Appropriate Fashion in the Workplace

     The questions of “What to wear?” and “How to look?” have crossed the minds of everyone including the millions of people who get ready for work every single day.  What is the dress code that is acceptable in the workplace in this day and age?

     Gone are the days when conservative and traditional business attire is the standard. Companies and business establishments are getting more flexible in terms of dress codes for their workforce.  Employees have more freedom in choosing their office clothes.  They can freely express their fashion sense and personalities through their outfits. Employers are less limiting and are becoming more output oriented. They take into account the comfort of their employees for a more relaxed working atmosphere.  Currently, business casual clothing is the trend.  It allows for ease in movement in the office and at the same time still project a professional image and decorum.

     What are considered as business casual clothing for women? There are so many options to choose from. They include knee length or below the knee skirts, slacks, pants or dress pants.  They can be paired with blouses and tops, short or long, keeping skin exposure at a minimum.  Sheath dresses, casual dresses with appropriate lengths, suits and suit dresses are also smart choices. Extremely form fitting clothing is good for the occasional night outs with your office colleagues but never for work.  And when it comes to men’s fashion, the choices range from linen pants, dress pants or slacks paired with casual shirts, long sleeved shirts, short sleeved shirts, sports jackets, suits and suit jackets.  For shoes, closed shoes are more suitable than open toed ones.  Heels should be kept at a safe height to avoid injuries.  Some offices require the use of safety shoes. For accessories, you may use trendy ones so long as they do not interfere with your jobresponsibilities.

A relaxed and very fashionable look

Being fashionable without compromising your professional image

     When choosing for office wear, there are a few things to consider.  One is to make sure that your choice of clothing will help you maintain a respectable and competent image. Remember that you represent your company to the outside world.  You can be fashionable and still be neat and decent. Rule of thumb is, the more loud and distracting your choice is, the less suitable it is. And according to an article that I have read, there is no need to purchase a whole new wardrobe.  You simply start with what you already have and add as the need arises.

     Now that you have the basic idea of what is considered appropriate fashion in the workplace, do not forget the ABC of good hygiene.  Before coming to work, take a shower, brush your teeth, keep your hair neat and for women keep your makeup simple. Perfect choice of clothes and hygiene will complete the look you hope to achieve.