Appropriately Dressed
Women and men are dressing more alike than in the past, but there still remains some things that neither should wear to work.
Men – Do not wear sweat pants, sweatshirts or workout attire; shorts; sheer clothing or clothing that is excessively revealing, distracting or provocative; t-shirts with slogans, sports insignia or other writing on them, tank tops; athletic shoes, sneakers, or casual sandals.
Women – Do not wear sweat pants, sweatshirts or workout attire; shorts; sheer clothing or clothing that is excessively revealing, distracting or provocative; t-shirts with slogans, sports insignia or other writing on them; halter or tank tops; and skirts/dresses that are excessively short; athletic shoes, sneakers, or casual sandals. Watch the large hoop earrings and tattoos, because it does not have universal appeal.
Everyone should:
•It is your role and responsibility to dress appropriately because it is your job.
•Always strive to project a professional image while at work and in the public eye.
•Be conservative when selecting work attire. If there is doubt as to whether a piece of clothing or outfit is appropriate, do not wear it in the workplace.
•Always avoid loose fitting clothing (sagging pants will not get you a promotion or more money) or items that may cause a safety hazard in the workplace.
•Proper appearance includes personal hygiene. Daily grooming and bathing is required.
•Take a complete look at the workplace dress information below to get an idea of the employee expectations at most organizations. However, if you are already employed you need to follow their dress code policy as described.
•Business Attire – For men this would be a well-fitted business suit (not a cool daddy or pimp-like suit) with tie. For women, dresses or suits with either skirts or slacks. Appropriate footwear for men includes wing tips, loafers, or rubber sole shoes with socks. For women, heels, loafers, or rubber sole shoes with socks or hosiery.
•Informal Business Attire – Slightly less formal than traditional business attire. For men this would be dress pants with a dress shirt or polo-type shirt worn with a jacket but no tie or a dress shirt worn with a tie but no jacket. For women, this is a skirt or dress slacks with a dressy blouse (silks should be avoided in warm climates) and/or sweater, or other type of top with a jacket. The intent of informal business attire is to ensure that personnel are dressed appropriately to meet with the public at a moment’s notice.
•Business Casual Attire – A more casual dress, such as khakis or Dockers style twill pants and a logo polo-type shirt or other types of collared shirt or sweater (for men) or blouse, dressy tee, or sweater (for women). Professionally-styled company logo shirts are required for employees who fall under this category (not t-shirts or sweatshirts). Hosiery/socks are required. Footwear should be selected according to the type of work performed, keeping safety, comfort, and professional appearance in mind. Athletic shoes, tennis shoes, and hats are not permitted.
•Non-Business Casual Attire – Casual attire, such as jeans, polo-type shirts, or other types of collared shirt or sweater (for men) or blouse, dressy tee, or sweater (for women), logo shirts and non-promotional, non athletic fleece wear. Women’s capris must be mid (not upper) calf. Footwear should be selected according to the type of work performed, keeping safety, comfort, and professional appearance in mind. Athletic shoes, tennis shoes, and hats are not permitted in office settings. Hosiery/socks are not required.
•Uniform/Non-Climate Controlled Environments – If uniforms are provided, employees must wear them in accordance with department guidelines. Where uniforms are not provided in non-climate controlled environments, such as warehouses, appropriate attire includes jeans, shorts (non-spandex, covering majority of thigh), athletic shoes or boots where required, fitted tank tops and t-shirts or sweatshirts with non offensive markings, sports, insignia, or other writing on them.