Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Casual Attire for Law Office Question: I am the office administrator for a law firm. We are now having strong issues concerning the dress code policy. To clarify such issues, what is the attire for Monday through Thursday and "Dress down/Casual" on Fridays in today's society? I am preparing an orientation package this week in which the "dress code" policy is heavily stressed. I need your HELP! Brenda Answer: Business attire today is all over the map. There are three basic levels of business attire and all are popular today. Many companies are adopting a “Situationally Sensitive” or Business Appropriate policy that incorporates all three levels depending upon the situation at hand. It is becoming more and more common for companies to require their employees to keep formal business clothing in their offices for meetings with clients, particularly for those unexpected situations. Many people are completely unaware of the varying degrees of business dress. So that we are on the same page, let’s take a look at the three primary levels of business attire: 1) Traditional Power Business (Formal Business Wear) Men: Dark suits, dress shirts worn with ties; hard-sole shoes w/ socks Women: skirted suits, closed-toe/closed-heel pumps w/ hosiery 2) General Business Attire Men: Sport coats/ dress trousers/ dress shirts worn with ties Women: Pantsuits; Dressy coordinated separates that include tailored jackets, skirts (long or short), or pants; closed-toe/closed-heel shoes; hosiery 3) Business Casual Attire* Men: Coordinated separates/ no tie Women: Coordinated separates *Business casual also has many varying levels - all a relaxed version of classic business attire; it can look different ways; See my book, "Casual Power", for an excellent sampling of varying outfits. According to a 2001 poll by the Society for Human Resource Management, eighty-six per cent (86%) of American companies today allow some form of casual attire. Going beyond the Casual Friday, over 55% of U.S. companies (with more than 500 employees) have five-day-a-week Business Casual dress policies. Some of those continue the “Dress-down” Friday with employees dressing down even a step further than they do on the other days. Some of the casual-5-days-a-week companies do not have “Casual Fridays” since they allow dressing down the other four days of the week. A recent poll, by Management Recruiters International, found that a third (34%) of American executives think casual wear has gone too far. The pendulum is clearly swinging away from sloppy casual. The demise of the dot.com has given the business-attire pendulum a push, but the trend away from ultracasual to a dressier, more professional look was already in its beginning stages last year. The suit is gaining in popularity again, but we are seeing it worn differently. While yes, the suit and tie look is still popular, we also see suits worn without ties with knit shirts or dressy sport shirts. For women, this translates into the General Business attire level where wearing a tailored jacket is a must. Although suits are back, business casual is not going away. It is just becoming more clearly defined, moving to a more tailored businesslike look -- yet, still relaxed from traditional business formal. Dress policies are complicated business. Regardless of their direction, the ones that are the most successful are spelled out clearly and precisely -- exactly which garments, fabrics, shoe-types, etc. are appropriate and which are not appropriate. Issuing separate lists for men and women help each gender be clear on what they should and should not wear without having to wade through the information for the other, unless they just want to. My company offers a “cut-above” dress policy template. By starting with a high standard that covers all the bases, including defining the three levels of business attire -- particularly business casual - a company can work from that deciding just what standards they want their employees to comply with. My template addresses all the problematic fabrics (such as see-through fabrics, leather, denim, etc.) and garments that invite unprofessional attire to walk in the door. Without clear rules, people make up their own; and often, they are not in line with the higher standards the employer hoped for. As you may have surmised from the above list, business dress today is complex. Smart companies -- and those who care about their employees -- are establishing clear codes and then educating their employees on how to comply. This process is most successful if the communications are done in an entertaining, motivational style. Best of luck, Sherry Maysonave Also see: I recently accepted a position in the office of the University President. This summer I have worn skirts and tops - but sometimes I feel underdressed without a suit jacket. Are suits required in an office like this? The law firm I work for just adopted business casual dress policy. What should I wear? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'