What to wear in the office: Smart casual, T-shirts, sneakers take over but experts warn of compromised professionalism

The corporate dress code has seen an immense metamorphosis within the last decade, sneakers in meeting rooms have now become the norm while the full suit takes a back step as generations change, here is what experts have to say. Since dressing is deeply personalised, it ultimately is a reflection of what a professional envisions as their image or that of the organisation as a whole.

The Shift in Business Dress Codes

As new generations emerge and more Gen Z individuals join the workforce, experts observe a clear shift in business dress codes. Sneakers and t-shirts are becoming increasingly common, while the prevalence of suits and ties is on the decline. “Gone are the days of the restrictive 3-piece suit and tie being required to effectively conduct a business meeting,” Gary Sweeney, Brand Manager at Ascots & Chapels said in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business.

The blend between the old and the new becomes apparent as workers team up the t-shirt and sneaker duo with pants and blazers for meetings. Currently, there is a growing acceptance of a “smart casual” approach across diverse industries, including finance and law. However, Sweeney suggests that where companies face challenges, is through a lack of clear guidance on what is and isn’t appropriate.

Challenges of Smart Casual

“The term smart casual can be, unfortunately, left to the individual’s interpretation of what they deem appropriate. Being clear and even visual with corporate guidelines really helps,” Sweeney suggests. Experts note that although this shift is prominent, it does not mean traditional attire is gone, as Sweeney affirmed: “I don’t believe that this necessarily means that the suit and tie is completely redundant.”

Influencing Factors: Pandemic and Personal Values

According to experts, one of the reasons that propelled the shifting dress code dynamic in the workplace is the pandemic. The rise of athleisure in fashion, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has paved the acceptance of casual attire in both workplace and non-workplace settings.

“I believe there has been a shift with millennials and Gen Z entering the workforce. They are now more educated on their own personal values, their beliefs and ethics than generations previous, and hold a mindset of being more about who you are as a person, then what you wear,” Sweeney said.

Key Drivers of the Evolution

• Generational Change: Influence of Millennials and Gen Z entering the workforce.
• Historical Context: Evolution of norms since the 16th century.
• Pandemic Impact: Global shift towards athleisure and casual settings.
• Leadership Influence: Simplification of wardrobes by global business leaders.

Fashion History and Professional Etiquette

“The phrase ‘dress for the job you want, not the job you have’ is very popular among etiquette coaches, and for good reason,” said Jamila Musayeva, International etiquette consultant. Reflecting on the trajectory of fashion history, Musayeva highlights the evolution of norms since the 16th century. From the confines of historical etiquette to the contemporary embrace of unisex styles, minimalist fashion has transformed.

“The etiquette of fashion, in particular, has evolved dramatically – think about what was once taboo for women in fashion, such as wearing pants, which is now completely normalised. It’s a natural progression that our wardrobes would evolve and still down to certain essentials that remain relevant today,” she said. Citing examples of global business leaders like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs who have “simplified their wardrobes,” Musayeva highlights a growing trend towards simplicity in the modern workplace.