Business Casual vs Business Professionals

The workplace is one of the many places that’s has a mandatory dress code for the workers to reflect a professional image for the company. Dress codes can be placed into two categories.

·         Business Professionals

·         Business Casuals.

Business Professionals

This is the type of attire that would declare in a non-verbal way that the worker is ready to accumulate success for the company in a powerful way. Attorneys, investment bankers, real estate agents entrepreneurs are some of the few examples who dress professionally. Their attire represents themselves and the company.

Men are typically seen in a neat shirt worn with a tie. Simple, polished shoes and a classic watch can create a professional outlook.

A woman’ customary attire can be composed of business styled dresses, suits, conservative blouses and pants, plain heels (an inch or two high) with minimal/ simple jewellery.

(How to 'wow' your interviewer, 2014)

Business Casual

Business casual differs greatly than business professionals in that business casual is a more relaxed approach. But that does not mean showing up in a halter dress or the usual flip flops used for a stroll down the streets would be okay to wear to work. Women can sport blouses, simple shirts, tailored dresses and skirts (which should not be close fitted or revealingly short). Dress pants, khakis can be worn. Jeans may or may not be allowed depending on the place of work. Heels (no, not stilettos) and flats (preferably closed toe) make the perfect footwear. Simple accessories that are neither distracting in looks or sounds can be worn.

Men can opt for collared buttoned or oxford shirts, and blazers in solid colors. The famous tie can be ditched because it is totally unnecessary for the ‘casual look’. Khakis, slacks, cotton and dress pants are stylishly appropriate. While loafers and leather shoes paired with dress socks are the perfect choice when it comes to footwear.

                           
   (Business Casual Attire, n.d.)                                 (Business Casual Attire, n.d.)

References

Business Casual Attire. (n.d.). Retrieved from McCaster University: http://cpd.degroote.mcmaster.ca/student-services/mba-dress-code/business-casual-attire/

Business Casual vs Business Professional. (n.d.). Retrieved from Innovation Academy: http://innovationacademy.ufl.edu/business-attire/

Heathfield, S. M. (2016, December 3). What is Business Attire? Retrieved from The Balance: https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-business-attire-1918075

How to 'wow' your interviewer. (2014, December 9). Retrieved from NYU Wasserman: http://nyuwassermanblog.career.admin.nyu.edu/tag/professional-attire/

Business Attire in International Cultures

In every country around the world, the dress attire may be different or quite similar to each other. They all dress according to their country’s culture.

In Western countries and countries in North America, the work attire are quite similar to each other, in that business professionals prefer dark conservative colours with dress attires such as sleek blazers, clean white shirts, a dark tie, polished shoes or heels etc.

In countries such as Dubai, women usually wear long skirts and shirts in order to cover up themselves. Wearing dress pants in this culture is discouraged, it is preferred for women to wear skirts instead (Tulshyan, 2010). They also opt for a simple hijab that they tie neatly around their head. Skin tight or form fitted clothes are usually avoided as it is considered inappropriate in their culture.

(Hijab Office Wear- 12 Ideas to wear Hijab at Work Elegantly, n.d.)

South American countries such as Brazil and Guyana also go for a sleek business professional like a dark suit but they love to sometimes change it up and add a tie or shirt that may be bright or flashy in colour. In Latin American countries, business women also attire themselves with brightly colored clothing. In other countries, wearing colorful attire in industries like finance might look very out of place, but it is quite okay in Brazil and Guyana to add a touch of colour to your attire.

The dress attire in India is significantly changing. The older generation opted for sarees to wear to work but now younger ladies in today’s world choose to wear a more western dress attire. Although a more formal western look is now being worn; sarees are still preferred and worn by female senior management in positions such as the banking industry.

(Power Dressing: Saree vs Business Suit, n.d.)

References

Hijab Office Wear- 12 Ideas to wear Hijab at Work Elegantly. (n.d.). Retrieved from OutfitTrends:  http://www.outfittrends.com/hijab-office-wear-ideas-to-wear-hijab-at-work/

Power Dressing: Saree vs Business Suit. (n.d.). Retrieved from Indian Roots: http://daily.indianroots.com/power-dressing-saree-vs-the-business-suit/

Tulshyan, R. (2010, March 18). Quirkiest Cultural Practices From Around the World. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/2010/03/18/business-travel-etiquette-forbes-woman-leadership-global.html

Professional Dress Attire for Men

Men have always the epitome of success. They have a confident aura about them that helps to attain the expectations that were supposedly beyond reach in the workforce. Of course talent advances to first place for the success of the company, but it is also the seemingly smaller aspects that make the greatest impact and nothing makes quite an effect as someone who attires themselves in a manner that speaks solidly of success. Everything counts in the way a man dresses. That includes his hair, clothes, shoes and work-related accessories, which are briefly evaluated by his co-workers, clients and boss.

So how do men dress for success? Let’s start from the top. Literally from the very top, which of course, is the hair.

·         Hair

Men have a simpler outlook on hair than women. All it takes is a simple and clean cut at the barber. A haircut relies on the rate of hair growth so it should be trimmed approximately every 4-5 weeks. A good hair gel should also be invested to smooth out and give a healthy shine. There is also the facial hair, which may or may not be allowed depending on the place of work. However, if it is permitted then it should not appear scruffy and unruly, but trimmed and well-kept for a professional appearance.

·         Clothes
The ideal attire that a man chooses to wear can prove to be significantly great for the company. Men should opt for a tailor-made shirt and trousers and care should be taken to make sure that clothes is free from dirt, stains, lint and wrinkle-free. They should be well fitted and not too big that would give a sloppy appearance. The tie is also equally important since it is one of the first things that meets the eye. It should be chosen to complement the outfit and be wrinkle free.

 ·         Shoes
A good pair of quality dress shoes makes quite a flattering statement. They should be worn, preferably darker than the suit. They should also be cleaned and polished on a regular basis.

 ·         Accessories

- Watch: A timeless watch is a signature piece that adds an extra touch of elegance.


- Belt: A simple black or brown belt with simple buckles are common for work and should match with the colour of the shoes.            


- Briefcase: A polished briefcase provides an overall sophisticated look. It is a popular work bag amongst men as well as a necessity to safely carry important documents in and out of the office.

Leo. (n.d.). Perfect Clothing fit for men. Retrieved from The Best Fashion Blog: http://thebestfashionblog.com/mens-fashion/perfect-clothing-fit-for-men-in-2014-part-1

An orderly looking man can display an undesirable air of confidence, power and numerous other qualities through his appearance, which has the ability to make him stand out and automatically places him on the path of success.
Here is a link that gives you some more tips about dressing professional! http://mensfashion.lovetoknow.com/Professional_Dress_Codes

 

References

Cirelli, C. (n.d.). Professional Dress Codes. Retrieved from LovetoKnow: http://mens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/Professional_Dress_Codes

Leo. (n.d.). Perfect Clothing fit for men. Retrieved from The Best Fashion Blog: http://thebestfashionblog.com/mens-fashion/perfect-clothing-fit-for-men-in-2014-part-1

Professional Dress Attire for Women

Most women have swapped their aprons for working suits and are mounting the success ladder. There are numerous elements which determines the success of a woman in the workplace, one being the way she attires and presents herself.

     ·         Clothes
Conclusions are materialised on a day-to-day basis on our appearance, and the first thing that someone notices is our clothing. A woman’s clothing has a substantial effect on how others perceive her to be. Clothing should be neat, well fitted and tailored to exhibit professionalism. Their business suits should consist of a pair of trousers or skirt of the same fabric that goes along with a sleek blazer. Colours should be neutral or should be a solid colour such as black or navy blue. Women should also pay close attention to:
    
      ·         The length of their sleeves. If it passes their wrist, it should be folded neatly
      ·         The length of their skirt and the slit at the back
      ·         Button closure at the front                                                                  
      ·         Length of their trousers

     
    ·         Footwear

Footwear is selected to go in accordance with the occupation you are in and they should be comfortable enough to last all day. Black heels are the most common footwear for women; it should be well polished and clean and should be an inch or two in terms of height.

(n.d.). Retrieved from Like For Success: http://likesuccess.com/img5662530

                                         

    ·         Makeup and Hairstyle

A woman’s professional image is not only supported through her clothes, but also through her hair and makeup. Many women find that wearing makeup makes them feel confident about themselves and in turn inspires positive responses in their interactions (Layton, 2012). On television it might seem appropriate to wear a lot of makeup but in real life glamorous makeup looks very out of place and unprofessional in the workplace (Layton, 2012). Makeup should be applied as natural as possible using neural and warm colours. Any sort of harsh or intense kind of makeup can emit an unethical look. You’re dressing for work, not for a party.

As for hairstyles, a professional message is sent through neat, well-kept tresses which can elevate a woman’s success in the workplace. Hair can be kept in a loose ponytail, a bun or can be open. If you are attending an important meeting or making a presentation, having your hair up in a neat ponytail or sleek bun gives you a professional look (Bullard, n.d.). For older women, bob hairstyles are a great option. Extreme hairstyles, colours and styles should be avoided at all times since this can look very unprofessional.

Pena, A. (2015, June 19). 15 10 makeup tutorials for work. Retrieved from Makeup Tutorials: https://makeuptutorials.com/10-minute-makeup-tutorials-for-work/

In this video, Jen and Evelina shows and explains how to dress fashionably while still looking professional for work. I hope that these tips help you!

         Toe, F. H. (2014, April 15). Petite Fashion Tips: How to dress for an interview/office. Retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfuGrxV7Fqg

References

  n.d.). Retrieved from Like For Success: http://likesuccess.com/img5662530

 Bullard, A. (n.d.). Stylish but professional: Styling your hair for the workplace. Retrieved from  Lifehack: http://www.lifehack.org/382779/stylish-but-professional-styling-your-hair-for-the-workplace

Layton, J. (2012, May 11). 5 makeup tips for professional women. Retrieved from Lifestyle: http://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/style/makeup/face/5-makeup-tips-for-professional-women1.htm

Pena, A. (2015, June 19). 15 10 makeup tutorials for work. Retrieved from Makeup Tutorials: https://makeuptutorials.com/10-minute-makeup-tutorials-for-work/

Toe, F. H. (2014, April 15). Petite Fashion Tips: How to dress for an interview/office. Retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfuGrxV7Fqg

The Importance of Dressing Professional for Work

Business attire has significantly changed and exploded to being one of the most key factors for the success of most companies. Some companies accept a more casual dress attire but that would be found in a more creative industry, whereas other companies require employees to dress and look professional because it creates a positive impression. For example, if you see a person in your workplace wearing flip flops, faded jeans or revealing clothes, they might think their expressing their individuality but their also sending the message that they’re not professional or serious about their work at all. 

 There’s a saying that says “Do not judge a book by its cover”, but unfortunately in the business world, that is exactly what happens so it is so important to dress accordingly because it speaks so much about the individual that you are and what you do.

The major reason why dressing in a proper attire is important is because it is recognized as being professional in the eyes of clients or business partners.

                       

(DeNoncour, 2016)

·   Being Prepared

You never know when you have to meet someone outside your company. The way that you present yourself will be remembered by this person. Remember that first impressions are so important in any business environment. By dressing in the proper attire you will feel so much more comfortable and confident instead of feeling out of place.

     ·   When you look good, you feel good

Dressing professional is a major advantage not just for the company but for yourself. It influences how we feel about ourselves and the way we perform in the workplace. It’s so easy to swap your formal look for a pair of sweatpants or shirt that you know you will feel comfortable in but when you’re  professionally dressed you feel a sense of motivation to want to work harder. In addition, when you know you are dressed appropriately for work and will create a positive impression, it increases your self- confidence and this leads to you performing at your best.

     ·   Dressing professional can increase your chances of a promotion

According to a survey from OfficeTeam, eight in ten (80 percent) executives that were interviewed said that clothing choices affect an employee’s chances of earning a promotion (Wacky work wardrobes wearing thin, 2013). Since dressing professionally influences the way you feel in a positive way, this in turn helps you to perform well in your job which can increase your chances of getting promoted.

So let’s face it, the way you attire yourself for work is crucial for your career and the company that you work in and you only get one chance to make a professional and positive image about yourself.

References

10 reasons why you should dress for success in the workplace. (n.d.). Retrieved from Success Stories: https://successstory.com/inspiration/dress-for-success

DeNoncour, L. (2016, December 6). Decode the dress code- Business casual vs Business professional. Retrieved from Nichols college: https://career.nichols.edu/blog/2016/12/06/decode-the-dress-code-business-casual-vs-business-professional/

Ebersole, G. (2015, March 3). Dress for Success: the importance of you workplace attire. Retrieved from Business Weekly: http://www.readingeagle.com/business-weekly/article/dress-for-success-the-importance-of-your-workplace-attire

Goman, C. K. (2012, March 20). What it really means to dress for success. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2012/03/20/what-it-really-means-to-dress-for-success/#f178e021a2e1

Tumler, N. (2016, May 24). Style Guide- Why is it so important to dress for work? Retrieved from Academy Club: http://www.academy-cube.com/style-guide-why-is-it-important-to-dress-properly-for-work/

Wacky work wardrobes wearing thin. (2013, May 16). Retrieved from OfficeTeam: http://officeteam.rhi.mediaroom.com/wackywardrobes