The most common office dress code questions answered with clear, practical examples.
What are the main office dress code levels?
The five main office dress code levels, from most formal to most casual, are: (1) Business Formal — suits and formal attire, (2) Business Professional — polished suits and dress shoes, (3) Business Casual — smart trousers, collared shirts, and blazers, (4) Smart Casual — neat and stylish without being overly formal, (5) Casual — jeans and comfortable clothes permitted.
What should I wear on my first day at work?
On your first day, dress one level above what you think the dress code is — it’s always better to be slightly overdressed. Wear business professional even if the company seems casual. You can adjust once you observe what colleagues wear. Avoid anything too casual, flashy, or attention-grabbing.
Can I wear open-toed shoes to the office?
In most business casual and professional environments, open-toed shoes are acceptable for women if they are polished and in good condition. Sandals and flip-flops are generally not appropriate. Dressy sandals or peep-toe heels can work for business casual environments but avoid them for business formal.
What should I not wear to the office?
Avoid these at almost any office: ripped or distressed clothing, overly casual items (sweatpants, hoodies, athletic shorts), clothes that are too revealing or tight, strong cologne or perfume, and excessively casual footwear like flip-flops. Clothes should be clean, pressed, and well-fitting.
How do I dress professionally on a budget?
Build a professional wardrobe affordably by: (1) Buying secondhand — thrift stores and apps like ThredUp have quality workwear, (2) Focusing on neutral basics that mix and match, (3) Investing in one quality blazer and rotating it with different outfits, (4) Shopping end-of-season sales, (5) Renting for special occasions.