If you work in an office, it's important to find appropriate work clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. The clothes you wear to work are a way to convey your professionalism and show that you belong in your work environment.
Jump to Section
- What is the Office Dress Code?
- How to Dress Business Professional
- How to Dress Business Formally
- Business Casual Dress
- How to Dress for a Casual Work Environment
- Office Casual and Smart-Casual
- Want to Learn More About Unleashing Your Inner Fashion Designer?
- Learn More About Tan France's Master Class
Tan France Teaches Style to Everyone Tan France Teaches Style to Everyone
Queer Eye host Tan France breaks down great style guidelines, from creating a capsule wardrobe to looking put-together every day.
What is the Office Dress Code?
An office dress code defines the level of formality of what you can wear to work. Most workplaces don't keep a written code for exactly what clothing employees should wear; instead, they use broad terms such as professional business, formal business, business casual, or casual. By learning more about these categories and determining which ones apply to your workplace, you'll be able to dress for success.
How to Dress Business Professional
Business professional is the most conservative office wear. This traditional business attire is casual office attire in industries such as finance, banking, government and law. A suit or trouser suit and button-down shirt (usually with a tie) or a knee-length pencil skirt and blazer are professional business attire requirements. Your workwear should be designed to fit perfectly. If you wear heels, wear something closed toe and three inches or shorter. Nice flats, loafers and oxfords are also suitable.
How to Dress Business Formally
The dressed version of business professional is business formal, a dress code usually reserved for events such as award ceremonies and benefit dinners. For this, wear a dark suit or skirt suit, a dress shirt and dress shoes. Ties and pocket squares must be silk. Complete your look with a minimalist belt and simple jewelry or cufflinks.
Business Casual Dress
Business casual doesn't necessarily mean casual - in fact, what it means is that you don't have to wear a suit and tie. Business casual attire usually includes a collared shirt (button-up or polo shirt) or sweater on top, with slacks, khakis, chinos, or pencil skirts underneath. You don't necessarily need a tailored suit jacket, although you may also want to add a blazer or sport coat. Whether you choose boots, heels, flats, loafers, mules or oxfords, shoes should be closed-toe and professional. If you're not sure what type of environment you're walking into, business casual is a good way to dress as it falls somewhere between business professional and business casual.
How to Dress for a Casual Work Environment
An office casual outfit is less restrictive than a business casual outfit, but that doesn't mean you have to dress as casually as you would outside of work. This type of workwear is common in the creative industries and more formal workplaces on casual Fridays. To achieve a professional look when wearing casual attire, look for button-ups, blouses, and t-shirts in solid colors and dark wash or black denim without rips and holes. While clean sneakers are fine, wear closed-toe shoes and always avoid flip-flops.
master class
Recommended for you
Online courses taught by the world's greatest minds. Expand your knowledge in these categories.
How To Dress In Summer
Tan France
Teaches Style to Everyone
How Much Does A Wine Glass Cost
Learn More Annie Leibovitz
Teaches Photography
Learn More Frank Gehry
Teaches Design and Architecture
Learn More Diane von Furstenberg
Teaches You to Create a Fashion Brand
Learn more
Office Casual and Smart-Casual
Smart-casual clothing is an upgraded version of casual wear that is generally more suitable for business meetings, client meetings, and casual workplace events. For a smart-casual dress code, break out trendy pieces like a work-appropriate jumpsuit, a blazer, and high-end shoes.
Want to Learn More About Unleashing Your Inner Fashion Designer?
Get an Annual MasterClass Membership and let Tan France be your own style soul guide. quirky eye The fashion guru tells us everything she knows about creating a capsule collection, finding a signature look, understanding proportions, and more (including why it's important to wear underwear to bed) — all in a soothing British accent.
0 Comments