Dress Code
It is important to be presented in the best possible light to give the best first impression.
First Impressions Count!
It is always difficult to communicate what is appropriate to wear and what is not, especially something that affects the eighteen inches of space that surrounds each of us. For this reason, what we wear and how we are perceived is very important to each of us and it is important to get it right. We are introducing a dress code for events for a number of reasons.
- To ensure we attract the right people to our organisation.
- Current Members have expressed concern about the appearance of other guests being too casual.
A dress code gives us a standard for our appearance and assists with First Impressions. It establishes a standard that the average person is comfortable with and can, with a few changes, live with.
To make this policy effective, we need your commitment and support. That is why we are asking you to take note of this Dress Code Policy, after all the aim is to attract people not to deter them.
We really appreciate your help and support.
Dress Code Policy
Smart Casual for him
Jacket
If desired.
Top
Shirt – Collared - Generally the Safest option
Polo Shirt or Tennis Shirt
Fashionable Top – Avoid racist, degrading or defamatory slogans or logos
Knit Top
T-shirts should probably be avoided for most occasions as they do not have a collar which is normally one of the defining features of 'smart' dress, but can look smart, for example if worn with a jacket.
Bottom
Designer Trousers
With or without matching jacket.
Avoid wearing two different patterns for the trousers and jacket - plain goes with anything.
Trousers
Chinos
Fashion Jeans - Always wear very smart or fashionable ones, if at all, and always in good condition.
Ankles
Socks – If you are wearing black shoes white socks are to be avoided. If you are wearing black shoes it is best to chose black socks.
Footwear
Shoes
Moccasins
Deck Shoes
Boots – Normally black or brown
Sandals – Smart leather ideally. Do NOT wear socks with sandals.
Accessories
Watch – If desired
Rings
Sunglasses
Neck Chain
Earring – Normally not worn.
Notes
In General – Where something smart, comfortable and inoffensive.
Informal? Always clarify what this means exactly as you don’t want to over or under dress.
Dress Code Variants
“Spiffy” Casual
Spiffy Casual is derived from the term Spiffy, meaning kool, neat, unique, or interesting and has it's (sometimes ironic) origins in the archaic English exclamation 'Spiffing!'.
This suggests that one should dress up but keep it modern and trendy. A designer suit with a black shirt with or without tie or even something more creative such as mixing a T-Shirt with the suit, or wearing a very fashionable or designer jacket are all good. A lady might also want to consider a cocktail dress.
As always consider the event you are going to and who you are going to be there with.
Smart Casual for her
Jacket
Any Jacket – If Desired
Designer Jacket
Top
Knit-Shirt
Fashionable Top – Avoid Slogans
Blouse
T-shirts should probably be avoided for most occasions as they do not have a collar which is normally one of the defining features of 'smart' dress, but can look smart, for example if worn with a jacket.
Bottom
Summer Dress
Designer Trousers - With or without matching jacket.
Avoid wearing two different patterns for the trousers and jacket - plain goes with anything.
Skirt
Dress
Trousers
Fashion Jeans- Always wear very smart or fashionable ones, if at all, and always in good condition.
Footwear
Shoes
Sandals – Do NOT wear socks with sandals.
Accessories
Jewelry – Including watches.
Notes
In General – Wear something smart, comfortable and inoffensive.
Dress Code Variants
“Spiffy” Causal
Spiffy Casual is derived from the term Spiffy, meaning kool, neat, unique, or interesting and has it's (sometimes ironic) origins in the archaic English exclamation 'Spiffing!'.
This suggests that one should dress up but keep it modern and trendy. A designer suit with a black shirt with or without tie or even something more creative such as mixing a T-Shirt with the suit, or wearing a very fashionable or designer jacket are all good. A lady might also want to consider a cocktail dress.
As always consider the event you are going to and who you are going to be there with.
Business Attire for Him
Hat
Hats are not normally worn, generally only if you are going to the races.
Neck
Tie – Optional
Jacket
Suit Jacket - Optional
Top
Collared Formal Shirt
Bottom
Suit Trousers
Must match the jacket
Avoid wearing the same suit for two consecutive days
A second pair of matching trousers is always a good idea with every business suit, if available, as they suffer more wear than the jacket.
Ankles
Formal Socks - Ideally the same colour as your suit.
At least as dark as your suit
Mid-calf length
Footwear
Formal Shoes
Leather
Preferably black
At least as dark as your socks
Always wear lace up shoes
People are often judged on their shoes so good quality shoes can be a good investment
Accessories
Cufflinks
Worn with a double cuff dress shirt
Essential, unless impractical due to the nature of your work, or not worn by your colleagues
Avoid novelty items
Watch – If desired
Rings
Belt
Notes
In General
People generally like to interact with people like them themselves as they often feel they can communicate and work well with them.
Dress for Success
Generally it's best to 'fit in', so take your cue from your peers and try to dress to the same standard. This helps with interpersonal communication.
Or if you are ambitious and don't mind showing it, dress to the standard of the role that you aspire to.
Business Attire for Her
Hat
Not normally worn
Neck
Blouse Scarf – If desired
Jacket
Optional
Top
Blouse – Clean and well pressed
Bottom
Suit Skirt- Must match the jacket
At least knee length
Trousers
Footwear
Must be worn. High Heels preferably
Accessories
Watch – If desired
Jewelry - A small amount of jewelry may normally be worn but should not distract from your status as a professional business person.
Notes
In General
People generally like to do interact with people like them themselves as they often feel they can communicate and work well with them.
Makeup, Perfume, and Cologne
Remember that some people are allergic to the chemicals in perfumes and makeup, so wear these substances with restraint.
Dress for Success
Generally it's best to 'fit in', so take your cue from your peers and try to dress to the same standard. This helps with interpersonal communication.
Or if you are ambitious and don't mind showing it, dress to the standard of the role that you aspire to.
