Dressing for work requires attention whether it’s uniform, formal attire, or smart informal casuals. When you go to work, you want to dress for a successful and productive day. Depending on your industry, job role, and day-to-day tasks, choosing the right work dress code could be critical.
If you’ve been wanting to level up your work wear, read on as we help you master the workplace dress code.
Formal business
Industries like finance, banking, accounting, consulting, law and real estate are all about solid impressions. A crisp suit, matching tie and shoes are the ideal corporate work attire. You build a certain type of trust and confidence with them. It shows your level of professionalism and also marks you as a cultural fit for the company. Even government departments favor conservative and traditional formal business wear.
Business casual
With the concept of ‘Casual Fridays’ and a move towards more relaxed aesthetic vibe in the corporate world, business casual dress code for work has emerged. So, khakis or chinos with a polo or collared shirt for men while dress pants with a fashionable top for women can be the go to categories.
Some companies, especially in the digital sector, even encourage casual wear in the lines of sports jacket with chinos or nice jeans for men; and nice slacks, skirt or dark jeans with a collared or dressy top for women. Still, you must remember, it is NOT weekend wear and you still need to keep it professional.
Informal
Creative industries such as advertising, entertainment, fashion, etc. lean towards relaxing formality around dress codes. These places have the most flexibility to dress in according to personal styles. The best approach is to start with caution with smart casuals and then go along with the vibe of the workplace and co-workers. A blend of workplace and weekend looks is usually the norm but you might have to dress up for important meeting with clients or management nonetheless.
Uniform
The regulated dress code provides a united company image and is also often present for safety reasons. In Australia, the most common workplace dress is the uniform. The country’s largest share of workforce is found in industries and in services of retail, hospitality, and healthcare where uniforms project some important values—
- Motivation
- Productivity
- Collaboration
- Teamwork
For instance, hi vis workwear is a safety essential. However, it can also be a comfortable wear if sourced from the right place. Add to it that fact that it provides so much mental relief of being adequately protected against all workplace hazards.
Dress for success
The fine balance between looking professional and projecting a stylish personality is achievable if you decode dressing for work with care. The above tips can help you. Just remember these pointers.
- Know and understand the dress code that defines your industry
- Make informed choices based on work role and avoid fashion as well as functional faux pas
- Do not go overboard even on select work occasions.
Now that you know the secrets to dressing your best at work, we hope you’ll go ahead and give these tips a try.
