No matter how expensive or stylish your clothing, if it’s messy or ill-fitting, then style and cost mean little. Clothes send a message about how you want people to see you. Especially at work, clothes should be spotless at the start of each day; soiled or sloppy work clothes reflect on both you and your employer. Clothes should be:
Clean:
Don’t wear anything with spots or stains, or that’s just plain dirty. Sometimes even clean clothes may not be as fresh as they appear, so apply the sniff test. Clothing picks up environmental odours such as tobacco smoke, perfume and last night’s stir-fry, and may need to be cleaned or aired out before you wear it again.
Neat:
Clothes should be free of wrinkles, lint, holes and missing buttons. Hems should be intact. A good dry cleaner can make sure your clothing is in perfect condition. Investing in a few clothing-care tools (like a sewing kit and iron) and learning how to use them is a good idea.
Clothing styles are much less formal than they used to be. However, while today’s wardrobe leans towards the more casual, it doesn’t mean its okay to abandon what’s appropriate. You won’t compromise self-expression when you show respect by wearing a tie or removing a cap, and a hint of formality can be an opportunity to set yourself apart. No matter what your style, be sure to follow the basic rules of good grooming. If you’re in the dark on what to wear for a situation, ask someone who knows.
Listed below are things you could wear for business or casual occasions.
The way you take care of your body and anything you put on it is an important part of your image. As with choosing what to wear, paying attention to grooming demonstrates respect for yourself and for people around you. The operative words are neat and clean . The people you’re with can be turned off if you become lax regarding the condition of your clothes and personal hygiene.
Occasion | Men | Women |
Semi-formal | Dark business suit Matching vest (optional) Dress shirt Tie Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks Formal kurta with pyjama | Short afternoon or cocktail dress Little black dress Long dressy skirt and top Dressy seperates Sari/Dressy salwar |
Business Formal | Dark business suit Matching vest (optional) Dress shirt Conservative Tie Leather dress shoes (Oxford usually) and dark dress socks Formal kurta with pyjama | Suit Business-style dress Dress with a jacket Stockings (optional in summer) Heels, low or high and closed toe Sari/Dressy Salwar |
Business casual | Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, open-collar or polo shirt Optional tie Loafers or loafer-style shoes and socks | Shirt, khakis or pants Open-collar shirt, knit shirt or sweater (no spaghetti straps) Dress Sari/Salwar |
Casual | Khakis or good jeans (clean, no holes) Cargo or Bermuda shorts- depending on the occasion and climate Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck (depending on the weather) Casual button-down shirt and/or sweater Loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), sandals Kurta worn over jeans | Sundress Long or short skirt Khakis or nice jeans Shorts (based on the occasion and climate) Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo pants Casual button-down blouse Kurta worn over jeans Salwar/Light sari |
