In the 1980s it was padded shoulders and power dressing for women, and smart formal wear for men. This was the image of success in corporate offices. Then the 1990s saw a backlash and the strict expectations of the past began to be eroded. The likes of Crocket and Tubbs from the Miami Vice show introduced the idea that smart casual was the cool look. More and more people went to their offices with light jackets and their sleeves rolled up. Shirts and ties were replaced by tee-shirts and jumpers. This too brought its own backlash and organisations began to insist on minimum requirements but with some concessions to the modern world.

Now, the traditional office attire of business suit, shirt and tie for a man and smart casual clothing for women is being challenged. It is no longer necessary to keep to such a rigid dress code. Those occupations that still champion the old standards are often seen as staid and old fashioned, not an image most organisations wish to portray. At the very least, even the most conservative of firms can now be seen to bow to the more casual approach by adopting what is an almost universal dress down Friday, where even senior managers are encouraged to remove their ties.

Nevertheless, there is still a dress code hierarchy. The more senior the position the more likely a suit and tie is required. Despite the casual revolution, seniority brings with it an expectation of propriety which includes the need to appear professional. A business suit projects such an image and is still key to climbing the corporate ladder.

Some newer industries wallow in their casualness. They wish to project a young and hip image (so won't use words like hip) and they would not want a business suit within 100 metres of them. These tend to be industries that sell to the youth market and want to connect with the anti-establishment nature of adolescents.

The answer then to the question posed at the begining of this topic, what to wear to the office, depends on your role and the nature of the organisation's business. The one rule that applies regardless is that what you wear should be what is appropriate for the organisation.

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