Work Dress Code Photo Galleries

The dress codes and image collections on my site have proven popular. They’re so popular that have brought in a number of questions from readers about dress appropriate for each environment. A frequent question is whether underwear should show – it shouldn’t - and yes, serious and frequent violation of the work dress code can result in disciplinary action.

Key to an effective work dress code is that a business reason or purpose exists for its level of formality. At a client company a few years ago, a business casual dress code was developed because frequent client visits necessitated presentable staff and several front office employees came to work most frequently attired in beach gear.

The dress code worked for a number of years until the client was several years into product development and consulting had gone by the wayside. Employees complained about the business casual dress code because no one ever visited. They sought a new level of comfort including jeans and sandals. Since no reason existed for the business casual policy, the policy became a casual dress code and employees were delighted.

We’ve developed a couple of photo galleries to illustrate both business casual and formal work dress codes. Enjoy, and remember the essential business purpose as you establish your work dress code. You'll experience better compliance and less employee push back and complaining. And, for workplace harmony, that's a good thing.

_{Image © Getty Images / Jack Hollingsworth}

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