Workwear etiquette: the era of sweats is over

Professional dressing - a minefield of unspoken rules

When the coronavirus pandemic sent most of the workforce home, life shifted to a lower-resolution virtual world where "let's get into our dressing gowns" fashion took the foreground, Crocs became a second skin, and knee-length trousers filled almost every shelf. Of course, we are unlikely to forget the joy of sitting at home for at least half a day soon, but I think it shouldn't take long to adapt to the polished pandemic crayfish.

We all know that our submissive bodies obey the law and that the official uniforms worn in schools, hospitals or courts are one way of manifesting a disciplined society because 'anti-sanitary' thinking, accompanied by original style, is perceived as a blinking warning - a toothy signal against everything that needs to be destroyed at once. And yet, although we must conform to a set style, it can be slightly adjusted^[1].

Now that the back-to-work 'procedure' is still passive, it is likely that comfortable dresses will replace the loungewear that was popular at the beginning of the pandemic. Men, meanwhile, are likely to loosen their ties and opt for slightly larger jackets and shirts to hide the bulging bellies that have developed over the last few months. And that's not the problem: as the grip of the pandemic loosens, so can we.

The truth is that when you first join a new workplace and a fresh team, it's better to err on the side of caution and dress too formally at the beginning until you understand the dress code: if you wear clean, neat and professional clothes, you won't go "into the hoop".

On the other hand, if you may have felt comfortable with a rather casual approach to dress during Zoom meetings, this does not mean that this comfortable approach will not undermine the image you create during face-to-face meetings.

Say no to beachwear and sportswear in the office

Whether you work in a high-profile advertising agency or a law firm, even in hot weather, you need to control how you look and feel: perhaps you must constantly bend and move to reach certain objects that require you to wear something more enclosed. And yet, the most important thing is not to look like you are on holiday unless you are working in a day camp.

Of course, the depth of the neckline should not be forgotten, which should not be more than half a neck, while the bottom line of the skirt/dress must go where (or below) the middle finger of the outstretched hand lands. In any case, clothing should not restrict breathing and should be loose and light in summer^[2].

As for the hottest time of the year, it is advisable to avoid flip-flops: if you wear open-toed shoes, you will be judged by your pedicure's quality (or lack thereof). On the other hand, would you want someone to see an ingrown toenail or a deformed toe? It's distracting and interrupts the flow of productivity. Depending on the nature of your work, wearing sandals can also be dangerous, unsafe, and unhygienic.

You must also say a resounding "no" to beach or gym wear. Sure, a sporty look can be stylish, but shorts, a hooded sweatshirt, or yoga clothes are generally not part of the right work attire unless, of course, you are working at the beach or gym.

One last thing: your underwear must stay in its place (secret). And it doesn't matter if you're wearing a Victoria's Secret bra - it must be visible only to you. In addition, if you are unsure about your clothing choices, it is a good idea to take another look in the mirror before you go to work and ask yourself this question: "If the CEO or a client unexpectedly asked me out to lunch, would I need to change again? If you answer yes, turn around and return to your wardrobe to choose something more chic.

"Copy" your colleagues

The fact is that no one will be furious if we wear what we wear on the night of our school finals. But in the world of work, clothing is a significant accent, especially if your job involves a variety of transactions. And even if you don't see a written dress code in the office, there's nothing more embarrassing for you and your boss than to be invited to a personal episode of "What Not to Wear" for an image that doesn't meet professional standards.

On the other hand, if you don't know what to wear, ask: many offices don't have a formal dress code, assuming that employees will figure it out on their own, but if you can't figure it out by observing other employees, ask if there is an appropriate fashion policy.

Business casual, also known as 'boardroom dress', is the least flexible category of professional fashion, usually reserved for top managers, accountants and lawyers: men should wear a suit, tie (but not necessarily) and neat black shoes with socks; for women, the best choice is trousers or a medium-length skirt with a matching jacket and conservative blouse. Both genders should not overdo it with bright colors, massive accessories, or make-up.

The "professional" dress code means a little more freedom: men should wear a shirt, but a jumper is also suitable. Ties are officially optional, and a wider variety of colors are possible, but the orange tuxedo must remain in your wardrobe until Halloween; women can wear a conservative dress, blouse, or sweater in a subtle color, with sleeves that are at least three-quarter length. You can also be more creative with jewelry and make-up. By the way, tights are not obligatory

Business casual is a place where both genders can take it easy and ditch the suits: women can opt for short-sleeved or sleeveless blouses, as long as they are made of office-appropriate fabric and the décolletage is covered, while the skirt line can rise a few centimeters above the knees^[3].

They may indeed wear flat shoes, but it is advisable to have a V-shaped front. For men, jackets are optional, and simple neutral-colored trousers and polo shirts may be worn. By the way, shoes without socks are also appropriate.

As for jeans, visible tattoos and earrings, and bright hair color, this may not be prohibited in certain offices, but make sure you are not the only "denim lover" in the office.