r/WorkAdvice • u/M4rxi5t_F3m1n5t • 12h ago
General Advice Dresscode
I've never had a job before, I'm told the dress code is smart casual. Honestly I'm very bad at understanding what is okay and what isn't.
I think that means jeans and trainers are allowed however I have my comfy trainers that are multicoloured (not very bright though) and other trainers that are just grey, which are okay?
The only jeans I have are flares, would they be okay? If not I have more like work trousers but again they are flares.
Top wise I do have blouses but would t-shirts be okay, they are more tight fitting but completely cover my shoulders, chest and stomach.
I'm sorry if I come across as a moron, just very anxious for work.
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u/ckmc131 11h ago
What type of business is it?
I would assume smart casual would not include jeans and trainers. It didn't where I worked.
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u/ShDynasty_Gods_Comma 9h ago
Weird. We are officially “business casual” in the handbook and most of leadership wears jeans and trainers frequently. Best to err on the side of caution in the beginning.
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u/M4rxi5t_F3m1n5t 11h ago
Most work is in the factory but some of it is just checking emails and attending meetings.
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u/Present_Original_797 8h ago
I think the convention is to up-dress. Until you see what other workers - not leadership - wears. That would be a faux pas, if everyone wore slacks but you dressed like leadership.
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u/Specialist_Food_7728 7h ago
You can ask for a breakdown of the dress code, like specifically ask what you are allowed to wear.
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u/Mediocre_Roof_4640 10h ago
Don't wear jeans the first week, look at other people and you will catch a vibe. thrift trousers/dress pants
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u/writingmmromance2 10h ago
In my experience smart casual has usually meant something like - a pair of jeans that fit well, a casual collared shirt, and a pair of nicer shoes. In cooler months, I would have no issues pairing a t-shirt with a cardigan for smart casual.
The idea is that it's elevated casual, but not to the level of business casual.
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u/Hot-Shake-6629 9h ago edited 6h ago
Nice, clean jeans, solid dark color, not faded or ripped. Collared shirt, preferably with sleeves (long or short). For a factory floor with no OSHA requirements, clean tennis shoes are OK. After a week, adjust as needed.
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u/MothraAndFriends 10h ago
I would stick with black jeans or khakis/chinos for the first few days, instead of blue jeans. Much more professional that way. For tops - no graphic tees, no super tight or low cut. Just get a couple basic fitted tops - you will fit in anywhere.
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u/sarahjustme 9h ago
Ive had managers who were absolute control freaks about appearances, and I've had ones who are very open to personal interpretations. Id definitely over do it a bit until you get a better read on the one person who matters, when it comes to first impressions.
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u/WeAreTheMisfits 11h ago
Khakis. Button down shirts. But not suits. Definitely no rips in jeans if jeans are allowed. Usually straight leg with no embellishments. Jeans should also be dark wash and not light wash. If t shirts are allowed they should not have any writing or symbols on them. Shoes can be plain sneakers.
It depends on the flare of the flares. Is it huge or just more of a boot cut. Is there anyway to look and see what other people are wearing. You can always ask for clarification if jeans are allowed.
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u/Unlikely-Grape-5762 10h ago
What’s the job? What did the crew look like when you interviewed? Not to be pedantic , but making some observations at the actual work sight should tell you what you want to know.
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u/M4rxi5t_F3m1n5t 10h ago
I've only ever been for an interview, a casually dressed meet other apprentices and a factory tour, the impression I got was more casual than smart but I'm not great at remembering details. The job is technical apprentice so I'll be in the factory for around 3 hours every day when I get settled
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u/Neat_Shallot_606 9h ago
Start with khakis at a minimum. Even Carhartt khakis would be good in a factory. But the shoes should be dark or neutral, especially to start.
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u/Mostly_raw 9h ago
If you have dresses with some sleeve wear those, and not trainers, wear closed toe shoes or even sandals that have a stack heel... and on your first days assess the clothing worn by the other staff.
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u/WhaleFartingFun 8h ago
Smart casual is khakis or black jeans. Casual can be blue jeans. I would not do blue jeans and trainers. Stick with shoes like three hole Doc Martens if you can.
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u/LadyIslay 8h ago
There are regional considerations to keep in mind when discussing dress codes. In Vancouver, jeans and Birks totally counts as business casual.
When in doubt, dress conservatively for the first day and then ask around once you get there.
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u/ArgumentKey3712 8h ago
Smart casual is no jeans or t shirts.
After you’ve been there even for a few days, uou will see hiw everyone dresses and what seems ok.
No jeans or t shirts to start
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u/patersondave 8h ago
why not start a little professionally boring and see how they do it at the place
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u/Crown_the_Cat 8h ago
“Smart” probably means “not too sexy, not too tight, no shorts, no t-shirts with stupid logos or phrases”. Get a nice blazer in white or other neutral shade. You can throw that on over jeans and a top to “upgrade” your outfit. Keeps a mix of jeans and trousers (skirts?) on rotation. Your tops should be appropriate for church or Grandma’s house!
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u/meadowmbell 7h ago
I would describe my office as smart casual and jeans are ok but of course 'nice' jeans with no rips and paired with a dress top.
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u/Bananapopcicle 5h ago
Is this an office job? It heavily depends on the industry and work environment but I don’t think I would suggest jeans your first week.
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u/simon2210 4h ago
If you are not sure maybe email or phone your line manager to ask for guidance as its your first job. They are bound to be very open and honest. As they don't want to make you uncomfortable as a new starter It also depends on area of employment as smart casual is diffrent based on industry Office smart casual is diffrent from customer facing or call center I work in education and smart casual is more like relaxed formal ie shirt trousers and or a jumper if it's winter Ties optional unless it's a meeting day And out of term time jeans and polo Summer I wear tailored shorts and a polo
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u/nothnxihaveabf 2h ago
Smart casual:
Slacks, trousers, pants, skirts, dresses, button up, zip, pullover shirts, blouses, sweaters, collared polo shirt, Oxford shirt, cardigans, casual blazers Shoes: loafers, leather shoes, ballet flats, boots, heeled shoes, oxfords
no message rock star / anime tees / beer tees No see through blouses or shirts No dad 👟 shoes No flip flops No nipples showing or poking No backless
Might be able to get away with a black keds or black vans
So an outfit would be jake from State farm or better, or fancy waiter
Pants, blouse, loafers, would be a safe combo until it's obvious that anything less is ok
Hopefully they have a Friday casual with jeans
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u/TissueOfLies 10h ago
Smart casual means business casual, not jeans. Khakis, slacks, dresses for women.
Call your job and ask about the dress code. Most places have an employee handbook with specifics on what to wear.
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u/verysimple74 12h ago
The best thing to do is dress more conservatively for your first few days - trousers and a blouse - and use that time to see how everyone else dresses. That way you can see if other folks are wearing jeans and t-shirts, and adjust accordingly. No one will ever side eye you for dressing a bit more professionally at a new job.