Implementing a Dress Code: Part 3 – Business Professional Attire

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)

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

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.