Business attire in the "modern" workplace
Poll: Business attire in the "modern" workplace
Total Members Polled: 319
Discussion
Dress like a hippy? Then get treated like one 
I like a suited environment. When I go to work I expect to be in a "professional" working environment. I have no interest in being shown an eyeful of what branded underwear is the latest fashion.
And this is not just for men. Wish (more) women would take the hint as well. If you want to be treated equally then dress/behave equally. If I felt the office needed a bit of "colour" I would go out and buy a pot plant!
Is that an appropriate response
I like a suited environment. When I go to work I expect to be in a "professional" working environment. I have no interest in being shown an eyeful of what branded underwear is the latest fashion.
And this is not just for men. Wish (more) women would take the hint as well. If you want to be treated equally then dress/behave equally. If I felt the office needed a bit of "colour" I would go out and buy a pot plant!
Is that an appropriate response
I picked up a rather nice suit a few years back (for the interviews and start of the current job). Nicely tailored, iPod remote connection woven in ....
Then both a colleague starting at the same time as myself and me realised within a few days that it was only senior management who wore such, so we gave up. But I still have to wear at least smart trousers/shoes/shirt.
Its the business attire of the women that grabs attention though. Are figure hugging skirts and tight white blouses really appropriate in an IT environment? All that I know is that it sure helps the day go along .....
Then both a colleague starting at the same time as myself and me realised within a few days that it was only senior management who wore such, so we gave up. But I still have to wear at least smart trousers/shoes/shirt.
Its the business attire of the women that grabs attention though. Are figure hugging skirts and tight white blouses really appropriate in an IT environment? All that I know is that it sure helps the day go along .....
I'm seeing more and more commercial businesses going down the "uniform" path, where you used to see office staff in shirts/shirts and ties and workshop/wharehouse staff in jeans and t shirts I now see much more company polo shirts for all, branded oxford style shirts, and the almost manditory hi viz vest everytime you stand up from your desk.
I guess the question I'm posing is, do you need to wear a suit and tie (or female equivalent) to be a "professional", especially in a non customer facing (face to face) environment?
I deal with customers on a regular basis, but on the phone, do I need to be wearing a suit and tie for that?
I can see that there is a certain element of putting on the "costume" for the job at hand, donning one's guise as it were..
I know there is no real answer to this, it's just something that was swimming around in my mind (amongst unholy levels of other detritus) this morning whilst I was getting ready..
I deal with customers on a regular basis, but on the phone, do I need to be wearing a suit and tie for that?
I can see that there is a certain element of putting on the "costume" for the job at hand, donning one's guise as it were..
I know there is no real answer to this, it's just something that was swimming around in my mind (amongst unholy levels of other detritus) this morning whilst I was getting ready..
clonmult said:
Its the business attire of the women that grabs attention though. Are figure hugging skirts and tight white blouses really appropriate in an IT environment? All that I know is that it sure helps the day go along .....
With the wrong colour bra underneath 
To me it depends who I'm working for. I do the same job in different industries
When I was working in automotive I wore suits, casual or full ppe depending upon where I was that day. In construction jeans & Tshirt or full ppe
In an office work casual -skirt/trousers & top
In 'professional' offices (top 10 insurance, solicitors etc) full suits
But then I was brought up properly
As with many other things in this country, much suit-and-tie work is done in a suit and tie, simply because "thats the way its always been done", regardless of its practicalities.
My customers dont wear suits, my office doesnt wear suits, but I have to wear a suit "because youre customer facing and must look smart". Well lets define "smart" then? Because turning up in a suit to customers who wear hi-vis overalls, alienates them and makes you look like a smug w
ker.
My customers dont wear suits, my office doesnt wear suits, but I have to wear a suit "because youre customer facing and must look smart". Well lets define "smart" then? Because turning up in a suit to customers who wear hi-vis overalls, alienates them and makes you look like a smug w
ker.Cuchillo said:
When I go to work I expect to be in a "professional" working environment. I have no interest in being shown an eyeful of what branded underwear is the latest fashion.
Sums it up pretty well for me. I don't have to dress as smartly as I do, but I choose to as I'm in a professional environment. I wear jeans and tshirts for doing jobs round the house, in the garden, on my car. Not for going to work in.I also think that it helps with first impressions. Regardless of what people say in terms of "don't judge a book by its cover" etc. I'll always look upon someone wearing a suit as making the effort over someone that's just in casual clothes.
Reload said:
I'll always look upon someone wearing a suit as making the effort over someone that's just in casual clothes.
They might have made an effort with their suit, I'd rather they make an effort with their jobs.Ties are completely ridiculous, pointless and stupid stupid stupid.
Dr Jekyll said:
Reload said:
I'll always look upon someone wearing a suit as making the effort over someone that's just in casual clothes.
They might have made an effort with their suit, I'd rather they make an effort with their jobs.Dr Jekyll said:
Reload said:
I'll always look upon someone wearing a suit as making the effort over someone that's just in casual clothes.
They might have made an effort with their suit, I'd rather they make an effort with their jobs.Ties are completely ridiculous, pointless and stupid stupid stupid.
GeraldSmith said:
None of the above.
It all depends on what you mean by business attire, I don't go in for suit and tie very often, but don't do jeans and t-shirt either.
I put on a suit when it is socially necessary. When it's not I wear a polo shirt and chinos - the business casual uniform of today. But I'll happily fit in with whatever the dress code is of wherever I'm working. Doesn't make much odds to me...It all depends on what you mean by business attire, I don't go in for suit and tie very often, but don't do jeans and t-shirt either.
I don't see a problem wearing a suit to work, regardless of whether you're client facing or not. I enjoy wearing a suit and tie to work as I take pride in what I look like in a professional environment and my attitude is perceived accordingly.
If I was working in construction or in an environment that required me to wear the applicable clothing then I would do so, but I don't see any reason why people shouldn't look smart and well presented in a professional 'modern' environment.
If I was working in construction or in an environment that required me to wear the applicable clothing then I would do so, but I don't see any reason why people shouldn't look smart and well presented in a professional 'modern' environment.
Tiggsy said:
Dr Jekyll said:
Reload said:
I'll always look upon someone wearing a suit as making the effort over someone that's just in casual clothes.
They might have made an effort with their suit, I'd rather they make an effort with their jobs.Ties are completely ridiculous, pointless and stupid stupid stupid.
Agree with you until there, completely pointless and ridiculous!Though combing your hair is just personal hygiene imho.
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