Regardless of the specific business or industry, every workplace has a certain dress code set in place employees are expected to adhere to. And even though modern offices might be more casual than ever before, dress codes still exist with various degrees of formality and strictness, with some workplaces insisting on suits and ties, and others allowing polo shirts and khakis without any issue. Business professional is often thought to be among the most conservative dress codes currently in use, and here is everything you need to know about this formal attire:
What is the business professional dress code?
Until dress codes such as smart casual and business casual gained popularity, business professional attire was the norm in most professional settings around the world. And while dress codes in the modern workplace might differ greatly from one office to the other, business professional is slowly gaining popularity once again, as it’s considered to be classic and timeless attire that is appropriate for any occasion.
At its core, the business professional dress code is quite simple. It prioritizes traditional, conservative, and elegant attire most of us would picture when envisioning a typical corporate setting, such as sleek suit and tie combinations. However, that’s not to say this dress code doesn’t provide any room for playfulness, creativity, and individuality.
Business professional suit options
When selecting a business professional suit, it’s recommended to prioritize two-piece options in traditional colors such as navy blue, charcoal gray, and black. If your work environment isn’t particularly conservative, you could also opt for a subtle pinstripe pattern combined with these neutral colors, or even lighter shades of blue and gray during the warmer months, if the dress code permits.
In case you have a large enough budget, it’s always advised to invest in bespoke suits when dressing in business professional attire, as the perfect fit and style they offer tends to convey elegance and professionalism best. If not, buying off-the-rack alternatives can still be a good option, as long as you make it a point to visit a professional tailor in order to enhance the fit and cut.
Elegant accessories to invest in
If you wish to enhance your business professional suits, accessories are truly the ideal option. For instance, a tactical minimalist wallet is one of the best accessories you could invest in. Whether you are taking important clients to lunch or attending a crucial business meeting, such a wallet will allow you to always look sleek and refined with its slim and stylish design.
Similarly, a classic dress watch is another option you can never go wrong with. Apart from being a timeless, elegant, and tasteful accessory that never goes out of style, a dress watch is also the perfect solution for injecting a bit of personality and individuality into an otherwise plain business professional outfit.
Shirts to wear to the office
If you’re dressing for a meeting, event, or simply another day at the office, shirts are another crucial aspect you will have to choose carefully. In more conservative workplaces, solid white shirts and light or medium blue shirts are the most acceptable options, while lighter and subtler hues of more impactful colors could be appropriate in more relaxed professional settings.
In terms of pattern, thin stripes remain the safest and most popular choice in traditional offices. On the other hand, business professional suits can also be enhanced with checks, houndstooth, and Bengal stripes on more casual occasions.
Which ties to opt for
To complement your professional shirts, there are a number of different tie options you could choose from. Solid ties in more muted, toned-down colors are generally thought to be the most appropriate for conservative business professional settings, but this accessory does offer more room for experimentation and personal expression.
For instance, the most classic patterns such as dots, stripes, plaid, and paisley can all work for this dress code. In case you work in a more relaxed setting, even more impactful colors and patterns can be used to add visual interest to your everyday outfits. However, try to avoid anything too loud, bright, and eclectic, as that might create an undesirable effect.
Business professional footwear
Even though more casual options are ill-advised for the business professional setting, this attire does give you an extensive range of footwear you could select. From Oxford shoes and quarter-brogues to cap-toes and whole cuts, any traditional dress shoe option will work quite well with this dress code.
When it comes to color, brown, black, and burgundy tend to be the best choices. However, you might also have the option to experiment with shades of navy, gray, and similar dark colors in case your office is a tad more casual. No matter which footwear you choose, it would be wise to invest in high-quality leather shoes that are always well cared for, in an effort to maintain a polished and professional look.
The business professional dress code is among the most traditional and conservative styles. And although it might seem too strict and limited at times, there are still ways you could make this attire fun and unique, as long as you adhere to the helpful tips mentioned above.
