In the competitive world of business, the way you look often translates to performance, which means appearance plays a vital role in your success in the modern corporate setting. While the business casual trend is becoming increasingly popular, understanding the definition of different dress codes can be actually tricky.
Over the last two decades, business attire has significantly changed, where people tend to forget why dressing appropriately is essential. While dress code for professionalism often varies, the main purpose of maintaining a professional image is generally strong. Aside from creating a positive impression, it also presents a visual image and sends a message that the employees are professional.
In business, maintaining a professional image is a priority since the way you dress carries certain messages to those who meet you. Unfortunately, inappropriate dress code in the workplace is one of the most frequent career roadblocks observed by executive coaches today.
"It is critically important to be aware of dress codes, understand what they mean, and follow them," Well Said Inc. president and "Well Said! Presentations and Conversations That Get Results" author Darlene Price told Business Insider. "Employees are obliged to comply with company standards. Oftentimes, that means maintaining a professional appearance in the office, at client sites, and at any business functions."
Price also added that most people don't have a clear understanding of the different dress codes in the modern corporate setting, citing an example about the real definition of the term, "business casual."
"Many highly intelligent, well-qualified, capable men and women are often disqualified or dismissed because 'they don't sell for what they're worth,'" Price continued. "They've left the 'business' out of 'business casual' and the lack of professional appearance holds them back. It's frustrating, because clothing certainly does not determine one's actual competence and credibility; it does, however, influence others' perception of those qualities - and that reality impacts career opportunities."
"Business casual" attire in most companies emboldens employees to project a professional, business-like image while enjoying the benefits of more casual and relaxed clothing. However, there are also factors you need to consider such as the industry, size of the company, number of employees, amount of interaction between employees and customers, geography, climate, culture and average age of the workforce.
So, what are the typical types of clothing that fall under the "business casual" category? Well, it includes slacks or khakis, dress shirt or blouse, open-collar or polo shirt, optional tie or seasonal sport coat, a dress or skirt at knee-length or below, a tailored blazer, knit shirt or sweater, and loafers, dress shoes, or nice sandals.
Since more companies are embracing the business casual approach to office-wear, Koin.com noted the "athleisure" trend has also become increasingly popular. But these business casual dress codes also causes missteps, Sioux City Journal revealed. So, always make sure to maintain your professional image because you may never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
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