Dress For Professional Success
A study for
Mervyn's department stores, conducted by researchers for California State
University at Sacramento, shows nearly two-thirds of Americans have felt
inappropriately dressed at a business or a social function and more than
two-thirds are uncertain about the differences among business attire, business
casual and casual dress in the workplace.
Nearly one in
three report it is more difficult to know what is acceptable to wear to
the office now than it was 10 years ago.
The biggest
fashion problem is the concept of business casual -- which needs to be
better defined. The study points out standard business attire for men has
been a suit and tie with shined, matching shoes. Business casual could
mean anything from a sports coat with or without a tie to pleated cotton
slacks with a collared short-sleeve polo shirt and loafers.
For women, business
attire already offers a choice of pant suits, suits, dresses and coordinated
skirt and slack ensembles and the notion of business casual might be more
subtle, with factors such as pattern, color, texture and material playing
a role.
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Copyright 2003 by United
Press International.
All rights reserved.
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