Implementing a Dress Code: Part 2 – Business Formal Attire

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)

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

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.