This article is written to describe a Business Professional dress code.
Business Professional attire is a step down from Business Formal. The attire is still neat, conservative, and traditional; however, you are able to inject some personality into your everyday appearance.
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, brown, gray, or navy; have more leeway with pattern
- Skirts never more than two finger-widths above the knees
- Pressed, lighter-colour dress pants worn with a sports jacket
- Ties or other accessories:
- Must accentuate or complement the overall ensemble
- Modest in colour and style, have more leeway with patterns
- Solid, bold, or brighter colours
- Conservative jewelry – for instance, diamond studs rather than chandelier earrings
- Larger, more noticeable jewelry – as long as it’s not distracting
- High-end accessories such as watches (preferred silver, gold, or white gold, rose gold) and cuff links
- Tailored dress shirts:
- Solid white collared button-up shirts or
- Solid, bold, or muted colours in any colour
- Must be tucked in, pressed, and clean at all times
- Shoes and Footwear:
- Closed-toe oxfords in colours like brown or black, polished loafers are acceptable
- Closed-toe heels or pumps 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 are generally high-end quality.
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, and buffed
- Nail polish that is clear coated, neutral or muted in colour, bright solid colours (red) are acceptable
- Head Hair:
Now that you have a snapshot of what is typically considered Business Professional dress attire, please stay tuned for part 4 of this series when we outline what is considered Business Casual.
Pro Tip: Do not be shy about getting a regular professional manicure. This is quite common in the business world.