In today’s corporate culture, office is a second home for many people considering the hours spent working. In today’s workplace it’s inevitable to consider your choice of office attire. Below are a few tips. Business Attire This is as formal as it gets. • Business-suit and tie for men, no exceptions. • Women have a bit more scope and can wear skirts as well as nice blouses with pressed trousers, but clothing should be tailored and well-fitting. • Closed-toed shoes are a must, as are pantyhose. • Avoid too much flashy color, such as an all-neon suit. However, a splash of color in a tie or scarf is appropriate. • Styles should be classic, with nothing too trendy or obtrusive. For instance, a purple velvet suit is still a suit, but less appropriate for an office. • Accessories such as jewelry must be simple and traditional. Piercings anywhere besides earrings for women (one in each ear) must be removed. Tattoos must not be visible. • Hair should be clean-cut and carefully styled. No messy hairdos or days-old facial growth. If facial hair is worn, it should be groomed often and already exist during the work-week (no growing a beard on a Thursday). • Many companies encourage women to wear subtle make-up, however, they cannot legally force you to do so. If you do choose to wear make-up, choose subtle colors and avoid sparkles or flash. • Shoes should be heels for women, or dressy flats, and men should wear nice polished shoes. Business Casual This is the most common dress-code you will encounter, and the interpretation of this term is the broadest. In general, consider the following:• Clothing should be conservative and nice. Button-down shirts, trousers, blouses, sport coats, and skirts are suitable. • Shoes need not be patent-leather and polished; loafers or similar styles are acceptable. Avoid sneakers and sandals, and in most cases closed-toed shoes for women are still required. However, styles can vary toward more trendy looks. • Keep skirts knee-length or longer. Casual This is the most poorly interpreted dress code option. Casual still means work-appropriate, so your clothes must still be neat and conservative.• Showing a lot of skin (like a bare midriff, or too much cleavage) is always a no-no. • Avoid sweats, cut-offs, tank tops, and flip-flops. Sneakers are okay, as long as they are new-looking and clean. • Pair jeans with nicer shirts like polo shirts or casual button-downs. Avoid t-shirts with slogans or ads for things such as beer companies unless you work at these companies. • Hair, make-up, and accessories can reflect more personal style, as long as it does not get in the way of your job (such as hair dangling in food, etc.) In general: it varies by region, so keep that in mind. Take your cues from the leaders in the office to choose your wardrobe. COMPILED BY GLORIA I. ANYANGO
