Bring Style Back To The Office

With so many companies these days relaxing the rules of dress at work, you don't see too many people dress up in the morning to go to work, let alone dress up for interviews they way they should.  With companies such as Johnson & Johnson (jnj) saying its ok to wear jeans to work daily, and other companies allowing khakis and polo for everyday attire, the days of Mad Men, where dressing well in the office to make an impression is gone.  

Simple:

 

Dress in the Same Color or Pattern.  It is known that if people have things in common, it connects them.  Sometimes its the same car, or the same music, or just the same interest makes it easier for people to connect.  So when people wear the same color, not only do they feel more connected, but a part of something.  They become more relatable.  So pick a day out of the week that you like most, I suggest Thursday or Friday, and wear the same color.  You will be surprised with the outcome. Don't worry, you won’t look like a KPop Band, but then again that might not be such a bad thing.

Sophisticated:

Dress Up Day.  Cisco Systems is a place where you can wear jeans and a polo shirt most of the time.  You don't have to see clients directly, or face the public constantly.  The tech industry is known for its relaxed and acceptable dress code from Apple all the way to Deloitte.  

However, some companies, and some people are seeing the need and appreciating for dressing nicer at work.  There is something about dressing up that makes you feel better, because you look better, thus so some associates are taking action.  Cisco Systems, in the San Jose area, is participating in Tie Thursdays, where they dress up every Thursday.  It has changed the attitude and atmosphere in the office in a positive way.  Making more connections with between associates that may have not been there before.  It first started with less than four people, and now has grown to past a dozen.  When associates pass someone who is participating in the halls, it’s a great way to explain why and get someone on board with why, which is to bring class back to the office.  

In other cases companies are taking action such as WePay.  Located in Palo Alto, Ca, WePay participates in Fancy Fridays.  Every Friday for some time now, the employees take the time to dress up as fancy as they like on Fridays to preserve class in the office.  This is great because everyone who wants to participate does, and when its time to go home and hit happy hour, they are the best dressed in the place.  So think about which day might be best for you in your office. 

Classic:

Bow Tie Fridays.  All of the ideas above began with bow tie Fridays.  Bow ties are the classiest way to present yourself, especially when it comes to service.  It is a step above a tie and can be worn by both men and women.  With the resurgence of the bow tie in the last four to five years, it is the perfect way to celebrate and respect the class and style of fashion past.