Guide to Decoding Dress Codes

Can I wear shorts to work? What about open-toed shoes? Are jeans work-appropriate? 

Usually, the answer to those questions would be a hard no from your company's human resources department, but in the era of tech startups and remote work, dress codes are no longer black and white, and young professionals have definitely noticed.

In theory, dress codes should be pretty clear. Your company should have a concise idea of what people in the office should be wearing to align with the brand and maintain a level of professionalism and mutual respect among peers.

However, the problem usually emerges long before you step foot in the office.

I remember the days of staring at my closet before my first interview, having no idea what would be not only appropriate but also what would make a good first impression on my potential new employer. And my anxiety was justified, I can recall interviews where my pin-striped black pantsuit was way too formal for my interviewer's Tommy Bahama shirt and cargo shorts, and feeling like they wouldn't think I was the right cultural fit. 

The younger generation aka millennials is notorious for tearing down traditional institutions, many are in agreement: the next thing that needs to go is formal dress codes. But until that happens, I'm going to give my two cents on how to decode the dress code for your next job. 

It's Not Weird to Ask, I Promise

Don't be like former me, staring at my closet, filled with anxiety for what I should wear to my first interview. ASK the recruiter, or whoever you've been in contact with from the company. They won't think you're inexperienced or don't know how to dress for an interview, I promise. More likely, they'll think you're going the extra mile to make a good impression, which is definitely not a bad thing. 

However, in our COVID-era of remote / Zoom interviews, what to wear is getting even hazier. It probably seems weird to put on a dress shirt and blazer just to sit in your kitchen or bedroom on a video call; It is, but that's just today's new reality. For video meetings, I'd suggest a nice blouse or button-down; As long as you look appropriate from the waist up, you're in good shape.

I will warn you though, don't be one of those people we imagine on video calls who are just in underwear from the waist down. Emergencies and accidents happen, and if — let's really hope this doesn't happen — you have to actually stand up during your call, the first word that would come to mind for that situation is just uncomfortable. I can also guarantee that if you look better, you're also going to feel more professional and confident, and that will trickle into how your interview goes. 

So, moral of the story, just wear pants to your Zoom interview. (I won't stop you from imagining your interviewer in underwear from the waist down if it makes you less nervous though.)

How to Look Professional in a T-shirt and Jeans

Whether you land a job at a medical device company or a Skincare/Aesthetic company, the dress code these days is often remarkably similar: a nice dress or pant suit.

For your in home office day zoom calls consider layering a blazer on top of a nice T-Shirt for a more professional look, or even just switching out your t-shirt for a button-down or blouse. You can also go the route of accessories; A nice watch or jewelry, and most definitely a good pair of shoes, can make all the difference. 

You've probably also heard this phrase from a mentor, parent, or even a manager: "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." The first time I heard it, my reaction was something along the lines of an eye roll. But, as Business Insider writes, the advice has a major flaw: Upper-level management has earned the credibility already and doesn't need to use their wardrobe to establish respect.

You may also notice that some of those same executives have a tendency to always look more formal than lower-level peers, which seems like I'm backing up that cliché, but actually it's quite the opposite. While Gen-X often loves their button-downs and slacks, a millennial at the same level might still pick out jeans for workwear. It's just a former workplace standard that's now slowly becoming outdated.

In the next 10 years, you're probably going to see a lot more pairs of jeans than slacks walking the office floors. 

How Companies Should Address Dress Codes

Now that we've covered how to navigate a seemingly vague company dress code, here are a few things I think companies could be doing better for their employees:

1. Keep it Clear

If you have a clear vision of how you want employees to present themselves on any given workday, say so. It leaves less room for error (see above: interview wardrobe struggle), and will give your staff more confidence in the day-to-day. I could argue that it's similar reasoning to why private schools opt for uniforms: It keeps everyone on the same playing field. While a workplace isn't always the right fit for uniforms, if your employees know what they should and shouldn't be wearing, it's a lot less likely that there will be any discomfort around the subject. 

2. Start from the Top Down 

While some company executives need to maintain a more formal dress for external clients, that's not always the case, and speaking from personal experience, having to consult with upper-level management when they're in formal dress and you're in jeans can make the interaction more intimidating than it should be. More casual dress from executives makes them seem more approachable to us young people and could be the difference between an awkward elevator ride and the start of a new mutually-beneficial professional relationship. 

3. Ask Employees What They Want

It seems like a logical step to ask the people who need to obey the dress code what they want it to be, but often they're not the decision-makers. Give your team the opportunity to be a part of the process, but make sure to give them context too.

Do client-facing employees need to be more formal, or can everyone be equally casual? Should they look more formal on the day of a meeting?

While these questions may seem like common sense, remember we're all on the same team here, and you should give employees all of the necessary tools to succeed at your company. 

Image Credit: Dane Deaner / Unsplash