The Case Against Casual Dress at Work

The Case Against Casual Dress at Work

Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and why you act - without having to speak.

Business casual is now the norm in most corporate settings. Khakis and dress shirts are the uniform. Workplaces are relaxing dress codes in an attempt to create personal freedom and to enhance the image of the workplaces as being enjoyable and comfortable.

This uniform is great for the masses, but it isn’t me. I like to dress up for work.
I like suit vests, ties, cuff links, cashmere, oxfords, tailored clothes, sport coats and argyle. I do not dress nicely in an attempt to get ahead, to be noticed, to impress others, or to try to differentiate myself from others.

Why do I dress up? To me it is self-respect and to distinguish work and life.

I have worked very hard to get where I am and I take pride in that. I take pride in my work. I take pride in my previous experiences. I take pride in the knowledge I gain from others. I take pride in outcomes. I take pride in my education. I take pride in the relationships I build. I take pride in everything it took to get me where I am today. Why shouldn’t I take pride in the way I dress at work?

By dressing well, I feel that it shows that I am consciously preparing for something important. Dressing well is a simple step I take every day to show the pride I have in what I am doing. This feeling of pride enhances my self-respect, creativity and confidence. When I wear a tie and suit vest, I sit a little straighter and focus a bit more.

I am not saying that I think less of those who do not dress up, but most people do not associate their wardrobe with emotions. To me, dressing up creates an added importance to work and the task at hand – a kind of enclothed cognition. I do not feel comfortable giving a bare minimum and the added decorum of my wardrobe creates a new type of self-respect and meaning to my day to day tasks. Per the frequently quoted statistic – 93% of all daily communication is nonverbal. Whether you like it or not, the way you dress, is your brand and your message. Beyond your personal brand, you are also a professional brand for your company, your department and your title.

Dressing up at work is beyond being a device for perception or fashion, but is a way in which I distinguish work and life. When I put on a certain item of clothing, I adopt the characteristics of that item. Dressing up is my professional work attire and not my relaxing weekend wear - and I act accordingly. There is a distinct attitude and cognitive state when I wear certain items of clothing.

I am not saying that everyone should dress up - as it has been shown that if a certain dress code is enforced, the emotional advantages of dressing up wear out over time. I am saying that the positive emotions felt when dressing for your job, have justified means in creating Brand: You.

Although the incessant questions “Are you going to an interview?” or “What’s the occasion?” will never end, dressing well is what I will continue to do. I will have a Tie Tuesday, a Michael Kors Monday, an occasional Tweed Thursdays, or a Burberry Business Day.  It works for me. And try it out – it may work for you. See if can get an enclothed cognition, putting you in a different mental state; a state where you act and communicate differently. As Oscar Wilde said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

-thePonderingNick