The way we work is changing, which in turn means the way wedress for workis changing, too.
Nowadays, statistically speaking, we’remore likelyto dress casually for work than ever before.
How casual is too casual?
Will it ever be okay to rock up to the office in sneakers?
According to the following experts, absolutely.
Nobody wants to be around someone 9-5 who reeks like they haven’t showered in a week.
And it certainly doesn’t make for the easiest, or most productive, working environment.
That is, unless you work in a beach bar, in which case go right ahead.
Steve Pritchard,HR consultant for giffgaff, goes even further with his assessment.
Save them for your next holiday to the sun, but keep ‘em out of the office.
It seems like common sense, but a casual dress code can be difficult to interpret.
So, relaxed is fine, but just rolled out of bed is not.
“Tracksuits are a no-go in the workplace, regardless of how informal the place may be.
You’re going to work, not the gym,” Pritchard advised.
As for footwear, keep in mind that “many workplaces still frown on their employees wearing sneakers.”
Or making yourself out to be a slave to trends rather than a dedicated employee.
Arguably one of the mostfashionable choices of office wearfor women is a tight, form-fitting pencil skirt.
Austin agreed, saying, “Low-rise or low-cut clothing should be avoided in a professional environment.”
Monica Hickey, board member ofMadison Magnetand director of Ideas That Evoke, goes further.
This applies to hairdressers and makeup artists just as much as waitresses.
Humans are simple creatures.
It will only make you feel stupid and embarrassed, rather than an empowered free spirit.
Frieman is emphatic about not jeopardizing your career in service of your own personal style.
“The corporate world is not your chance to ‘push the envelope’ or ‘just be yourself’.
Bottom line, you have to follow the rules, regardless of what you think of them.”
Rather, they’re trying to keep everybody on equal footing and preserve the face of the company.
Times are changing, but some things never will
The workplace is changing rapidly.
Nearly one-quarter (23 percent) reported they’ve relaxed their attire guidelines over the last five years."
Then you (probably) can’t go wrong.
