4 Types of Workwear

There are four main types of dress codes for corporate, including business formal and business professional. There are also casual and business casual. These are the general guidelines for both genders in each of these categories. Stay true to the basics, and make sure that you're dressed professionally.

Business Formal

If you are employed in law, have frequent meetings with executives, or are in a high-level position, you could be required to wear a "business formal" or "boardroom outfit." It is considered to be the most formal and professional attire.

For Men:

• Accessories and ties should be neutral in both style and color. More solid shades or muted neutrals with patterns (a blue plaid tie) and premium in terms of top quality. Do not wear novelty ties like team-themed ties.
• White button-ups with collars.
• Close-toe Oxfords should be in black or brown or black, and not loafers.

For Women:

• A well-cut skirt or pant suit suit is a neutral, conservative shade, like navy, black or brown.
• White button-ups and a collar.
• Closed-toe shoes in neutral shades like taupe, black, and Gray.
• Tights, in particular, in dark shades.
• Accessories that are conservative - like diamond studs instead of chandelier earrings.
• Skirts should never be longer than two finger widths higher than the knees.

Recommended Blog: Smart Casual Men’s Collection

Business Professional

A step back from business formal, professional attire is neat, traditional, conservative, and classic, although it's a bit flexible in colour or pattern. A business professional can also be described as a "traditional professional." You should expect to wear a professional look every day by injecting the individuality of your attire with the accessories you choose and colours.

For Men:

• A two- or one-button suit: The suit's colours should be moderate. However, you can have more freedom with patterns like a traditional check or stripe.
• Lighter-coloured pressed dress pants that are worn with a sports jacket.
• Conservative tie. However, you are free to experiment with designs and colours. For example, you may be comfortable wearing an edgy blue tie but avoid a novelty tie.
• When needed, high-end accessories, like watches (preferably silver, gold, or white gold) and cuff links.
• The shirt should have a collar. However, they can also be coloured, so long that the colour is conservative. Blue, Gray, or burgundy are all suitable.
• Shoes are best suited to conservatively coloured oxfords or polished loafers with brown or black.

For Women:

• A skirt or suit top, jacket, or suit in a neutral and conservative shade like brown, black, or navy.
• Collared button-ups that can be in any solid colour.
• Closed-toe pumps that are neutral colours like brown or black.
• A larger, more prominent piece of jewellery - so long as it doesn't distract. Consider an eye-catching necklace or large watch. Quality is what you want.
• Skirts shouldn't be longer than two finger widths higher than the knees.

Recommended Blog: How to Dress According To Corporate Fashion (For Women)?

Business Casual

Business casual is among the more popular fashion codes in North America, allowing employees to personalize their work attire without appearing informal. In a casual workplace, you can expect lots more colours and accessories.

The concept of "business casual" may mean something different to different organisations, so it's best to look for HR guidelines before making assumptions. Be aware that business casual may also be defined as "executive informal."

For Men:

• You can wear collared, coloured button-ups of any colour. Checks or stripes are also acceptable and are suitable to wear with or without a tie. This short-sleeved button-down shirt by Nice-stuff Clothing is a perfect example of how to be comfortable while still stylish.
• Tie-dye should remain traditional in design. Avoid novelty ties and opt for patterns that include stripes, dots, or checks. A majority of colours are suitable.
• Sweaters and pullovers that are worn over the collar of a shirt. Pick a solid, striped, or a different style of conservatively patterned sweater. The primary and jewel-toned colours are the best.
• Formal slacks such as the black dress pants or even pressed khakis during the summer months, paired with or without an athletic jacket.
• Other accessories that are more casual like a leather-band watch.
• They can be oxford loafers, oxfords, or a more elegant and comfortable pair in black or brown. Avoid sneakers.
• It could allow more flexibility for hairstyles, allowing longer hair (check the HR).

For Women:

• Separates for business rather than an entire suit, A skirt paired with a jacket or cardigan.
• The colour of the shirt and blouse is important rather than the mandatory button-downs with collars. Select solid colours or muted patterns, such as stripes or checks. Also, avoid shirts with low cuts or bright prints.
• Khakis and slacks.
• The more elaborate jewellery pieces, for example, an extravagant necklace or a large wristwatch. It does not necessarily have to be of the best quality. Gemstones, as well as other common materials, are good. Scarves can also be suitable.
• The shoes can be comfortable loafers or flats and pumps, but they should be closed-toe. They can be any colour; however, black-red, brown, navy, and Gray are among the best choices.
• Nails must be properly groomed. However, there may be certain colours that are not allowed.

Smart Casual

If you're lucky enough to be employed in a casual workplace. If You want to wear smart casual work wear, the trick is to not be too informal or creative in your clothes. Employees make their judgements about their capabilities based on the appearance of their attire, and that could be the case for employers too. If you arrive at work wearing casual clothing that is tidy, well-maintained, and suitable for the kind of work you're doing, You can ensure that your informal dress code won't hold you back.

Smart Causal For Men:

• Unless deemed by HR as acceptable, slacks and casual pants, but not jeans. If jeans are allowed, Straight-cut or dark-washed, only dark-washed.
• The crew neck sweaters, pools, and pullovers. A majority of colours and patterns are acceptable, provided they're not an original design like the logo of a team sport.
• Accessories for men's smart casual occasions, such as colorful watches.
• Clean shoes. Sneakers are generally acceptable, as are loafers.

Smart Causal For Women:

• Beautifully tailored blouses and tops, However, shirts shouldn't be tight or unflattering.
• The skirts and slacks are made from more casual fabrics like cotton. If jeans are allowed, they should be dark-washed only. Avoid denim cuts that are casual such as flares or cutoffs jeans.
• Skirts should be worn at knee length.
• Shoes with open toes are allowed. Beware of casual footwear such as flip-flops, sneakers, or flip-flops.
• Accessories for everyday wear, like scarves. More elaborate rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are of high-end quality and can be any kind.

Final Word

Basic rules are the norm for deciphering corporate dress codes, at least because your workplace might view "business informal" differently from another company. When it comes to workplace dress codes, It is always recommended to be cautious and dress more formally than is necessary until you've got an idea of what's acceptable to wear. If your corporate dress code is "clean, professional, well-tailored, as well-dressed," it's pretty hard to make a mistake regardless of your workplace.