Dress Code, Essay Example

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to summarise exploration of the concept of dressed for success in the working environment. In this context, attention was paid to the meaning of this concept, meaning of dress code in an interview and casual environment. The importance of Casual Fridays and its limitations were also outlined. Appropriate conclusions were given in the end of the paper.

Key words: dress code, dressed for success, interview working place, confidence.

Dress Code

Human life can be characterised in various ways, but the most common and accurate description would be – diversity and uniqueness. Human beings aim at self-expression and preservation of individuality; that is why we often wear shocking clothes at youth and modify our bodies with piercing and tattoos. On the other hand, there not a single human being which would crave for happiness and universal human values in this or that way. Thus, it can be argued that we all want success. The concept dressed for success originated in the context of the aforementioned human desire to be unique and individual, but still successful and happy according to general standards. The essence of the concept is not in the idea of wearing formal clothes to work or interview in order for people to take you seriously but in the idea of corresponding to the formal or required dress code by one’s intelligence and personal characteristics (Marcketti and Farrell-Beck 2008). In other words, clothes should not only be appropriate in terms of the chosen company’s guidance, but also should correspond to person’s self-perception and self-expression. It should be comfortable for the person to be himself/herself and still remain a professional.

Inability of new specialists to understand a difference between professional look corresponding to the situational requirements and exaggeration of formalities is usually one of the mistakes on interviews. The interviewees want to look older and more professional so much that they forget this dress style might be an exaggeration for this exact occasion.  For instance, wearing an evening suite with black t shinny shoes might be quite fancy on the pram, but would not be appropriate on the job interview. The best solution for a job interviews could have been if not a full suite, than formal trousers, white or blue shirt and not even necessarily a tie (Boyadjian 1999).

The most important in this case, is that clothes should fit, be clean and well-presentable and that the person should be used to wearing it. There is nothing worse when, in addition to interview questions, a candidate should also worry about tight shoes or the feeling of the new shirt (King 2007). In this context, extreme formalisation might speak in the favour of interviewees’ lack of confidence and individuality. In this context, the person should wear something he or she is expected and expects to wear to work on the everyday basis. In the companies where employees do not have to deal with people, like IT specialist and call centre employees, the everyday dress code might be more casual than in financial or academic institutions. Thus, the best advice for the new employee is to read company dress code guidance and see which part of wardrobe should be used more often. The best solution is to wear neutral, professional clothes. For instance, neutral, casual wear might be Oxford shirts, sweaters, blouses, dresses and skirts so far their length is not one inch above knee (Boyadjian 1999).

From the personal perspective, one of the best inventions in corporate business is casual Friday. It does not only give employees an opportunity to relax a little bit and get ready to the upcoming weekend, but also shows the company’s appreciation of its staff and general human attitude. In case of casual Fridays, the most important thing to remember is that you are still at work and should look professional, though with less pressure on clothes aspect of professionalism (King 2007). Thus, one should not forget that this is still a working place and not a holiday. In other words, it is advisable not to exaggerate in self expression. It is not appropriate to wear torn jeans, T-shirts, sport hoodies, mini-skirts and any clothes that expose various parts of body (Marcketti and Farrell-Beck 2008). It is also unadvisable to have any piercing or tattoos exposed.   All they might look great on the beach, they are inappropriate in the working environment. Although all these rules and prescriptions might be quite confusing for a starting employee, the work place policy guidance explains everything and makes life and work much easier.

Overall, from all mentioned above, it can be concluded that in order to succeed at work and look professional, initial awareness of company’s expectations is essential. Self-confidence, logic and understanding of limits are the best companions of a successful companion both on an everyday basis, Casual Fridays and during the leisure time.

References

Boyadjian Berge (1999). Create Fun @ Work, Improve Your Productivity, Quality of Life and Morale. Long Beach: Knowledge Capture and Transfer.

King, Larry (2007). Dressed for Success. Times, 169.20, 16-17.

Marcketti S. B. and Farrell-Beck J.(2008). ‘Look Like a Lady; Act Like a Man; Work Like a Dog’, Dress (Costume Society of America), 35, 49-69.