by MK

Created on: April 15, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2011

Dress codes are necessary because some of us are unable to distinguish between what is suitable for work and what isn't.

I do think a little flexibility (within reason) should be allowed. We all have different tastes when it comes to fashion, and that is reflected in our choice of dress. However, flexibility without guidelines is open to interpretation. Incorrect interpretation then leads to some unsuitable and inappropriate work wear.

Appropriate dress depends on the industry one works for and the culture of that organization. What is appropriate for one might not be appropriate for another.

Each professional industry has its own dress requirements. The legal and the financial sector tend to be far more formal and conservative than the IT sector. However, IT is not as open to self-expression and creativity as the advertising or entertainment industry might be.

A good rule of thumb is to look to management and leadership for guidance. They usually set the culture within the organization.

Those of us who have worked in a corporate office environment will have come across at least one person who dresses inappropriately. Sometimes it's too revealing; other times garish.

Television shows, reality shows and MTV contribute to the growth of this trend. They have a tendency to feature people who dress to attract attention. We become desensitized and think that this is normal. What, in turn, are we teaching our children? They learn that this is what they have to be to succeed. Is it a surprise then that as adults they show up to work dressed like they're about to go out to a party?

A person's choice of dress is one of the first things we notice when meeting for the first time. A judgment is formed, influenced in part by their attire. This might not be fair, but it's the way the mind works.

Organizations tend to take this seriously, because it can affect their business. They want the people who represent them to project the values of the organization. They don't want business compromised.

Dress codes are a good way of enforcing the baseline and ensuring that something as silly as the way you dress doesn't get in the way of your work.

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