put into your shoe. While most recognize that heals can be quite painful after a while, many do not realize that flats can also hurt. Many flats are indeed . . . flat, meaning they have no real support for the foot. A good insole is a quick fix for any shoe.
Women have a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to what they can wear on casual days in the workplace. This can make the daily decision of "what to wear?" difficult. Below are some helpful tips, and ideas of what to dig out of your closet each morning for work.
First, important rules to follow when dressing for work are little cleavage, skirts and dresses must be not more than an inch and a half above the knee (the shortest), and clothing in general must not be too tight.
Go to Items include: Blazers, Skirts, Blouses, and Dresses. A couple well kept pencil skirts, and dress pants in neutral colours such as grey, black, and brown, or white are staple pieces in a woman's wardrobe.
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Two or three blazers are also a good idea as they can be paired with dark jeans to create a classy casual look. The key to looking good is not necessarily wearing a three piece suit.
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The key is knowing what to pair together. Some tips are as follows:
- pencil skirt with a flowing top that is
tucked in
- dress pants with a flowing top not
tucked in
- black slim fit pants with a flowing
top
- black loose fit pants with a tighter
fitting top
- fitted dress with a fitted blazer or sweater
- loose dress with a cropped blazer
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Mainly, remember that is the top is loose the bottoms should be a slimmer/tighter fit. Alternatively, if the top is more formed fitting, the bottom should be looser, or equally as straight lined.
It is generally a good idea to keep colour accents to shoes, and shirts however many women find they can pull off a pair of coloured pants or a patterend skirt while still looking professional. Personally, I tend to stick with neutrals for the bottom and colours such as blue, purple, orange, red, yellow for the tops. My blazers are mostly black because I find it is easier to pair any shirt with a black beige, or grey blazer.
Shirts are the place to have some fun, they can be patterned, have accents such as lace, be bright and colourful, and that pop of colour you may be looking for. That being said, they may also be simple and refined for casual wear if that is your preference.
To create appropriate casual dress wear for men in the workplace there are three simple rules to follow.
Make sure your clothing and accessories are:
Clean, Well Kept, and (usually) Neutral Colours
This may include:
The neutral colour rule works best for pants and shoes. A pair of clean, well kept dark blue or black jeans often works well for a casual look. Light blue jeans or ripped jeans are not acceptable.
Neutral coloured shoes such as black, brown, or white are preferred. An acceptable shoe may be a sneaker or a dress shoe so long as they are clean, without the presence of scuff marks, dirt, or pieces missing or falling off.
For a sweater and a shirt, often you can be a little more creative, that is, if you wish to be. Neutral colours are still a safe bet, but if you want to add a little colour you could do it with a brighter coloured collared shirt. A patterned shirt is acceptable as well. The one rule to apply - Avoid Neon Colours!
If you are wishing to have a collection of shirts in your closet that are easy to create an outfit with, stick with colours such as black, white, grey, beige, blue, green, red and purple. It is also a good rule to make sure all your shirts for work have a collar.
If it is a windy day, pair your shirt with a neutral coloured sweater. Colours such as dark grey, black and blue work well. It is often a nice touch for a casual look to have the cuffs of your shirt hang out below the sleeve of the sweater. Also, a collared shirt with a sweater adds classiness to an otherwise too casual look for work.
Now that we have the clothing aspect down, lets talk about jackets and brief cases (if you require one).
Appropriate jackets would be well tailored, possibly wool, or leather, with and a button up or zippered closer. Once again apply the neutral colours rule.
Lastly, breif cases are an excellent way to appear organized, and prepared. A black leather brief case is the typical, but appropriate way to go.
The scope of business operations has changed dramatically during the past several decades. Due to the emergence of globalization and the development of modern technologies it has become imperative to engage in new geographic locations and cultures. Employees are required to travel to foreign countries to conduct business. Given the chance would you accept an offer to travel to a foreign country for business? Being knowledgeable on the appropriate business attire in different cultures is a crucial element for achieving success.
While many cultures are relaxed when it comes to business attire, many foreign countries are not. Would you know what to wear to a business meeting in India, Japan, Italy, or Brazil?
The majority of countries expect men and women to dress conservatively in dark coloured clothing.
In Asia, particularly in countries such as Japan, India, and China for example it is expected that women dress conservatively. This means high necklines, ankle length skirts, sleeves to the wrist, and overall little skin showing. Business attire should also be dark or neutral in color, and loose fitting. I bet you would not want to be wearing the bright red dress in China for example, that would be considered offensive. For men, a dark coloured pant suit is most often appropriate across cultures. Africa and the Middle east, go by these same standards for appropriate business attire.
European countries, such as France and Italy, have expectations similar to those in North American countries. In these cultures you are expected to be classic and stylish. For women a classic dress or pant suit with a blouse is considered appropriate. For men, a dark coloured suit with a dress shirt and tie are common. It is important to make sure your shoes and boots are always clean and polished as well.
You never really know what exactly is considered appropriate and respectful until you do the research. In general no matter what country you are in, it is most appropriate for men and women to wear a dark coloured, conservative suit. It is however still important to research the appropriate attire before traveling to different cultures for business.The following links: http://www.culturecrossing.net and http://www.worldbusinessculture.com are user friendly websites that are great for researching all you need to know when traveling for business. Using these websites you can find for example that in Brazil they pride themselves on dressing well. Therefore along with dark coloured suits, it is also important for women to have well manicured nails. It is also not uncommon for men in executive positions to wear a three piece suit during meetings.
Don't be the employee who fails to land the contract because they showed up in the wrong clothing and unknowingly disrespected a culture!
Information for this blog taken from: http://www.culturecrossing.net
Many large companies have introduced casual fridays into the workplace. Because employees seem to love casual dress, nine out of ten employers have adopted casual dress days for at least part of the workweek. The idea behind this is to reduce stress, promote creativity, and lift employee moral.
I believe the negative effects of casual fridays such as sloppy attire, and a lazy attitude outweigh the positive effects such as reduced stress. casual fridays.
What do you think?
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From what I have seen, many employees struggle to meet standards even when they are given uniforms. It would seem the concept of uniforms would make things easy, but without proper laundering habits uniforms can appear grungy in no time. Don't you find a once crisp white shirt, after a couple eight hour shifts can be less than professional looking? The same can be said for a vest that once fit, but has now become too tight or has lost buttons.
Customers view employees as less professional when they are not in uniform. Therefore customers are less likely to take them seriously. It is one thing for a grocery, or hardware store to allow casual dress days, but how would you feel if your lawyer showed up to a meeting in ripped blue jeans, a baggy t-shirt, and flip flops?
At my past workplace, cashiers in particular pushed the limits of casual friday. They accomplished this by wearing UGG brand boots, overly tight yoga pants, and low cut shirts. I witnessed a conversation between a customer and a cashier, where the customer was talking about how she was unsure who were the employees v.s the other customers. This is a perfect example of why casual dress days are not always advisable.
Quite often, businesses arrange casual days around a variety of causes such as cancer, drunk driving, and animal abuse. In this case employees pay a fee that is donated to a specific cause. This donation allows the employee to wear a t-shirt that represents the cause of the day. While I am all for donating to good causes, I do not agree with only being aloud to dress casually if you donate. I know from experience that many people rebelled against this idea and simply wore whatever they felt like. In this case, where everyone is not participating the organization does not appear united. In a case where support of specific causes is the reasoning behind casual dress it is important that everyone participates.
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Some businesses introduce casual fridays, but have rules to accompany the concept. This should be the only way that business allow dress down days. Otherwise, boundaries are pushed which leads to the workplace environment becoming a place of leisure, and poor work habits. Also customers need to know who to ask for help, and a uniform is a great way to show authority and knowledge. Would you not be frustrated if you required assistance and could not tell the employees from the customers?
My workplace had casual Fridays, but I opted out of them and wore my regular uniform. I personally felt too laid back, and relaxed in my everyday clothing. Also, the one time I did participate in casual friday, I had more than one customer ask me why I was not in uniform. On the days where I did not participate in casual friday and continued to wear my uniform I had a few customers tell me that they appreciated my professionalism in my workplace. Given the chance, do you, or would you participate in casual friday? In my experience representing the company with a crisp white shirt, and proper dress pants led to a higher level of customer satisfaction.
Tattoos are rapidly growing in popularity, and are now becoming a social normality.
Are tattoos acceptable in the workplace?
Lets start with the one place tattoos are widely accepted; tattoo parlors. Artists tend to have tattoos in order to show off their work and the progressions they have made. In this case the tattoos aid in the career choice, and the business as they are a representation of the skills mastered by each individual employee. Most people who are thinking about getting a tattoo like the artist to have tattoos themselves. Artists are judged based on their skill level, creativity and the appearance of their own tattoo pieces.
In some environments tattoos are not only accepted, but actually expected. The majority of athletes that we are regard as professional, almost all have tattoos. They make no effort to try and cover their artistic works, and they appear on national television frequently. It is very common for basketball players, soccer players, baseball, hockey, and basically every other sport I can think of to have tattoos.
Tattoos are also widely accepted in Hollywood. The majority of musicians, performers, and actors get tattoos and show them off. Do you think this should be allowed? Or does it set a negative example for the youth? According to the statistic brain website, 36% of people between the ages of 18-25, and 40% of people age 26-40 already have tattoos. Could it be that due to this trend among the current generation, that the presence of tattoos in the workplace will one day become a normality?
I think that tattoos are already acceptable, although in some careers they may have to continue to be covered. I say I may be biased as I have a personal example of tattoos being acceptable in the workplace. My boyfriend has tattoos, and works as a Mechanical Engineering Technician, more commonly known as a Millwright. In his profession tattoos are widely spread and accepted. He works for a highly regarded industrial manufacturing plant, that own over 50 plants worldwide. With his uniform on, his arms are bare therefore you can see his tattoos as he works. He is a well respected and valued employee who has gotten significant pay raises, benefits, and responsibilities within a short time of working for this company.
www.careers.yourmoney.ca
This acceptance of tattoos in industrial environments is not uncommon. Many, if not the majority of employees working in these environments have tattoos that are displayed at work.
Industrial, as well as construction based companies value schooling, knowledge and skill over appearance. They appear to be more lenient towards tattoos.
Highly regarded professions such as lawyers, doctors, and professors need to appear professional at all times. This however does not mean that they cannot have tattoos. It would not be ideal to get a tattoo on your neck or hands as for these professions tattoos should be covered. I believe this is due to a need to appear professional because in these careers you are using your knowledge to represent another individual. Its sad, but true that people judge based on appearance, and having a tattoo in some cases can make an individual appear tough, mean, immature ect. I find those who do not know others with tattoos are usually quicker to judge. It is my experience that most people get tattoos to represent a family member or friend, as an expression of love, a memory, or a personal belief. Do you think that people that have tattoos themselves, or have friends or family with tattoos are more likely to feel they should be accepted in the workplace?
It would be nice if people only judged others based on their skills, education, and personality. Unfortunately in work environments that are considered prestigious, where you are representing another, or responsible for their health, this it is not the case. Would you trust a doctor to preform a surgery on you if he showed up covered in tattoos? I think that I would because I have many friends who have tattoos and who I know to be highly educated and very smart. I can honestly say that prior to knowing people with tattoos, I once had a different opinion.
Wardrobe Full of Clothes, Yet No Idea What to Wear to Work?
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"What NOT to Wear" on TLC This highly familiar television show, hosted by Clinton Kelly and Stacey London, features everyday people who are nominated by friends and family, to receive make-overs. These make-overs include a shopping spree, a new wardrobe, an appointment with a professional hair stylist and make-up artist, advice from the professionals, and promise of a brand new, happier, version of themselves at the end of the process.
The nominees for this show often have wardrobes that are either clown like, sloppy, or from an entirely different decade paired with frizzy damaged hair, and either no make up at all, or way too much make-up.
These nominees, upon being subjected to transformation, are excellent examples of people who do not appear professional.
Why do people nominate loved ones to be subjected to this drastic make-over show?
Jennifer- Fashion Producer in New York City
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The way you look- your clothing, grooming, and posture- is key to projecting and maintaining a professional image. The kind of image that will get you hired, and promoted! Appearance is such a powerful force in the business world of today, that some people are turning to image consultants who charge up to $500 an hour (what regular, everyday beau can afford that!?) in order to "look" and therefore "be" successful.
How can we accomplish this look of "professionalism" without the use of a image consultant?
Firstly, Take a look at the video below . . . .
Best Makeovers of 2011-What Not to Wear
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYAGmaxqtqc
It is important to remember that quality is more important than quantity. Avoid sparkly or neon colored garments, heavy duty make up, showing your bra straps, visible thongs or under garments in general, and over powering cologne or perfume. You don't want people to notice you because they are choking, blinded by that bright bubble gum pink beaded necklace, or disgusted by the lack of coverage over your private areas. Ladies, your boobs, as nice as you believe they are do not need to be shown to the general public. Same goes for your underwear! Its private, show some dignity and respect for yourselves and keep it covered.
In order for people to view you as professional it is important to take the time to pamper yourself a little. Its okay to spend money on yourself once in a while; remember, its going to help you get that pay raise you have been aiming for.
On a shopping trip, some key items to purchase for work apparel should include, dress pants, tailored jackets, fitted sweaters, knee length skirts, a variety of tops that cover shoulders and arms, and closed toed shoes.This is just a start.
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Hair should be tamed, appear professional, and taken care of, meaning no visible roots, and especially no pink, blue, or purple streaks. Go to a professional hair stylist if you cannot achieve this look on your own. They are trained to know which colors will look best with your skin tone and which hair cuts will compliment your face shape. For everyday wear, a neat hairstyle, such a simple up do held by a clip or having your hair down, and tamed (not frizzy) is an acceptable look for the workplace.
Body cleanliness is equally, if not even more important; this includes, manicured nails, and two musts. . . the use of deodorant, and proper, diligent dental hygiene to ensure fresh breath. Why is it that so many seem to forget these simple yet so important steps? Keep a pack of mints, a small hair brush, and a few clips in your bag to ensure maintenance for that unexpected meeting with the boss. I say this because I once had a teacher, in public school who's breath smelled like kitty litter on a daily basis. I know for a fact I am not the only one who noticed this.
Lastly, posture is an important step to appearing professional. All you have to do is Stand/Sit Up Straight! This simple step will portray a look of confidence to go along with your new style.
You have roughly three seconds, to make a good impression on someone.
That is not a lot of time!
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These three seconds can affect your success in the workplace, positively or negatively, before you even speak a word.
A future employer, co-worker, or client will judge you firstly on your appearance; the way you look. From your appearance instant judgments are made; the way a person is dressed portrays a mosaic of qualities to the viewer. A well dressed person is more likely to land the job, and become more successful in life, than someone who does not appear professional.
According to "Business Communications: Process and Product" written by Guffey, Rhodes, and Rogin, "Your appearance sends nonverbal cues to the viewer (whoever happens to be looking at you at any given point in time) such as hints to your status in society, your credibility, personality, and your overall potential."
http://www.globalimagegrp.com
If you are polished, and slightly conservative in your style, as the person in the picture on the left is, people will most likely view you as an accomplished, organized, experienced, honorable, skilled, proficient- professional.
If your clothing is baggy, far from crisp, and a little on the revealing side, people most likely see you as someone who is an amateur, unskilled, unreliable, inexperienced, inefficient, improper, second-rate - unprofessional. People are constantly forming quick opinions of others by their appearance. Each time you step out of the confined parameters of your house, like it or not, you are being judged.
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This being said, the word professional is flexible. Someone in a career such as a Home Builder, or a Millwright needs to be protected, able to move freely, and if they are good at their job, they will get dirty. These types of careers have their own accepted, and respected attire that allows them to appear professional while preforming physically demanding tasks at work. Apparel such as steal toed boots, "Big Bill" pants, tool belts, and hard hats are the norm in these types of industries.
No matter what the career, it is always important to dress appropriately, and professionally as the way you appear, speaks just as loudly to the viewer as the words you say.
"Your appearance is your business card"
Putting effort into your appearance, is an excellent beginning to being a respected, successful individual in the workplace.
