Dress code

Dress code for men

Most American companies expect their employees to maintain a dress code. A detailed description of what type of dress is expected will be made clear to you when you begin work.

If you are on a business visit (a meeting or to close a deal), a suit is the most appropriate attire. A light-colored collared shirt, a matching necktie, and formal leather shoes look smart. Dark-colored suits look presentable and are the norm at most conferences.

Some offices or places of business require suits for men, and dresses and hosiery for women. If your workplace has this standard, denim of any type would not be appropriate.

Information Technology companies have a very casual dress code. Jeans, T-shirts, trousers, khakis, and cotton shirts are acceptable even on weekdays. In other industries, Friday is a day to dress down , and even Bermudas and shorts are allowed. Socks should be worn at all the times in the workplace, and sport or running shoes are not acceptable in most offices.

Though your clothes need not be expensive or fashionably cut, they must be clean and well ironed. Neatness is important. Take care of your hair, teeth and personal hygiene. Carry deodorant and mouth freshener with you; you will find that some people even brush their teeth in the office after lunch.

Formal Wear:

If you are on a business visit (viz. business deal or meeting), suit is the most appropriate and preferred business formal. A suit with a light color collared shirt, a matching necktie, and a formal leather shoe is what makes a perfect business formal dress. Suits of dark color like black, navy blue, gray or brown are most common, and are conventionally considered as perfect business formals.

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• Wear belts that match your outfits.
• Wear fresh pair of socks, and clean shoes.
• If you carry lunch to office, get a good lunch box.
• Carry a good office bag to your office. A good leather bag, or laptop bag is most convenient.
• Maintain your clothes by regular washing, dry cleaning, laundering and ironing.

Dress code for women:

Women are also expected to maintain a dress code. If the dress code is casual, then you have a wide choice. In IT companies, women wear jeans, casual pants, shirts, T-shirts, blouses, skirts, trousers, dresses, shorts, sweater sets, and blazers. As far as possible, do not wear saris or salwar suits.

Some business places require women to wear business suits, jackets or trousers. Business suits can be worn with a matching or contrasting blouse. With short skirts, one must wear stockings underneath, along with high-heeled sandals.

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• Usually women must wear closed high-heeled shoes.
• Wear limited jewelry. Avoid flashy and chunky jewelry.
• Choose a handbag or purse to match your outfits. Shades of black and brown compliment almost any color.
• Hair should be styled, cut, shampooed and conditioned.
• Pay attention to your hands and nails. Remove peeled or chipped nail polish. Makeup should be minimal.
• Wear mild perfume. Deodorants are a must, as they help keeping body odor at bay.

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