This article is written to describe a Business Formal dress code.
Business Formal attire is common if you work in law, hold a high profile position, or regularly meet with company executives or government officials. This type of attire is considered to be the highest level of professional dress.
Dress Attire Consists of:
- Tailored Suits:
- Fine tailored, well-cut suit, pantsuit, or skirt suit
- Fine tailored, well-cut one to three button-up suit jacket
- Solid and neutral colour like black, gray, or navy
- Skirts never more than two finger-widths above the knees
- Ties or other accessories:
- Must accentuate or complement the overall ensemble
- Modest in colour and style, including muted patterns
- Conservative jewelry – for instance, diamond studs rather than chandelier earrings
- Tailored dress shirts:
- Solid white collared button-up shirts
- Must be tucked in, pressed, and clean at all times
- Shoes and Footwear:
- Closed-toe oxfords in colours like brown or black, not loafers
- Closed-toe heels in neutral colours like taupe, black, grey, or brown
- Leggings:
- Tights, preferably in a dark colour
- Under no circumstance should exercise leggings be worn (i.e. Lululemon)
- Tailored Suits:
Pro Tip: Attire is generally high-end quality and refrain from novelty patterns or images.
Aesthetics:
- Head Hair:
- Must be well-groomed, clean, and natural in colour
- Conservative hair cuts and styles are preferred
- Males:
- Short hair is most acceptable
- Long hair is acceptable, as long as it is tied-back
- Females:
- Short Hair is acceptable
- Long hair is acceptable and can be worn down or tied-back in a neat bun, braid, or ponytail
- Facial Hair:
- Must be well-groomed, cleaned, and natural in colour
- Nails:
- Must be well-groomed, well-kept and even in length, buffed
- Nail polish that is clear coated, neutral or muted in colour, bright solid colours (red) are acceptable
- Head Hair:
Pro Tip: Do not be shy about getting a regular professional manicure. This is quite common in the business world.
Now that you have a snapshot of what is typically considered Business Formal dress attire, please stay tuned for part 3 of this series when we outline what is considered Business Professional.