I start my new job tomorrow and whilst I have a few polo shirts to make it through the first few days.
Can you give me a few pointers as to what defines smart casual?
Might need to do a bit of shopping!
Your workplace is probably better placed to advise you rather than us... but perhaps if you could tell us what kind of workplace and job it is, whether you're male or female, that might help.
but generally workplace smart casual would be decent trousers and nice shirt, just stopping short of a tie. Could be suit and proper shirt, just again without the tie.
probably not just polo shirt.
why not go in a decent shirt and trousers for the first few days and see if anyone else is in polo shirts? It's not the level I'd start at anyway.
Jeans were only allowed in our work on dress-down days. Otherwise polo shirts, but no t-shirts and defo none with fancy writing or pics on them. Chino type trousers were| O|K but not cords or denim.
Jeans were only allowed in our work on dress-down days. Otherwise polo shirts, but no t-shirts and defo none with fancy writing or pics on them. Chino type trousers were| O|K but not cords or denim.
In one of my previous workplaces, dress-down Fridays still meant no denim or trainers - but that was "down" from fully suited and booted.
Start the first day with a collar and tie available and then take your cues from the people you work with.
Just be aware that there may be very different interpretations from those looking for advancement in the company and those who resent having to turn up - and choose which camp you want to belong to.
I work in a call centre where new recruits start tomorrow haha!
Based in kettering by any chance?
Smart casual in our office for guys is chinos/smart jeans/shirt/polo top.
You'll know in yourself if you look smart enough!
Funny enough when I worked in a warehouse a guy started his first day in a suit bless him!
I start my new job tomorrow and whilst I have a few polo shirts to make it through the first few days.
Can you give me a few pointers as to what defines smart casual?
Might need to do a bit of shopping!
A proper work shirt of some sort - long or short sleeved (for the summer). Usually no need for a tie (though keep one in your pocket, just in case, on the first day). They are usually trying to keep T-shirts out.
Trousers - plain black or maybe cords or chinos, maybe even non-blue jeans (if they are in good nick). Again, what they are usually trying to keep out is blue jeans and shorts and baggy cargo pants.
Shoes, most things OK except trainers, flip-flops, and maybe sandals. Those "half-way between proper shoes and trainers" things are probably OK.
They're basically trying to keep out people turning up in "KERRRANGGG" t-shirts, tatty jeans, and years' old trainers.
Wear something along the lines above on your first couple of days. Then see what others are wearing. If a dress code is given, people rarely come dressed *posher* than it - they'll either stick to it, or come in dressed below it.
In one of my previous workplaces, dress-down Fridays still meant no denim or trainers - but that was "down" from fully suited and booted.
When I worked in a local authority they introduced dress down Friday after one manager had let his team do so and the fact that it was a huge open plan area office meant that everyone else could see they had been allowed and wanted a go too.
But after a couple of months of jeans, T-Shirts and football tops many managers said it was a bit too casual. When our manager was asked what his idea of dressing down was he replied "You don't have to wear a tie".
Office wear is so much easier for women than it is for men.
Men are smart shoes, smart trousers, shirt - the only option is tie or no tie.
Women wear pretty much what they want - including t-shirts.
Equality?
At least it's easier for men to find work clothes. There are always smart trousers and a wide selection of shirts in shops. I tried to find interview clothes last year in the summertime. It was a nightmare. Much of the clothing was bright and summery and not really suitable for an interview.
After today it's pritty much apparant that the smart casual is just a phrase and that it is jeans/ pants but no joggers. Then on top is shirt or polo but smartish thirts are acceptable.
Essentially don't look scruffy!
After today it's pritty much apparant that the smart casual is just a phrase and that it is jeans/ pants but no joggers. Then on top is shirt or polo but smartish thirts are acceptable.
Essentially don't look scruffy!
Comments
They said smart casual attire. Ill see what other people are wearing and base it on that.
but generally workplace smart casual would be decent trousers and nice shirt, just stopping short of a tie. Could be suit and proper shirt, just again without the tie.
probably not just polo shirt.
why not go in a decent shirt and trousers for the first few days and see if anyone else is in polo shirts? It's not the level I'd start at anyway.
right well if they've given you guidance on it just follow what they say!
In one of my previous workplaces, dress-down Fridays still meant no denim or trainers - but that was "down" from fully suited and booted.
Just be aware that there may be very different interpretations from those looking for advancement in the company and those who resent having to turn up - and choose which camp you want to belong to.
yeap, pretty much this at my place.
I have an idea of what I will wear and go from what I see tomorrow.
Based in kettering by any chance?
Smart casual in our office for guys is chinos/smart jeans/shirt/polo top.
You'll know in yourself if you look smart enough!
Funny enough when I worked in a warehouse a guy started his first day in a suit bless him!
A proper work shirt of some sort - long or short sleeved (for the summer). Usually no need for a tie (though keep one in your pocket, just in case, on the first day). They are usually trying to keep T-shirts out.
Trousers - plain black or maybe cords or chinos, maybe even non-blue jeans (if they are in good nick). Again, what they are usually trying to keep out is blue jeans and shorts and baggy cargo pants.
Shoes, most things OK except trainers, flip-flops, and maybe sandals. Those "half-way between proper shoes and trainers" things are probably OK.
They're basically trying to keep out people turning up in "KERRRANGGG" t-shirts, tatty jeans, and years' old trainers.
Wear something along the lines above on your first couple of days. Then see what others are wearing. If a dress code is given, people rarely come dressed *posher* than it - they'll either stick to it, or come in dressed below it.
But after a couple of months of jeans, T-Shirts and football tops many managers said it was a bit too casual. When our manager was asked what his idea of dressing down was he replied "You don't have to wear a tie".
Men are smart shoes, smart trousers, shirt - the only option is tie or no tie.
Women wear pretty much what they want - including t-shirts.
Equality?
At least it's easier for men to find work clothes. There are always smart trousers and a wide selection of shirts in shops. I tried to find interview clothes last year in the summertime. It was a nightmare. Much of the clothing was bright and summery and not really suitable for an interview.
Essentially don't look scruffy!
How did your first day go?
Gets more serious tomorrow!