General Dress Codes
Most workplaces have a dress code that all employees must follow. Depending on the type of company, the customers and the position a person holds, he or she must adapt his or her dress code.
When you are new to a workplace or aspiring to a position, it can be difficult to adapt if you don’t know the dress code. In these cases it is always best to play it safe and maintain a conservative style while adapting. Assemble a basic work wardrobe that will help you cope with those first few moments.
Work clothes can be casual or formal, depending on the occasion, schedule and other factors. Generally, a formal style is required for interviews and executive meetings. While for the daily workdays you can choose to wear a casual or an informal dress.
In recent years, casual Friday has become the norm in several countries, including Spain, where people are free to go more informally than on other days, without going for informal or sporting dress.
But, in any of the previous cases there are some general rules that must be followed. All clothing worn in the workplace must fit you. Always buy clothes that are your size, nothing big or small.
They must also be in good condition. If your favorite shirt has been with you for a long time and starts to look worn out, it is time to discard it. The only thing you will get with it is to leave a bad impression. It shouldn’t have wrinkles either, all the clothes should be well ironed.
Women who like to wear skirts and dresses to the office should take care of the length of these clothes. It is advisable that they reach the knee, so that when they sit down, their thighs are covered.
Shoes and accessories
As for the shoes, they must be impeccable at all times. Opt for ones that are closed, in the case of women with low heels for greater comfort.
You must also be careful with the use of accessories and complements. Men should follow the rule of combining the belt with the shoes. Women should limit the use of accessories to three pieces. A discreet necklace, earrings and bracelet will suffice.
Of the rest, keep your nails trimmed and of an appropriate length. Always keep your hair impeccable and avoid covering your face, natural makeup and avoid using strong perfumes.
Difference between casual and formal business wear
Business casual wear
When we hear about the casual dress code we have to understand the different labels it may refer to. Casual or sport is a sporting style. The casual bussines allows you to be comfortable without losing professionalism and the smart casual is the type of clothing you would wear to the office on Friday, a little more informal.
The sport clothes are discarded for the office. On the other hand, in your day to day life you should keep a casual style, that is, dressing elegant but informal.
A neutral colour palette will suit any occasion at the office. Prints are allowed as long as they are subtle. Avoid those that are too flashy and choose a garment that you will wear, for the rest of the outfit use solid colors.
Blazers and cardigans are a good option to wear to the office. They will dress you better, without having to wear a suit. The men’s or women’s pants you wear should be dress pants, discard the jeans.
Also forget about shorts, Bermuda shorts, sneakers, T-shirts and anything that makes you look very casual. For footwear, choose leather shoes, loafers, low heels or boots.
Men’s Casual Dress
To give you an idea of the clothes you can include in a men’s wardrobe for the office, here are some options.
Long-sleeved dress shirts. It is basic that you have a white and a light blue one, you can include others in light and neutral tones, according to your taste. You can also wear a Polo shirt, but choose the ones that are single-colored.
Chinese or wool pants, with a jacket of the same material or a blazer. In this case, ties are optional, you are not obliged to wear them, as it would be in a more formal look.
Woman’s Casual Dress
In the case of women they can include shirts and blouses with sleeves of any length, less than straps. You can wear casual skirts and dresses, always taking care of the amount of skin you show. As a general rule, you should not wear clothes that are revealing, remember that your image will speak for itself.
Also wear a blazer or jacket and opt for closed shoes, leaving the sandals for that walk when you leave the office. Complement the look with a scarf that highlights your style.
Formal business clothing
business clothingFormal business clothing is what you’ll need to attend important meetings and job interviews or internships. At these times you need to make the best impression on yourself.
In some workplaces, especially those involving finances, this type of formal dress is more common. In the rest, it is worn only on certain occasions.
To meet the standards of this attire you should dress as formally as possible. Both men and women should wear a suit of clothes. In the outfit, the jacket should be the same color as the pants or the skirt, as the case may be.
Take care of all the details of your clothes. Not only must they be impeccable, but they must also fit you well. The sleeves of the jacket, for example, should be just above the wrist. The shirt should not be too loose or too tight.
The color of the suits should be dark, it can be black, gray or blue. Combine them with lighter shirts. If you want to add some color, you can do it in the accessories, but always keeping a discreet appearance.
In the case of women it is preferable to discard the casual dresses, these are better for other occasions.
Shoes should be dress shoes. Women, once again, should opt for closed shoes with low heels.