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 INTRODUCTION    The business environment is vast, and the acceptable clothing attire varies from one organization to another. There is, however, a common consensus as to what clothing is acceptable in the business workplace. The business dress code is usually divided in to two categories, the casual dress code and the formal dress code. Some businesses have a required dress code outlined in their company policy or dress code, while other businesses keep a non verbal message of their dress code. The term “judging a book by its cover” is one that truly covers the reason a proper dress code is in place in the business work place. A person must dress according to the way they wish to be portrayed and by what is expected of them. Dressing formally to a meeting or interview, would usually be different from the clothing required when meeting a client for coffee or lunch. Generally, however, the overwhelming message of professional clothing and grooming is coming off as “smart”. Being able to ‘impress’ is what people usually think off when deciding what to wear. A blazer and dress pants might be required by a man in order to impress a colleague or employer in a business meeting. On the other hand a woman might have to wear a business suit and pants in order to portray a formal business setting to a client (Zephyr, 2008). Whether dressing casually or formally, the non-verbal message that is required in the business world, is dressing professionally, and dressing the way it would be acceptable and impressive for the field of work that the individual is in. One would for example, would not dress in a t-shirt and jeans when meeting with a client, unless the client himself was dressed in that manner and that was the corporate culture of the organization.

JOB INTERVIEW ATTIRE 

Depending on the company which is offering the interview, one of two options of business attire will be presented to the individual. The first consists of casual business attire, which is characterized by khaki, cotton pants or skirts, sweaters, twinsets, and polo's with a solid color for women and khaki's, cotton pants, collared long-sleeved shirts and polo's, sweaters, and leather shoes with a belt for men (Doyle, 1998). A tie is optional for casual wear clothes are generally to be well pressed and smooth. The second option is formal business attire. This is a more high-end category as it consists of a suit with a coordinated blouse for women, along with moderate shoes, a professional hair style, and light make up and jewellery. For men, formal attire consists of solid color suits, recommended in darker shades, with a tie, dress shoes, and dress pants (Doyle, 1998). One should never present himself in a very casual way, such as t-shirts and jeans. Perfume and cologne are also undesirable. An individual should present himself in a well-mannered and civilized manner, with quality being emphasized over quantity.

DAY TO DAY BUSINESS ATTIRE 

"Dress to Impress." That's what most businessmen would tell you, if you happened to ask them about appropriate day-to-day attire in the business world. According to Sherry Maysonave, author of Casual Power, there are three levels of business attire; traditional/formal, general, and and casual business attire. For day-to-day attire however, you need to concentrate on general business attire. One should dress more formal when conducting interviews or meeting with clients, but not so much for roaming the office. For men, daily attire still demands a tie and is still to be worn with a dress shirt. Rather than a suit, men could wear a sport coat with trousers. Women have a bit more options when it comes to daily business attire. It includes appropriate dresses and tailored pantsuits. When wearing two separate items however, tailored jackets are required (Maysonave, 2010). Of course, all of this information is subject to which business one belongs to. One office may demand 100% formal attire, whereas another may let you walk around in slippers. The aim of dressing is to not necessarily dress for what status you hold, but rather which status you wish to achieve.   FORMAL PRESENTATION ATTIRE  For a meeting with shareholders or with the board of directors, the goal is to dress to impress. While every business has its own standards, expectations and styles, there are stan <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">d <span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ards which are usually expected overall. Most businesses expect formal business attire for a meeting of high importance. For men, it is usually as easy as putting on a suit, shirt and tie. In some situations it may be possible to get away with business casual wear consisting of dress pants and a sport coat, but generally speaking the usual approach is formal business attire. A custom tailored suit will give you the professional look you require for an executive meeting and that in turn should gain you more interest and respect than your co-worker in khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. For women there are many more options, a lot like in day-to-day business apparel. In past eras dresses were the oft-used option for businesswomen but in the modern era a tailored pantsuit has taken precedence. Two key points for women to remember when dressing for an important meeting are to avoid dressing in a sexy or provocative manner and to use pieces which can be worn in many ways (Audrey, 2010). This will allow you to be able to change it up without having to buy many one-use items. For both men and women the most important thing is to look professional, well-kept and worthy of the attention of the people who employ you. <span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 14pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">SUMMARY <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">Acceptable business attire is wide, and depends on a many different factors. Within the formal and casual business attire there are requirements which must be taken in to consideration when choosing what to wear. Formal attire is usually required in job interviews and formal presentations, whereas in day to day business operations casual attire can be worn. The casual attire however must also be chosen to keep the culture of the organization in mind. In one organization, casual attire may mean jeans and a t-shirt, whereas in another casual attire could include wearing a dress shirt and tie. All choices for business attire must be made with the company’s standards in mind. The choices for clothing is made by individuals, and each individual must evaluate how he or she would want to be perceived in the situation they are in, and must dress according to the formality of the situation and to the impression they are trying to make.