Navigating workplace dress codes can be challenging. Different industries, companies, and company environments require different dress codes. Dressing for work can be tricky even if the company you work in has the dress code documented.
Thankfully, dressing for work doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In this guide, we will help you figure out different workplace codes and how to put the outfits together.
Let’s just dive in.
Start with some research
If it’s your first day at work, and you’re not sure what your company’s dress code is, here is what you can do.
First, do some research. Many people want to make a good first impression and present themselves in the best light. That means they, too had questions about the dress codes at some point.
Start by looking through the company’s social media and website. Check out the pictures of the employees and teams around the office, that can be your first hint.
Your other option is to ask your supervisor directly. Ask them if the company has a dress code and what employees usually wear to work.
Different workplace dress codes
Once you find out what your company’s dress code is, you will likely need some dress code deciphering. There are several dress codes, and they include business professional, business casual, smart casual, or casual. There might be some hybrids and crossovers, but generally, these are the main dress codes.
Business professional dress code
Business professional can be described as traditional dress code. People who work in government, law, and financial sectors are likely to wear this dress code.
It’s a very conservative and old-fashioned kind of dress code where you have pretty simple and standardized attire.
Business professional attire will consist of a pantsuit or skirt suit in dark gray or navy colors. Tucked in white button-down shirts paired with a necktie for men or some other simple accessory for women. To finish the outfit, you should wear dress shoes in a color that will complement your suit.
A pair of pants or skirt suits, a couple of button-downs, and some nice shoes are all you need for this dress code.
Business casual dress code
Out of all business dress codes, this one is the most common. It’s a polished yet comfortable dress code, most often seen in media and marketing companies, and education. It’s another simple dress code but unlike business professional, business casual gives you more freedom to mix things up.
While being simple, this dress code can often be the hardest to put together. This is because it has many variations from workplace to workplace.
For instance, dress pants or skirts paired with professional shirts and sweaters are acceptable. Professional dresses, nice shoes such as loafers or dress shoes. Neckties are optional.
You don’t need to break your budget for this dress code. You probably already have some of the staples in your wardrobe. And if you don’t consider buying wholesale. For instance, you can look up professional wholesale blazer dresses.
Smart casual dress code
Smart casual dress code is very much on the rise. This dress code can be described as a mix between business casual and completely casual. It’s a very dressed down and individual dress code and that’s why it’s so popular. Most tech companies and start-ups have this dress code.
This dress code can be slightly difficult to figure out, but you can simply take notes on how other people at work dress and emulate that look.
Usually, smart casual includes casual pants or dark jeans paired with untucked shirts and casual sweaters. Skirts and various dresses are also acceptable. To finish all off, put on a nice pair of shoes or dress sneakers.
To put together a smart casual look, you most likely have all you need in your closet. If you need to simply dress up what you already have and you’re good to go.
Casual dress code
If your company has a minimal to no-dress code at all, you can dress casually. This, of course, doesn’t mean that you can go to work in sweatpants, tracksuits, or shorts. Some limits would be nice, and you still want to dress to impress but without overdressing.
It’s a very comfortable and informal type of dress code that you will most likely find in small companies or tech companies and the arts.
So, jeans and casual pants, skirts and dresses, button-down shirts, T-shirts and sweaters – all are acceptable. And comfortable shoes, of course.
For this dress code, you really don’t have to invest a dime into your wardrobe.
Conclusion
The best way of getting the hang of any company’s dress code is by immersing yourself in their professional environment. Once you’re there, you’ll be able to see what other employees are wearing and you’ll be able to follow their example.
