Office wear can be both formal and informal depending on the sort of office one works in. Those that regularly greet clients may prefer their office staff to stay formal at all times, and if this is the case nothing less than suits will do.
Women who wear suits have several choices, the most obvious being skirt suits or trouser suits. But now there is also the option of the three-piece suit. Just like in men’s wear, the three piece suit consists of a jacket, trousers (or skirt if required) and a waistcoat. It gives an added air of authority to the wearer, and has a very classic look. Men are usually more straightforward, wearing a suit at all times, complete with tie.
Some offices allow a slightly less formal dress code for their staff, and some even have a ‘dress down’ day – usually a Friday – on which the staff can wear whatever clothes they wish. For offices that are less formal, a mixture of suits and separates will be fine. On these occasions smart trousers and skirts can be teamed with less formal blouses and shirts, and men may be allowed to leave the tie at home.
Casual offices, such as call centre environments where the office staff only speak to customers via the telephone, will often allow staff to wear whatever they like as long as they are clean and tidy. Some employers may even state that jeans are acceptable.