Corporate Dressing

Like it or not, appearances, give a first impression and therefore can play a crucial part in life in general, and more so in the corporate world. Clothing makes or breaks the sub-conscious evaluation of a person, so is not something we can afford to take lightly in today’s increasingly competitive corporate world. Interviewers and Management alike are increasingly focusing on properly dressed and poised candidates and employees. Interviewers, in view of selection; and management, in view of promotions. This means, it’s not just their resume or work but the overall appearance, and therefore personality that is being reviewed.

Even if we are aware that formals are in and casual dressing is out, we still have a challenge - in India and other countries where the regular dress code, strictly speaking, is not office wear, it isn't easy when it comes to choosing what to wear and then getting it right.

With women, it was okay in the past with regular "salwars" and "saris" neatly pressed and toned down in terms of color and style working as office wear, with more and more Westernization in general along with Multinational Companies in the job scene, it is becoming increasingly important to make a fine line to properly demarcate between formal office wear and informal or even inappropriate Office wear. Since true formals, in terms of suits, formal pants and skirts or even very formal shirts/ blouses are not something most Indians grow up wearing, it’s worth going over the specifics.

As for men, printed open collared shirts and a trouser were presumed to be okay for formal wear previously, true professionals, though, know that open collars, prints, stripes and bold checks are for evening wear.

Beyond that, it is not enough to stop at getting the clothes right, attention must be paid to footwear, for many a perfect outfit is ruined with the wrong or shabby footwear. Then there are accessories, grooming and color choices.
With so much to consider, it is worth spending a few minutes getting the details right.

Women's Office wear - down and detailed:
White shirts and blouses are no longer the only option for formals; solid colors need to be selected carefully. Darker shades are more suited for evening wear. Fine prints and stripes can be used as an interesting variation. Checks and large, bold prints and stripes are best avoided. Trousers and skirts continue to work in all shades. Skirts are more suited to certain body types (larger hips/ bulkier builds) rather than trousers, so though "pant-suit" per se is the definition of formals, it is better to err on the side of practicality and choose a comfortable formal skirt instead.

Closed shoes definitely create a neat completion of the entire formal look. Open toed sandals are inappropriate, but if they are not very strappy or high, can work, if preferred as a step down from the total formal look. High heels should be passed up for 2-3 inch heels - safer, more comfortable and most importantly, professional.
Excessive tight fits in any garment, deep necks and complicated patterns, frills, tucks etc are not recommended for office.

Deodorants serve the purpose of keeping one fresh, and can and must be used. Strong perfumes are definitely not part of an office environment. On the same note, make up should serve to keep one looking groomed and presentable and bold colors and eye catching make up should be avoided.

Accessories such as bags and belts are best kept to the minimum and in neutral colors. Since earrings and certain jewelry are a part of our culture/ marital status, they are a must, and can be combined even with formal wear when worn with the required decorum.

Men:
Again, white is not alone in the category of formals. Solid colors, while excluding darker shades (which are more evening wear) are strongly supplementing whites in this category. Pin stripes and small checks add variety though contrast colored prints don’t belong.

Formal wear is definitely incomplete without a tie. Ties can be work with or without a button down collar which adds an edge of appearing extra formal. Ties should follow the rule of prints - muted and small, and not too flashy.

If one can take the trouble to get a suit then the amazing edge of formality sets one way ahead of the group, especially since many men are yet to "suit it out to work. If headed in that way, then the following, an often overlooked or unknown aspect while stitching/ selecting a suit should be considered - the sleeve of a perfectly tailored suit should be half an inch shorter than the shirt sleeve. This will leave an overlap of an inch between the shirt sleeve and the suit sleeve. The shirt sleeve will then cover the wrist and touch the base of the thumb. For trousers too, there should be an overlap with the shoes - not more than an inch between the bottom of the trouser-leg and the toe of your shoes.

Though obvious, it’s worth emphasizing that sneakers and sandals are a definite no no. Formal shoes must be neatly polished and smart. Once the heel starts wearing off, its time to look for a new pair. White socks should not be combined with dark shoes. It is not required to match the exact color of the pants to the socks, just as long as they don’t contrast completely with the trousers, they are acceptable.
With regard to grooming, hair, smooth shave without the five o-clock shadow if clean shaven, and neatly trimmed mustache/ beard, if sporting facial hair and neat fingernails are also important details to pay attention to.

Accessories: Belts must be leather around one-and-a-half inches wide. To complete the look a simple watch without the sporty features and straps completes the entire formal look and shows a fine attention to detail.

The bottom line is this: Prejudices aside, a well dressed and neatly groomed person is taken more seriously than one who is sloppy and unkempt. Companies spend a lot of time and money in creating a specific brand image, and as employees help build that image with their adherence to a specific level in their clothing and carriage. Employees represent the company they work for, and it shows responsibility and commitment when a sensible and proper dress code and professional etiquette are followed.