In the workforce environment, dress codes often vary according to the culture that your future place of employment wants to embody. More than often, there are three different types of attire that companies require from their employees.
Business Professional
For men: Within environments where business professional attire is required, a two-piece suit is expected. We suggest sticking to solid neutral colors such as black, gray, navy, or brown. If you desire to, subtle pin striping on your suit is also acceptable.
Ensure your button-down shirts are of muted tones or of classic colors (white or light blue) along with conservative silk ties of subtle patterns.
Also ensure your footwear is polished, in colors of black or brown. We also recommend wearing dress shoes such as oxfords to give a polished business professional look. Wear belts in accordance with your outfit, minimal jewelry, and pair your footwear with dark colored socks.
For women: A skirt or pant suit in neutral colors is recommended for all business professional environments. Make sure that your pant legs are at full length and your skirts end at the knee, if you choose to wear a skirt make sure to wear neutral hosiery to cover your legs.
All button-down shirts worn in compliment should be modest, light in color, but not transparent. Though accessories can make an outfit, make sure to choose simple statement pieces such as stud earrings or pearl necklaces to bring your outfit some life.
For shoes, make sure they are closed toed dress flats or heels that do not exceed 2 inches in height. Most importantly, if you choose to wear make-up, choose soft hues to keep along the lines of a natural look.
Business Casual
For men: A business casual environment usually requires slacks, pants, or suit pants of either cotton, wool, flannel, or synthetic materials.
Most collared button-down shirts in either long or short sleeves would be acceptable in most offices alongside sweaters and turtlenecks.
When finding tops to wear- avoid anything with large words, terms, pictures, or logos (this includes school logos). Loafers, dress shoes, or leather deck type shoes are acceptable for work.
For women: Casual dresses and skirts are acceptable in business casual dress environments, but ensure that skirts and shorts are not too short in length.
Avoid wearing miniskirts, sundresses, or sleeveless dresses to work. In most atmospheres, dress slacks or khakis paired with a blouse would be deemed appropriate. Avoid wearing tops with bare shoulders and if you choose to wear t-shirts or tanks, make sure they are layered under another blouse or jacket.
Closed toed shoes should be the only footwear worn in a business casual environment. Per usual, all makeup choices should be in good taste.
Casual
For men: No need for ties here! In most casual attire settings, khakis or jeans paired with a short-sleeved shirt with a collar, simple sweater, plain t-shirts, or polos would be acceptable.
Ensure that all footwear is clean and appropriate for a work environment, we recommend checking with your employer to see if sandals are acceptable in a work setting before choosing to wear them.
For women: Modest sundresses, skirts, khakis or jeans (without holes) are acceptable paired with button down blouses, plain t-shirts.
Avoid wearing anything that may show too much skin- no midriffs, tanks, or low-cut tops. Choose your footwear and accessories accordingly and make sure it is acceptable in your work environment.