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