Tips from the Experts

The following suggestions, taken from surveys and articles about casual dress trends in the workplace, can help future and current employees avoid casual dress blunders.

• For job interviews, dress conservatively or call ahead to ask the interviewer or the receptionist what is appropriate 
• Find out what your company allows.  Ask whether a dress-down policy is available.  Observe what others are wearing on casual dress days.
• If your company has no casual dress policy, volunteer to work with management to develop relevant guidelines, including illustrations of suitable casual attire.
• One expert advises that you "show respect for your and management" by avoiding  jeans, shorts, cut-offs, sleeveless or tank-top shirts or dresses, halter tops, spandex, sheer clothes, exposed bra straps and bare midriffs.
• When meeting customers, dress as well as or better than they do.  Again, this is a sign of professional respect.  
• Dress for the job you want rather than the job you have.
• Above all, make sure that your clothes fit well, are well maintained, and suit you in colour and style.

SOURCES:

Business Communication, Process and Product by Guffey, Rhodes, Rogin