Dress: For Any Work Situation
You are a pretty snappy dresser. Admit it. But with the changing dress requirements at offices these days, it is hard to tell the difference between business and business casual. Or, the latest… “resort casual.”
Don’t fret; we’re here to steer you through this corporate jargon and tell you what you are expected to look like day-to-day.
Business Formal:
If someone is asking for this, you can assume they want exactly what the name denotes: An outfit that is polished, tailored and formal. Picture what you might wear to a friend’s wedding that isn’t black tie.
The best advice that we can give to you is to invest in a couple of great garments that are well tailored and fit specifically to your body type– cheap suits look cheap and don’t last. You’ll end up spending more money replacing them in the long run.
Men: There isn’t much room for error here unless you’re an NFL commentator. Wear a suit in neutral colors (navy works best) with a silk tie and an Oxford (cloth) shirt with optional French collar and cuff. A monogram on the sleeve is not obligatory (unless, of course, you run a Fortune 500 company). Accessorize with a silver engineered belt buckle and leather strap to match your footwear.
Women: Try a conservative pant or skirt suit in subdued colors with a silk blouse or collared button down shirt. Finish the look off with closed toed shoes, matching belt and stockings. If you must accessorize further, limit yourself to a simple strand of pearls or stud earrings. Note: Leave the Under Armor at home. We have heard recent horror stories about women that wear garments that are too tight and too revealing in the corporate environment.
Business Casual:
This is just one step down from business formal which is different than one step up from weekend-wear.
Men: Jacket or sport coat with button down and collared shirt stays. The silk necktie goes. No need for suit pants, just nice slacks that are neatly pressed. Finish the look with matching leather belt and shoes.
Women: It doesn’t change that much, but you can leave the starchy silk blouse or collared shirt for another fabric or silhouette (as long as it is tasteful!). And thankfully, stockings are no longer essential.
As a general rule of thumb, unless you are Anna Wintour’s executive assistant, refrain from making your office space a runway show. If you feel the need to distinguish yourself from your cohorts, accessorize with well-edited jewelry (1-2 pieces) and a stunning purse. And don’t forget to leave those 3” high heels for the weekend.
Resort Casual
Sometimes business deals are exercised outside of the confines of your cubicle- on a golf course or during a tennis match. For such occasions, resort casual is the uniform of choice but remember to use your discretion and always look neat and well groomed.
Men: Collared pima or pique cotton shirt (likely emblazoned with your golf club of choice), cotton khaki pants or shorts with loafers.
Women: You have a little more leverage in this category. However, the trick is to keep from overexposing your skin (and in particular, your bust-line). A simple shift dress with silk sweater or a cotton blouse with pants or silk shorts can be worn. Kitten heel or flat shoes and sandals are also appropriate.
Helpful tips here have been provided by Alexandra Thompson; fashion and accessories designer in NYC and founder of the fashion line Persifor.
