With various dress codes, expectations, and styles, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding or a guide of what is considered appropriate and professional dress code in different settings. Understanding the difference between business formal, business professional, and business casual attire is crucial for those entering or already immersed in the corporate world. These dress codes vary in formality and are often dictated by the industry or company culture.
The importance of business professional attire
Whether you’re preparing for an interview or attending a work related function, knowing the expectations for a business formal dress code is vital. By dressing professionally, you can make sure that you’re making a good first impression on employers, clients, and colleagues.
What is business professional attire?
Business attire is the most formal dress code in a professional setting. It is often required for high level events or meetings and includes clothing items such as dark suits and ties, skirt suits, or suit dresses. For both men and women, classic, conservative colors like black, navy, or charcoal gray are preferred. How to dress professionally is especially important when preparing for an upcoming interview or client meeting and is also important in more traditionally conservative office environments.
Examples of business professional attire
At the most basic level, business professional attire typically includes:
A 2 piece suit: For some, this may look like a pants suit or a skirt suit, and it should be in a dark, neutral color, like brown, navy, gray, or black. If you opt for pants, make sure they fit appropriately and are full-length. Skirts, on the other hand, should be knee-length. Dresses are also an option, as long as they are professional and tidy.
A muted shirt: A light-colored, classic button down shirt pairs nicely with any suit jacket. Other options include a shell or silk blouse. If you’d like to incorporate a pattern, a subtle stripe is usually the best option. Muted tones are the most appropriate, like light blue or white.
Dress shoes: The look is complete with a brown or black pair of close toed shoes. Some common choices include loafers, Oxfords, cap toes, monk straps, and flats. Heels are also acceptable and should be a conservative height.
What to avoid for business professional attire
Whether you’re preparing for an interview or you’re starting a new job that employs a business professional dress code, it’s also important to be aware of what you shouldn’t wear. Some key things to avoid in business professional clothing are:
Clothes that don’t fit
When clothes don’t fit properly, they can look messy or unprofessional. Make sure that nothing is too baggy or overly tight.
Bright colors or patterns
Business professional clothing should be conservative, so it’s important to avoid any flashy colors or patterns. Refrain from wearing most patterns, stripes are usually a safe choice.
Heels that exceed 2 inches
If you decide to wear heels rather than flats, make sure to choose a slight heel. Under 2 inches is generally considered the acceptable height for professional footwear.
Uncomfortable clothing
Professional business attire is rarely the most comfortable clothing in your closet, but you should still prioritize purchasing pieces that you feel comfortable in.
Excessive makeup
It’s usually a good idea to keep your makeup as simple as possible. Go with neutral hues and soft colors to create a look that is polished and natural without seeming overdone.
Flashy accessories
For the most part, accessories should be kept at a minimum. Avoid busy patterns, chunky jewelry, and anything else that might be distracting.
Accessory tips for business professional attire.
Business attire tips
What a company considers to be appropriate business attire can vary greatly from one organization to the next. It is best to refer to the employer’s dress code or follow the example of your manager or professional coworkers if you aren’t sure what to wear to work.
Here are more business attire tips to help you decide what to wear to work:
- Try to avoid heavy fragrances in perfumes or colognes, as some people can be allergic or sensitive to strong smells
- Try to maintain a clean and professional appearance, regardless of the clothing you wear to work, including clean hair and good hygiene
- Attire should be well fitted, clean and tidy