Dress Codes
A Dress to Success Test
1.
2.
3.
Casual dress on Fridays means that
my attitude and language can be
casual too.
Business casual means a man's shirt
should have a collar.
If a man does not have time to shave
in the morning before work he should
keep an electric razor in his desk
drawer.
4. It's perfectly okay to ask a well
dressed professional where they got
their clothes and how much they paid.
5. I can smoke in my own office even if
the building is non-smoking.
6. If a co-worker is dressing
inappropriately at work, I have a
responsibility to tell them.
7. If I have to attend a formal function in
the evening, it is perfectly acceptable
to wear my formal clothes during the
day.
8. It cannot be construed as sexual
harassment if I comment on coworkers appearance whether man or
woman.
9. Everyone should know that good
grooming is an intrinsic part of any
workplace dress code.
10. Chewing gum is a good habit to get
into if you want to keep fresh breath.
Hats

Always remove your hat when indoors.
Even business casual means that your
baseball cap stays at home. Hats
should not be worn in restaurants,
meetings, church, receptions or
places of work. It is a sign of
disrespect. EXCEPTIONS: Indoor
sporting events or for religious
reasons.
Do not wear open toes, sleeveless or
revealing clothing in situations where
a sit-down meal is being served or if
you'll be in contact with clients. This
includes associates homes, weddings,
special events, the workplace or
restaurants.
Casual Clothing

"Casual" includes: khakis, sport
shirts, sweaters, slacks, blouses and
skirts. The kind of clothes you'd wear
shopping or to the bank.
(Some people get casual confused with
very informal or "play" clothes like tank
tops, cut offs, bathing suits, or t-shirts
which should only be worn around the
house or for "play.“)

Typically business casual means a tie
is not required, however a collar is.
Don't forget, casual clothes don't
mean casual manners. Business
people who dress business casual
should remember that they will be in
contact with clients who will make
first impressions.

In the business arena it is much safer
to be overdressed then underdressed.

In determining what to wear each
morning, take a minute to assess the
role you will be playing that day. The
level of formality depends on whom
you are interacting with and what your
responsibilities will be.

Less is more when it comes to makeup, jewelry and perfume. You can
make a statement about your style
without being excessive. Most
business people do not appreciate
"trends" like facial hair, piercing or
body tattoos. Hair color should be
natural and neat and clean.

Do not chew gum. It is noisy and
looks bad. If you are worried about
bad breath, brush your teeth often and
carry mints.
Questions to ask yourself:

Does this clothing fit me properly? Is it too tight,
too loose or too short?
Does this article of clothing, pair of shoes,
handbag etc look worn out or outdated? (You
should not wear garments that are torn, patched or
obviously mended to work - ever!)
Am I dressed appropriately for my position and
responsibilities? Do not wear sneakers, tank tops,
tee shirts or revealing clothing to work if you hope
to gain the respect of your clients, peers or higher
ups.
One Final Hint:

Dress as though you hold a position
higher in rank than where you actually
are in the company.
Dress for success!
Formality of the Occasion

Semi-Formal
A business suit and tie for men and a
business suit for women is appropriate.
Semi-formal attire is appropriate for
any business function where attire was
not specified. Men should choose
conservative ties, no cartoons or loud
patterns.

Formal
A dark suit and tie for men and a dressy
business suit for women is appropriate.
Women may also wear dresses or pantsuits.
The rule is generally that the more formal the
event, the more covered up a woman should
dress. Take a wrap or dress jacket if you go
strappy or sleeveless. Choose dress fabrics
like velvet or silk which you would of course
not wear to work.

Cocktail
Business dress for men is always
appropriate. A jacket and tie should be
worn for the duration of the function.
Women may choose "cocktail" suits,
shorter dresses or dressy pants. The
mood is generally light-hearted unless
the invitation states "formal-cocktail
reception”.