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Work Dress Codes and Image Collection

By Susan M. Heathfield, About.com

A work dress code is a set of standards that companies develop to help provide their employees with guidance about what is appropriate to wear to work. Work dress codes range from formal to business casual to casual. The formality of the workplace dress code is normally determined by the amount of interaction employees have with customers at their work location. These sample work dress codes include business casual, business casual for manufacturing, casual, and formal work dress codes.

Dress for Work Success: A Business Casual Dress Code

Sam Roberts / Getty Images
The Company's objective, in establishing a dress code, is to enable employees to project a professional, business-like image while experiencing the advantage of more casual and relaxed clothing. Business casual dress is the standard for this dress code. Learn more about business casual dress in this dress code.

Business Casual Attire Photo Gallery

Business Casual Work Dress Code AttireGetty Images / Manchan
View the business casual work attire photo gallery to see examples of clothing suitable to a business casual work dress code.

Business Casual Dress Code for Work: Manufacturing Setting

Paul Burns / Getty Images
The Company's objective, in establishing a dress code, is to enable employees to project a professional, business-like image while experiencing the comfort and advantages of more casual and relaxed clothing. Business casual dress is the standard for this dress code that differentiates between clothing worn in manufacturing and clothing worn in the office. Learn more about business casual dress for manufacturing in this dress code.

A Relaxed, Casual Dress Code

Christopher Robbins / Getty Images
Your Company's objective in establishing a relaxed, casual, and informal work dress code is to enable our employees to work comfortably in the workplace. Yet, certain standards are established so employees are not confused about the meaning of the terms: relaxed, casual, and informal dress. Because no customers or clients are served in person at our company location, our chief concern is the comfort of our employees. See a casual work dress code.

Photos of Attire in a Workplace With a Casual Dress Code

Copyright Lise Gagne
A casual work dress code allows employees to wear anything they find comfortable, as long as the attire is appropriate, to work. In a casual work dress code environment, the goal is comfort for employees and informality. But, all the normal guidelines about clean, pressed, and professional apply in the casual work environment. A casual work dress code is often found in high tech companies and in organizations that rarely host customers or vendors.

A Formal, Professional Dress Code

Copyright Lise Gagne
Your Company's objective in establishing a formal dress code is to enable our employees to project the professional image that is in keeping with the needs of our clients and customers. Because our industry requires the appearance of trusted business professionals and we serve clients at our site on a daily basis, a more formal dress code is necessary for our employees. See a formal dress code.

Formal, Professional Attire Photo Gallery

Copyright Phil Date
View the professional, formal work attire photo gallery to see examples of clothing suitable to a professional, formal work dress code.

Dress Code for Customer Interaction and Trade Shows

Jack Hollingsworth / Getty Images
Even if you work in a casual dress code environment or a business casual work environment, the rules may change when you hit the road for your company with a business mission. Whether you are exhibiting at a trade show, attending a conference or training session, or visiting a customer, the dress code in effect at your office may change for travel and meeting customers. Take a look at this sample dress code for travel and customer interaction.

Your Image Is You

Stockbyte / Getty Images
Successful people believe their success is attributable to a pattern of mutually beneficial interpersonal relationships, as much as it is due to technical skills or business knowledge. Your communication and the image you present create the first impression - often the lasting impression - on the people you meet.

Why Sexy Isn't Better: How Sexual Behavior Can Submarine Your Career

Rayman / Getty Images
Women who wear short skirts that display a lot of leg may be overlooked for promotion and pay increases. So says a recent study conducted by Tulane University. Overt sexual behavior at work, whether men and women are consciously aware of it, or not, can submarine your career. Learn more about sexual behavior and its impact at work.

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