bizMe

Congrats–you’ve graduated! It’s finally time to turn in the t-shirts, jeans and flip flops you wore to class for a new work appropriate attire. But before you hit the shopping mall to stock up on suits, blouses and stockings, you may want to review your company’s dress code policies.

With every industry comes a new office culture. “I think the relationship between productivity and dress code is very dependent on the industry,” says Nicole Crimaldi, founder of Ms. Career Girl. Some workplaces such as banks and law firms continue to uphold the business professional attire of a two-piece suit, a nice blouse, stockings and pumps. More creative industries such as publishing or advertising, on the other hand, tend to be more relaxed about their dress code, allowing jeans and a nice blouse. Just keep in mind that a more relaxed dress code never means torn up jeans, T-shirts with obscenities or lounge wear for around the house.

Although many industries do not have formal dress code policies anymore, they often rely on you to make the appropriate decision of what to wear. “We trust our employees to exercise good judgment,” says a spokesperson for Microsoft, “and wear whatever they choose to work provided that they are dressed appropriately for customer contact. We’re proud to be one of the originators of the casual workplace.”

To get a sense of what is appropriate workplace attire, it often helps to observe your co-workers. After all, simply because there isn’t a formal dress code doesn’t mean you aren’t expected to look professional. “Dress for Success” is still the reigning motto in place for many corporate offices. “Bank of America does not have a formal dress code,” says Kelly E. Sapp, spokeswoman at Bank of America. “[They] request that associates exercise good judgment and maintain a professional image.”

However, the trend of the suit may be heading out due to some companies feeling that a relaxed atmosphere does not affect being productive and successful. “At Google, we know that being successful has little to do with what an employee is wearing,” a Google spokesperson says. “We believe one can be serious without a suit, so we don’t have a dress code for our employees other than that they must wear something!”

But is Generation Y forcing corporations towards a more relaxed dress code? “I highly doubt the dress code is becoming more relaxed,” Crimaldi says. “Gen Y’ers are just choosing to abuse it more. I definitely push the dress code at times. I have a big personality and have always had a distinct personal style. I feel more productive and satisfied with my job if I push the dress code a little bit.”

Just because some offices allow a more relaxed look doesn’t mean you can walk in for an interview with jeans and a button-down shirt either. A 2005 survey of employers by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that 49% said their opinion of the candidate would be strongly influenced by non-traditional attire. Dressing for success may always be necessary until you find your place in the office.

So where do you strike a balance between your attire and your work? “I think that Gen Y’ers need to be careful about pushing the dress code,” Crimaldi says. “Gen Y’ers should also know when to STOP pushing. If you are pulled aside by a manager to discuss your image, please listen and make appropriate changes! You are not above the rules. Although if no one is complaining and you are doing a stellar job for the company, I don’t see why a little flair would hurt anyone.”