Dress codes for the office - formal or business casual?

Fifth Graduate blog for x4 recruitment

Dress codes for the office – formal or business casual?

Over the last decade dress codes in many industries have relaxed.  These days there are many workplaces where you are more likely to see jeans and t-shirts than traditional business wear. However, this isn’t always the case. Most business dress codes sit within the vague middle ground of ‘business casual’.

Why so formal?

A company’s objective in establishing a formal business code will be largely to ensure employees project a professional image that engenders credibility and respect. It displays an image of a knowledgeable business professional that clients  find reassuring.

What does your work dress say about you?

It’s imperative that formal wear is clean and pressed. Grooming also says a lot; a well-groomed employee comes across as an organised, competent and focused worker. Dirty, wrinkled or frayed clothing suggests a lack of care or attention to detail. Likewise, clothing that reveals too much skin, or has words, logos or pictures that may be considered offensive looks decidedly unprofessional and could be considered something of an affront to a business client.

Adapt to your environment

Although traditional wear is important for companies that regularly meet with professional clients, sometimes business people prefer to project a more informal image. A company whose key strength is youthfulness and fresh thinking may opt for more casual dress. If you’re regularly working with younger people, traditional business wear may appear stand-offish and send the wrong message. It’s a good idea to adapt to your environment. If in doubt, look at how your colleagues dress. In some businesses, employees are actively encouraged to showcase their individuality through their dress, but this is unusual. As a general rule, it’s better to blend in than to stand to far out.

Practical considerations

More importantly, fashion should fit function. There is an issue of comfort with formal business suits, especially in the summer months. Companies that work outside in warmer climates may encourage their employees to lose heavy jackets in the summer months. Likewise, companies that require their employees to be on their feet a lot of the time may prefer to allow trainers to be worn (but probably not flip-flops!).

Just what is ‘business casual’?

The middle ground of ‘business casual’ is more difficult to define. Generally it is implemented on ‘dress down’ days, usually Fridays. It often means toning down on the formality, but still not crossing into offensive. So University sports team logos on shirts, jumpers, dresses, dress heels and polo shirts are acceptable. However it’s not a good idea to bare too much flesh or to go to any extremes.

Dress-down days can be a great way of maintaining office morale. They have the potential to allow workers to let off steam and encourage a friendly, collaborative atmosphere on Fridays when most people are in a good mood. Casual clothing may have this effect overall, and indeed it is becoming more common for companies to implement more relaxed clothing throughout the week, even in professional environments, to encourage positive and creative thinking all around.

If you’re starting a new role, don’t buy a new business wardrobe until you have been there at least a couple of days. Have a look around you and if in doubt, err on the side of caution and dress more formally than informally – you’ll generally do less harm that way round!