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I had to buy jeans because I felt so out of place without them at the pharma company where I'm consulting right now. I wear khaki's when I want to rebel.
Skip the jeans if it's business casual here in The Triangle.
THIS.
The South is much "preppier" than the West Coast. Actually, the whole country is more nicely-dressed than the West Coast, as I'm told every time I'm out there (not being judgmental, just observing). NEVER wear jeans in a public-facing job (especially sales); khakis or khaki-style slacks (like Navy or black) are standard, with a collared shirt in winter, a collared-short-sleeve or nice golf shirt in summer.
Look around at what others with the same job wear and mimic the top half of them (i.e. the more nicely-dressed half). "Manners", which includes style of dress, are judged more harshly in the South than in other regions, ESPECIALLY the West Coast.
F*ck dress code, just wear shorts and tshirts in the summer and cargos and hoodies or flannels in the winter. Flip flops in summer, skate shoes in winter. I do at my job of 10 years and it works fine.
I haven't owned jeans in 10-15 years.
Hate wearing them. Well, I have jean shorts.
I tend to agree with previous posters, but also think...
It isn't the clothing, as much as the panache with which you wear it.
It is like wearing a suit or necktie. If you draw attention to yourself because you are stiff, self-conscious or visibly uncomfortable, you won't make the best impression.
We're more laid back here in the engineering world so we can get away with jeans every Friday - otherwise usually just a polo shirt and khakis. When I was working for the state, I could probably wear jeans every day.
F*ck dress code, just wear shorts and tshirts in the summer and cargos and hoodies or flannels in the winter. Flip flops in summer, skate shoes in winter. I do at my job of 10 years and it works fine.
-Polo or Button Down shirt (with an optional Sweater vest or Blazer) for men. No t-shirts, logo shirts, Sweatshirts or Jerseys. For Women, Sweaters, blouses, and polos are acceptable. See through, mesh, crop tops, halter tops, and spaghetti straps are not acceptable.
Khakis or slacks in neutral or muddy colors (Blue or green is acceptable sometimes, Pastels and bolder colors are not.) Shorts and Sweatpants aren't considered acceptable.
-NO jeans. Denim is usually frowned upon. Leggings are not a substitute for pants.
-Nose rings, Lip rings, Chin piercings, and tongue rings are frowned upon. (Earrings are okay, but usually get limited to studs or small hoops)
-Visible Tattoos are frowned upon by some, but not all employers. If you have them, you could cover it up by wearing longer sleeves or buying makeup specifically formulated to cover up tattoos.
-Hair should only be in 'natural colors' (black/brown/ginger/gray/blonde). Overly bright colors would be considered inappropriate.
-For the ladies, dresses must 'go down to at least the knees.' Conversely, long 'sundresses' that touch the ground aren't considered appropriate.
-For pants, and dresses, make sure they aren't too tight or baggy.
-Makeup is okay, but shouldn't be overdone. Same with jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
-Sneakers, Flip Flops, and boots are generally frowned upon. Boat Shoes really depend on the case. "Ballet Slippers" are also not really acceptable and neither are super high heels.
For some employers, certain hairstyles could be an issue. For others, they're not going to mind as long as you keep it clean and neat. For Women, if long hair is an issue, put it in a bun or ponytail. For men, if long hair presents an issue, trim it.
Last edited by Renownedtheworldaround; 02-24-2017 at 03:44 PM..
Thanks for all the great feedback folks, seems to bear out my concerns especially for `sales' / customer-facing roles, i.e. no comfortable jeans. That being said, any tips for the more formal side of business casual that helps `beat the heat' during the crushing summer damp?
Business casual in the triangle area is usually khakis and a polo. Jeans would be a big no no.
Yep this. Business casual is pretty much the standard at my workplace. No jeans...all kakhis and a feee dress pants. Polo in the summer; otherwise a button down shirt. Some wear a tie every once in a while I elect not to
A pair of Pointer Brand's, t-shirt and Rainbow sandals
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