All casual clothing is not suitable for the office, these guidelines will help you determine what is appropriate to wear to work. Clothing that works well for the beach, yard work, dance clubs, exercise sessions, and sports contests may not be appropriate for a professional appearance at work.
Clothing that reveals too much cleavage, your back, your chest, your feet, your stomach or your underwear is not appropriate for a place of business, even in a business casual setting.
Even in a business casual work environment, clothing should be pressed and never wrinkled. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable. All seams must be finished. Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to other employees is unacceptable. Clothing that has the company logo is encouraged. Sports team, university, and fashion brand names on clothing are generally acceptable.
Certain days can be declared dress down days, generally Fridays. On these days, jeans and other more casual clothing, although never clothing potentially offensive to others, are not allowed.
Here is a list of a brief overview of acceptable clothing items that are casual yet appropriate for a workplace.
- slacks, pants and suit pants
- shoes and footwear (Conservative athletic or walking shoes, loafers, clogs, sneakers, boots, flats, dress heels, and leather deck-type shoes are acceptable for work.
- jewellery, make-up, perfume and cologne (should be in good taste, and limited body piercing)
- hats and head covering (hats maybe allowed depending on the workplace setting and religious head coverings are always allowed)
References
Heathfield, S. M.
(n.d.). Dress for Work Success: A Business Casual Dress Code. Human
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