Should every company have a dress code?

Sollte jeder am Arbeitsplatz anziehen, was er oder sie möchte, oder ist es besser, eine für alle verbindliche Kleiderordnung zu haben? Talitha Linehan hat dazu zwei Meinungen eingeholt.

YES!

Shannon Smith is a leading image strategist and founder of Première Image International (www.premiereimageintl.com), which helps companies to introduce dress codes successfully. She lives in Toronto, Ontario, in Canada.

Shannon Smith

Companies made a big mistake when they introduced casual Fridays. They gave employees the idea that it was OK to wear casual clothes to work. Many people don’t understand what “business casual” means. They wear ripped jeans and tight shirts on casual Fridays and other days, too. This is especially bad in summer, when people like to wear light, revealing clothes.

Most people dress inappropriately because they don’t know how to dress for work, and because they’ve been allowed to wear casual clothes to work for so long. I find people want to be told what to wear. I’ve introduced dress codes to companies all over the U.S. and Canada. Companies want their employees to reflect who they are and what they stand for. They want their employees to look smart and professional. That’s why they’re introducing dress codes.

I believe every company should have a dress code. A good dress code tells people what they should and should not wear. It says no to stiletto heels, no to flip-flops, and open-toe shoes, no to Capri pants, and no to bare legs and wild hairdos. It doesn’t allow nose or tongue piercings and asks that tattoos be covered up. It tells employees always to be clean and well-groomed. That means no facial hair and no strong perfume.

When you’re at work, you should swim with the tide, not against it. You are more credible when you wear a suit than when you wear casual clothes. Professional clothing for women used to be boring. But now we have a lot of colors and styles to choose from. I tell men to wear wool pants and clean shirts, women to wear skirts instead of pants, and everyone not to be afraid of color. Find out what colors look good on you and wear them. Buy the best clothes you can. Dress for the job that you want, not the job that you have.

Dressing for success can help you to become successful. Company executives feel most comfortable around people who look and act like they do. When you’re wearing a nice suit, you project yourself differently. You are more confident, and you are more likely to attract the job or promotion that you want.