Why Dress Code Is Important?

The term "dress code" originated in London and very quickly spread around the world. A dress code is a form of dress that is required to perform one's job duties. The dress code not only reflects the corporate culture but also plays a significant role in shaping the brand image.

Have you ever heard that: "I won't wear that, I'm not gay!" A dress code speaks more about an individual's social and family status, profession, personal comfort, and attitude toward both progress and tradition. The very notion of a business dress code is blurring. While earlier it was associated with a white top, black bottom, and fifty shades of gray, today's business closet consists of several styles: classic, casual, minimalism, safari, color block, dandy, and even glamor. Even if an employee is prescribed to wear a pantsuit every day, he is free to choose the color, fabric, silhouette, and additional details. So a dark blue suit made of linen will be strikingly different from its counterpart made of fine wool. If companies want to achieve uniformity in the appearance of their employees, each of them will still be unique.

Nowadays, the approach to corporate dress codes is becoming less formal and more open — there are fewer and fewer companies that still regulate the color of shirts and the length of skirts of employees, and more and more those who trust employees to choose their clothes. However, it's not to say that rules don't exist. In companies related to customer service, government organizations, and large corporations, the business dress code is still relevant, and relaxations are allowed on Fridays – a day when shoes can be replaced with neutral sneakers, and under the jacket wear not a shirt, but a T-shirt without a bright print.

The workplace dress code is a fundamental part of the work environment, setting the atmosphere and expectations for employees and the organization as a whole. It is a crucial tool that defines appropriate standards of dress and grooming, aligning them with company culture, industry norms, and customer preferences. So why is it so important? Primarily in the following ways:

The first reason why dressing in proper business attire is important in the business world is because you never know when you will be asked to meet someone from outside your company. Your image of this outsider will be the image of your company that is remembered. In business dealings, this image and message need to be professional. That image could indirectly mean the difference between securing a new deal, contract, or sale and losing the opportunity to make that deal.

Employees dressed neatly and appropriately can give the impression of professionalism and reliability. It conveys importance and dedication to the job and gives the impression that they know how to present themselves and pay attention to detail. This attention to appearance makes employers more likely to believe that the employee will be very conscientious and responsible in other areas as well.

Professional attire should make you feel confident and respected. When a person looks stylish and appropriate, their self-esteem and self-confidence rise. A self-confident person is focused on the main tasks, such as negotiating. After all, he is calm about the impression he makes and focuses solely on negotiations, which increases his chances of success. When you go to work with confidence, it is easier to overcome challenges, build relationships, and continue to improve. When you feel good about yourself, you perform best. This will make you feel confident to take on new challenges, meet new people, and advance your career.

While other aspects of professional life may be beyond your control, how you present yourself is something you can control and use to your advantage. The image you create is your personal brand. It often conveys important information about you to others who do not do business with you.

Different companies have different dress codes. So do not think it is exclusively boring and gray uniform, because business style is not the same as style. Dress code may well be filled with bright colors and prints, if it is appropriate and consistent with the company's culture. Therefore, in most cases, the head of the company himself decides what style should adhere to his employees. However, there are three universal and most common business dress codes, which vary among themselves by the degree of "seriousness":

For men, it implies suits in dark colors – blue or gray, but not black! In addition, the shirt must be white and the shoes must be classic, such as oxfords, derbies or loafers. Women should also wear dark blue or grey tones. It would be better to choose a skirt suit or a strict closed dress, but you can also wear a straight skirt with a blouse in light colors (it is worth remembering that the tights should be flesh-colored!). Shoes are also important: it is best to choose shoes with a flat sole or low heel. Such strict rules are particularly relevant for banking and law. Without a doubt, they will help you make an impression of a solid professional!

This is more comfortable and casual office wear, which implies a little more freedom, unlike the strict and too serious business best. Here, the shirt color can vary from beige to light pink, blue, yellow. The tie, meanwhile, can be more colorful, but still beware of too flashy or abstract prints. This should be remembered and women employees when choosing business attire: business casual allows you to choose colors such as red, green, orange or even fuchsia, bordeaux, terracotta. Meanwhile, office shoes can be replaced by more comfortable loafers.

Here employees are allowed much more: for example, pullovers, sweaters and cardigans, short-sleeved shirts, and comfortable slippers. Colors and prints can be any and even the most unusual. However, this is the main difficulty, because the previous two styles assume the presence of clear rules, and casual improvisation, a balanced combination of etiquette and your own unique taste. Casual does not forbid even jeans or elements of sportswear, but only if you look stylish, elegant and at the same time business-like. Even if you work in a casual workplace, there are times when you may need to dress more formally. For example, you want to make a good impression when clients or potential new clients visit. You may also want to dress more formally for a meeting attended by upper management.

It is important to remember that employees should demonstrate professional qualities and respect for clients and management through their appearance. However, when complying with the dress code, many people are afraid of losing their individuality and becoming part of the "faceless masses." Don't worry: even in the strictest style, you have the right to use accessories that reflect your personal qualities, outlook, and lifestyle: for example, jewelry, brooches, badges, or stickers on stationery.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing business attire:

Always choose longer rather than shorter dresses and skirts. If possible, cover up any visible tattoos.

Do not get body or facial piercings.

Choose jewelry and accessories that match your outfit rather than distracting.

Always wear ironed and clean clothes.

Choose clothes that fit well and don't wear clothes that are too tight or too loose.

Wear shoes that are polished and clean.

Wear your hair in a conservative style and natural hair color.

Avoid wearing see-through or revealing clothing.

If you are unsure if sleeveless blouses are allowed, wear tops that reach at least to your biceps.

Avoid strong action or don't wear perfume.

Choose neutral colors whenever possible.

Keep your nails well-groomed, neat and paint them with neutral nail polish, if you paint them at all.

Use natural or light makeup.

Choose quality over quantity when it comes to accessorizing.

Always think about what message your outfit is sending before you put it on.

Wear clothes that you feel confident in so you don't get distracted or feel uncomfortable at work or in a job interview..

No matter how we look at dressing for success, we cannot ignore the importance of first impressions. First impressions play a huge role in any communication. It is what determines our further interaction with a person and his or her attitude towards us. A conversation that starts with a negative first impression may not lead to the desired result. This is why it is so important to pay attention to your appearance and, in particular, the clothes we choose to wear for the first meeting. It can help us make a positive impression, and show our personality and confidence. Your choice of clothing should cater to your style preferences but don't forget that it should emphasize your individuality, not distract you.

Style work is a tool for achieving goals. It can be a long-awaited promotion, support for a personal brand, or broadcasting a certain image to colleagues, management, customers, simple compliance with the dress code, or a complex path from external transformation to internal change. Goals, like people, are very different. The most important thing is to find yours!