Basic Principles of a Modern Business Dress Code

A lot of business companies today have unspoken rules of a corporate dress code; some of them even have the written ones. The importance of business attire and its influence on the customers has been recognized by most of the world. The right clothing of the personnel symbolizes professionalism and loyalty for the clients.

American business clothes designer Adriana Coley says that the appearance of the staff can tell more about the company than they can tell themselves.

A dress code for the employee connotes a sense of unity and a sign of belonging to the particular group. Moreover, clothes speak for its owner: the way an employee or a businessman is dressed can tell a lot about him as a person. Usually people make a first perception about your professionalism, intelligence and credibility by looking at your dress. You may have not uttered a word yet but your partners and colleagues have already made their judgments. Often, your look at work influences not only the perceptions, but also the job promotions.

That is why being well-dressed is so important and we are going to tell about the general principles of the modern business dress code in this article.

According to some job-search websites, a person dressed in business casual style should look “pulled together,neat and professional”. What does it mean?

There is a list of standard requirements in terms of dressing and grooming successful businessmen usually keep up to. First of all, you need to think of your audience and the company’s corporate culture when you choose your dress.

Secondly, always wear clothes that perfectly fit you, forget about tight pants or narrow skirts – they are uncomfortable since they restrict your movements.

Clothes should be well-pressed and have no wrinkles.

Formal jackets must be buttoned.

As for the perfume – a fragrance has to be mild, both for women and men.

It is absolutely prohibited to wear shorts, snickers and slippers almost in every organization. Transparent clothes, deep necklines and short skirts for ladies are not appropriate in business. We do not advice to wear too tight or bright clothes as well.

Women are allowed to wear classic pant or skirt suites (remember to check the skirt’s length – it should not be too short, better when covering the knees).

Usually women are obliged to wear hose or tights of skin color in the office. Shoes should be on heels (but not too high). Black and dark colors are preferable.

Your hair must be always under control;natural colors and simple haircuts are classic business approach. Manicure and make-up ought to look calm and modest.Middle length-nails with French-style manicure would be the best option.

Women dress-code is quite strict towards the jewelry. You have to be careful about its size and brightness: colorful bijouterie or big pieces are way too much. Earrings and necklaces should not make noise when you move; minimalism is the core principle of wearing jewelry and the whole business dress code.

As for the model blouses and skirts, the sleeves are supposed to be long. In summer you can wear short variant, but the shoulders are better to be covered up.

Jeans are not on the “white list”in most of the serious corporations. Though some modern companies allow their employees wearing smart casual clothes on Fridays, the best alternative for both sexes is still a classic suit.

If you are working in a business environment, the color of your clothes is assumed to be quiet and restful. Classic black or elegant dark blue can be combined with various tints of gray, beige and brown. But there should be not more than 3 different colors and 2 types of pattern in your dress.

You are allowed to diverse your attire with some stylish accessories.

Finally, let us take a closer look at the men’s dress code.

Conservative business style includes traditional dress shirt, preferably white, lace-up shoes, preferably black, classic jacket and a suitable tie of restricted color that reaches the middle of a belt buckle. Classic but chic watch would not be superfluous. Over-the-calf socks should fit the color of suit or shoes.

Some of the most common and appropriate combinations for men can be:

• Polo shirt with chinos pants, casual belt and leather shoes;
• A classic long-sleeved shirt with cotton trousers, suitable belt and loafers;
• V-neck sweater with a round-neck undershirt, straight-leg jeans and lace-up leather boots.

Knowing the basic dress code rules accepted in the business sector is not only the attribute of style, but a sign of your sophistication and an exquisite taste.

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