There is proper etiquette for just about every situation, including how to dress professionally. Proper attire varies depending on the job you do and the workplace culture, but there are certain rules that apply to virtually any professional situation. It is not difficult to follow proper dress etiquette in the workplace because the guidelines are based on a neat, low-key appearance that presents you in a positive way.
Purpose
The purpose of following proper etiquette for professional dress is to make a good impression on others. You are judged by your performance in the workplace, but your appearance counts too. Dressing professionally shows others that you pay attention to details and respect yourself and others. It can lead to your supervisor, co-workers and customers thinking more highly of you, making you appear competent and confident.
Guidelines
In general, men who work in a formal atmosphere should wear a suit and tie. Otherwise, dress pants and a dress shirt or golf shirt is acceptable. Women can wear dresses, skirts or pant suits in a formal environment and dress pants and blouses or shirts otherwise. Both sexes should wear polished shoes, and TCB Solutions, a recruiting company, says a heel height of 1.5 inches is appropriate for women.
Accessories
Accessories should be understated, according to TCB Solutions. The workplace is not the right environment for big-hoop earrings or ostentatious bracelets, necklaces, rings and other jewelry, or stiletto heels. Piercings and tattoos should be kept hidden if possible while you are at work, especially if you are working directly with customers or clients in a conservative business. The Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Business says not to wear strong scents, which can bother others.
Impression
You should make a conservative impression when you are following proper professional dress etiquette. Clothing should not be too loud or revealing. A good rule of thumb is that your clothes should present an attractive picture, but they should not draw attention to you.
Considerations
Certain considerations influence proper professional dress etiquette. You may work in a casual workplace, but there are certain times when you may need to dress more formally. For example, you will want to make a good impression when clients or potential new customers are visiting. You may also want to dress more formally for a meeting that will be attended by upper management.
Warning
Some workplaces use casual Fridays or an overall casual dress code as an excuse to totally disregard professional dress etiquette. Certain guidelines should be followed, even when you work in a casual atmosphere. Clothing must always be neat, clean and in good shape, without visible tears, fraying, stains or signs of wear, TCB Solutions says. Dress a bit better than expected. For example, stick to khakis and a golf shirt instead of a T-shirt and blue jeans.
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