Office Wear

grey_area

Hey,

Just looking for some tips on the style of clothing acceptable to wear in office type environment? I'll be starting a job soon in the tech area as a junior consultant (I'm in my 20s) and I don't particularly want to wear shirt and slacks all the time. What would you suggest is one step down from that level of formality but still stylish and professional enough for office work / meeting clients? I will obviously know more about whats suitable when I start, but any tips are appreciated, this is not my forte!

One eyed Jack

Smart casual would be suitable -


http://www.google.ie/search?q=smart+casual+for+men&gws_rd=cr&hl=en&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ei=08FgVZr9NOXO7gbArYPQBA&ved=0CAsQsAQ&tbm=isch

See if anything there is your particular taste. I used usually wear jeans and a casual shirt, some guys would wear sketchers or boat shoes but I used usually wear new rocks.

Nowadays I wear a shirt and tie alright with black suit trousers and a pair of sensible black shoes.

Nothing too loud basically, and you should be fine (no tee shirts with slogans, ripped jeans, etc).

Deep Thought

Blue cords, black Doc shoes and casual shirt...

H3llR4iser

What sort of "tech"? IT companies tend not to have specific policies. Most will unofficially endorse "smart casual", which is essentially shirt and jeans; Yet, wherever I worked most people come in with all sorts of attire - up to and including hoodies and runners, and nobody has an issue with it.

Usually, if there is a dress code is specified in the work agreement/contract. To be sure, I would go with shirt + suit(y) trousers the first few days, look around and then you'll have a better idea.

Pawwed Rig

A step down from slacks and shirt wouldn't include jeans imo. It would be some kind of cord or other fabric pants with a top of some kind with a collar. Just call/email the company and ask them what the dress code is. You don't need added stress when you are starting a new job. Better to overdressed than under.

source

Chinos and a casual shirt or a polo shirt. Comfortable middle ground.

My advice, wear short and slacks until you get the feel for the place, then slowly make the change in line with others in the office.

234

For meeting clients, unless your company says otherwise I would presume that a suit is in order. If you are dealing with people outside the IT industry they will often expect a suit in a professional setting.

skallywag

Well when starting a new job I would first of all take my cue from my peers to see what the norm is. Each office environment will be different, for example where I currently work is very casual to the level that loud shorts and t-shirts make an appearance. That said none of my team are customer facing and we don't usually have clients in the office. Those going to customer meetings would of course dress more formally.

grey_area

Thanks for the tips, will hit up Dundrum shopping centre to get some new gear!

ancapailldorcha

I wore plain black suit trousers along with a decent shirt (white with stripes for example) when I was adhering to a smart casual dress code. As Pawwed Rig has said, better to overestimate than underestimate.

Sleepy

Always better to over-dress than under-dress. Wear a suit the first day and get a feel for the place. You can always take off the jacket and tie if it's more casual than you'd expected. I'm a senior consultant in a software company and right now I'm in a Game of Thrones t-shirt, jeans and runners. Most of my colleagues are dressed similarly. When I'm out with clients, or if they're coming in to visit me in our offices (fairly rare) I'd be in a suit though I haven't worn a tie for work for years...