Understanding Your Workplace Dress Code

As recently as the 1980's, there was a strict universal dress code for employees of all professions. Now, however, times are changing and "business casual" is more common than anything else. So how can you understand your workplace dress code? Unfortunately, since each company is different, you'll have to work to interpret the company culture before selecting your wardrobe. You should also realize that "professional" no longer translates as "uncomfortable", as the professional clothing of today is made in far more comfortable synthetic fabrics that make dressing for work less painful.

Know Your Own Standards
The first thing you need to consider when trying to understand your workplace dress code is how you feel about professional clothing. If you are a woman who isn't comfortable wearing pants to work, don't do it. Similarly, if you are a man who thinks anything less than a three-piece suit is inappropriate, then dress the part. It isn't always about the "minimum" required by your employee handbook. You also have to go with what makes you comfortable, even if everyone else is dressing down and you don't feel right about it.

Take Notes During the Interview
Most job searching guides advise job seekers to bring a notebook and pen to interviews with which to take notes. This is a great practice, but use your notebook to write down more than salary and job description information. Understanding your workplace dress code means being observant from the interview on. Look around at how other people are dressed and make notes about their style. If you see lots of people in khakis and sweaters, then you can take it to mean that the dress code is more casual. If everyone is dressed in black or brown suits, however, you'll need to be more professional.

Ask Your Interviewer for Clarification
Many employers will bring up the workplace dress code during your interview, which is a great time for clarification. For example, she might say, "Professional dress is required every day except for Fridays". Since "professional dress" can mean several different things, ask about your employer's definition of professional. This will demonstrate that you are concerned about appearances and that you want to meet the requirements of your new job should you get hired.

Play "Follow the Leader"
If you're inclined to bend the workplace dress code rules a little bit, wait until you've been at the company for a few weeks. Watch the other employees (as well as your boss) and see which rules they bend. You should never be the first to stretch the boundaries of professional dress, but if your boss is fond of wearing jeans on a Wednesday, then you can feel comfortable following suit. And again, if you don't know the answer to a dress code question, you're much better off if you just ask.