Dress codes, are they extinct?

Dress codes, what has changed and is it better?

On the 9the July 2012 I sent this dress code reminder out to all staff at de poel ( a consultancy / RPO business ) a company I had founded and built to significant turnover and profits with around 175 staff at that time,

Dear All

It has been brought to my attention that the company dress code is not always being adhered to.

This is in-spite of several reminders! 

I would like to highlight some salient points!

 MEN

1.  Black, polished shoes (with actual shoe polish, not Mr Sheen) to be worn at all times, No Brown shoes , Crepe Soles or brothel creepers!
2. A Long Sleeved shirt preferably double cuffed but quality is more important – No Fashion shirts (the ones with a two tone button flap). If you have to wear a grey or Black shirt in particular make sure it is of the highest quality and you don’t look like a contestant from Take me Out!
3. A suit of decent quality with a slim (ish) black belt – No Harley Davidson Buckles. Acceptable suit colours are blue, black and grey.
4. For all meetings and when we have guest in the office a tie- This tie should be of appropriate width with a normal Windsor knot. No Grange Hill huge knots. It should reach just over your belt in terms of length. Slim fashion ties are never to be worn – A point of sartorial elegance is that I would carry this rule into your personal life, they are hideous! Also for those with a DR Who Bent a Bow Tie is also technically acceptable if not borderline eccentric.
5. Watch, slim and appropriate, no black digital watches.
6. For those of you who don’t know the bottom button on a waistcoat is never to be buttoned and only the middle button on a three button suit jacket is ever buttoned.
7. You must appear for work either immaculately clean shaven or with a beard. ( this means you have to grow a beard whilst on holiday)
8. A briefcase must be carried to all meetings – As we are not students; Man bags are not acceptable and as we are not quoting for double glazing a folder is also not acceptable.

WOMEN Client Facing

1.  Clean polished shoes of either black or a colour matching your outfit, No Scuffed heals or soles.
2. A business suit. I am not sure why anyone would think a cardigan is acceptable attire to a business meeting, unless you work in a charity shop.
3. A blouse. Not a top.
4. A briefcase- Handbags contain makeup and the other detritus you seem to ship around everywhere ( Top tip, empty it occasionally then it won’t hurt your shoulders).Folders etc see above
5. Stud earrings only

 Women Internal

1. Appropriate work wear – please see dress code.
2. Skirts to just above the knee please! Its lovely to look at but some lengths are wholly inappropriate for the workplace – Think Princess Di or Kate Middleton rather than Lady GAGA

 BOTH

1.  No visible tattoos – ever. As of yet we are not a division of Black Watch or the Royal Navy so I don’t want to see one ever in a work environment.
2. No excessive Jewellery- If you wish to model for H Samuels’ please do so in your own time!
3. Coats – In Winter or summer it is acceptable to wear a coat should the weather dictate. This should reflect the company and your new professional image . The next person to wear anything quilted will be taken to a Ski resort and thrown down a black run. NB, Coats are always longer than the suit jacket they are over!

 As a rough guide if you buy from this company its acceptable... www.ctshirts.co.uk If they don’t sell the style you are looking at its probably not. If you are confused further please let me know.

 END

I came across this email a few days ago whilst tidying up some old folders and am shocked at how fast dress codes have moved on in a relatively short period of time, business casual now seems to be the norm and the above would seem draconian to most if not all employees. It would also I suspect be regarded as fairly un-PC!

I am not convinced however that this is for the best, I personally think that dressing in a business like manner prepares you for a business like day, setting the mood and tone and differentiating between the formal (work) and informal (home) parts of peoples lives. I wonder what the consensus of opinion would be on this matter and would welcome peoples views.

NB the email was sent but with a tongue in cheek SENSE OF HUMOR