Dress code at work

Are you in uniform? Then you’re fine. Everyone else should deal with the topic of dress code.

While dress codes are far more relaxed in some industries than they used to be, they still apply to many businesses. While you can go to your start-up in sandals and shorts, you should know the dress code in banks and insurance companies.

Business (highly official)

Reason:
Executive level, large business events

What are they wearing:
A dark suit with a waistcoat is the only right choice here. With dark grey, anthracite or dark blue, also with pinstripes, you are spot on. In the evening it can also be black. The shirt is white, the tie is plain or has a subtle pattern.

Accessories:
Cufflinks make the look perfect, they should be simple and elegant. Smooth leather lace-up shoes with leather soles are mandatory.

Styling Tips:
Please never show up without a tie! Light-colored suits or turtleneck sweaters look far too sporty for these occasions.

Business (official)

Reason:
Middle and senior management employees, business events

What are they wearing:
With a two- or three-piece dark suit you are appropriately dressed. In addition to dark blue and anthracite, it can even be a suit in dark brown tones. But be careful: shoes and belts must match the color of the suit. Overall, the rules are a little looser here: Colored ties and shirts in pastel shades with fine stripes or grid checks are allowed. But not too many patterns at once: a maximum of two are allowed, the overall effect should be subtle, not colourful. Smooth leather shoes with laces are also part of this.

Styling Tips:
You can’t go without a tie here either. Sweaters and button-down shirts are among the most common faux pas.

Business-casual

Reason:
Sightseeing on a business trip, internal meeting outside the office

What are they wearing?
Even if the motto sounds casual, you can’t appear here in jeans and a t-shirt. You can do without a tie, but you should wear a jacket. Instead of a shirt, choose a well-fitting polo shirt, but a fine knit sweater in combination with classic chinos, cotton or corduroy trousers are also suitable for these occasions. Dark jeans are also accepted in many circles, they should definitely not be faded or torn anywhere.

Styling Tips:
Casual trousers or even shorts and sandals don’t go here at all, unless your job involves camping. Well-groomed casualness is the order of the day, here the turtleneck goes well with dark blue jeans, a tweed jacket and elegant leather laces.

Smart casual

Reason:
Mid-level staff, informal evening events

What are they wearing:
A casual business outfit, says Knigge: “That means: The gentleman wears a day suit, but can leave off the tie.” We say: It can even be a little more relaxed. Instead of shirts, polo shirts or sweaters can also be used, while loafers or slippers replace business lace-ups. Some employers also allow well-groomed jeans in dark colors.

Styling Tips:
This motto poses a great deal of trouble for many men: It’s all about your taste, there are no strict rules to follow, but many unwritten laws that you can break. If you are unsure, do not risk any daring color combinations, stick to two patterns per outfit and ask your boss for guidance.

Come as you are

Occasions:
Business lunch, after-work drink

What are they wearing:
Attention: Even if it sounds as if you could appear at the event in pajamas, this is about a business outfit. Nobody has to change clothes for such an invitation after work – that is the idea behind it. But this does not apply to lifeguards and football coaches: you should wear a suit or at least cotton trousers and a shirt.

Styling Tips:
You can take off your tie beforehand.

Casual

Reason:
Employees in industries without a strict dress code

What are they wearing:
There are industries without a dress code. But even in these professions, the normal rules of conduct apply. And they say: You only wear sportswear or beachwear for sports or on the beach. Treat your colleagues to the visual pleasure of a casual but appropriate outfit. Long leisure pants, neat jeans, fine knit sweaters, polo shirts and blazers are the best choices.

Styling Tips:
If your invitation to a formal occasion (e.g. a wedding) says “casual”, then choose a suit and combine it casually. Skip the tie and wear a turtleneck or a light-colored suit.