Formalization at the Office

Atlantia

In our meeting earlier this week, we were told we may need to start dressing more formally and conservatively. When most companies are heading towards casualization, ours seems to be formalizing. It is really odd, because we work with animals, so I've always really enjoyed our creative business casual environment.
Just when I'm starting to have fun with fashion, the rules start to change. I know suits can be great, but I have really liked some of my biz casual ensembles that YLF has helped me created. I just am not looking forward to wearing a black or navy suit with plain white shirt every day. Of course, who knows when this change will take place. That part was left a bit vague...
Please help me feel better about this!

13 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

kkards

Veteran

i'm wondering what more formally and conservatively means.
what do people wear now? if the current dress is jeans and sneakers, it could just mean, more business and less casual, but not suits.
the company i work for is business casual, with a definite emphasis on business. that means most days the men wear chinos and golf shirts, with ties required on days that they are meeting with outside vendors. for the women, it means almost anything goes, as long as you don't wear jeans. the one thing nobody wears are suits.
even my sister who works for a conservative bank doesn't wear suits most days.

let us know if and/or when this policy gets defined better.

13 years ago

Anonymous

I think I understand the rationale behind this decision. Sometimes when an office goes casual, there are people within the office with no style or class. They show up to work wearing cut of shorts (this happened), old tee shirts (this happened), and no bras. The management is forced to step in and address it. Now these very people tell me "maybe we took it too far."

I personally was glad when management addressed this because I was literally embarrassed for these people and I did not want outsiders judging me after having seen them.

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I second what Mary says. It really depends on what management means. We had the same issue with people dressing like they were gardening rather than coming to work! Management clamped down, but by that it was:

Polos - okay
Dress shirts - okay
Kahkis- okay

No ripped, torn or frayed clothes (even if it is they style or they are supposed to be)
No flip flops. (Yes, they had to make this a rule!!) Opened toed, professional sandals okay.
Nothing stained, even if that is the style
No t-shirts
Nothing with logos other than the Company logo or a customer logo (this gets bent a little but it usually doesn't matter because it is small and on the pocket - not the band shirts they were trying to get rid of)

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'd wait (or ask) for clarification. I doubt if they would really mean dark suits and white shirts as the only option. If so, I guess the only thing to do is consider it a uniform and put your money into your off-work capsules!

13 years ago

ManidipaM

Veteran

I know I'd feel just as awful if someone started writing up dress codes for our very casual workplace, so I do understand your sinking feeling over suits completely.

But I think Kkards and Suz are right on the money. It is unlikely to be as bad as all that, especially given they are starting from 'creative business casual'. Such a drastic change as to require dark suits, button-downs and ties only would be too jarring and they'd have to *know* they'd blindside people who joined an environment they were comfortable in and might resent the new one (which rarely helps performance, which in turn rarely helps the bottomline...).

13 years ago

Emily

Veteran

That is a bit odd. I would guess, though, that you are on the more dressy spectrum at your office anyway?

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think you might have even more fun with fashion

13 years ago

transition

Active Member

I was just asking about the real dress code for my new very formal job. They wrote "suit, closed toe shoes, and nylons for women," but when I asked what that really meant, I found it was dress slacks and a jacket NOT necessarily a matching suit, and any color is fine, with lots of shirt options (any color button down, any shell, even sweaters or camisoles depending on the weather). I doubt your company will go as far as mine, but even mine isn't blue suits and white button down shirts only!

13 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

I agree with the others regarding waiting for clarification. A few years ago, the company that I worked for made the same declaration to all in -house people. They meant no jeans, t shirts, sneakers or sweatshirts. Though the announcement was made at a meeting, it didn't apply to everyone because plenty of people were already not dressing in that manner.

13 years ago

Atlantia

Veteran

Hey all, I got a bit of clarification at the office. Happy to report that the strict dress code will only be in effect on days we give presentations, which is about half the days. New dress code on those days is black or navy pants suit, skirt suit, or dress. No red, because it is the color of a competitor.

I think ManidipaM you hit the nail on the head. I'm not really upset about the dress code. I'm upset about the change in corporate culture. The dress code is merely one aspect of it. To be really honest, I don't think I'd mind wearing a suit often, but I dislike the uniform aspect of it.

Sooooo....
suggestions for making suits look fun and fresh? The only stipulation for women is the no red rule, which does make me sad. Any type of top is allowed under the jacket, it doesn't have to be a white button down.

13 years ago

kkards

Veteran

thanks for the update.

i think you can really update a suit with the shirt and shoes you wear with it. i would pair a really nice knit shirt with a drape or cowl neck in a bright color. that would take it out of the boring banker look. or wear a more conservative top and some leopard print shoes

13 years ago

Emily

Veteran

Atlantia, that doesn't sound so bad. I bet you could rock the heck out of a black or navy dress and cute shoes.

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Sounds like you are taking this pretty well.

If they tried to institute that in my office, there would anarchy!

13 years ago

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