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Dress Code Confusion

Companies are relaxing their guidelines about dress, and Americans are notoriously casual in social situations. One wonders if the lack of formality is the product of a more relaxed society or a general lack of understanding or respect for social conventions.

The author views clothing as an important visual cue to a person's status - you make some sort of statement, for better or for worse - by the way you dress. And generally, if attire interferes with credibility, being casual is a liability.

Some general guides:

Err on the side of discretion: if your company is "business casual," be more business than casual.

When visiting a client for the first time, wear standard business attire

At work-related social events that are casual dress, go for "elegant casual"

Don't confuse casual dress with casual grooming

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