Kiwi Work Attire: On A Slippery Slope To ‘Casual’

Kiwi Work Attire: On A Slippery Slope To ‘Casual’

A new SEEK Watercooler survey released today shows that 84% of New Zealanders believe that, for better or worse, workplace dressing is becoming more ‘casual’.

For some New Zealand workplaces a casual look is a practical solution to outdoor or mobile working conditions, but are the more traditionally clad office workers drawing the curtain on the suit and the tie?

Anonymous comments on the poll ranged from calls for employers to embrace the trend and introduce “shorts and jandals in summer”, to those who think Kiwi standards have slipped along with attitude;

“It certainly does not show any pride in their work when a person is dressed too casually. It is sad to see how the people in NZ have become with their way of casual dress together with a very careless attitude.”

Once comment referenced the impact of smart dressing on customers, “I am more inclined to shop where the staff look well dressed. It makes me think they really want to be at their job”

SEEK General Manager Annemaire Duff says that Kiwi employers are a diverse bunch and recommends a little research on dress standards before turning up to a job interview;

“Part of the fit between you and a job is the overall culture, which is reflected in the way people present themselves at work. Before your interview, check out the company website for photos, and ask whether there is a company dress standard policy.”

Grooming and fashion stylist Luke Bettesworth says that while different workplaces call for different attire, prospective employees should not miss an opportunity to make the right first impression;

“First impressions are formed within seconds of meeting somebody. Therefore this judgment is largely based on overall image. Put your best foot forward.”

Bettesworth also offers a few key tips and explains common work wear definitions;

Tips for interviews:

ï‚• Ensure your shirt or blouse is freshly pressed
ï‚• Tidy trousers or skirt (skirts finishing at an appropriate length)
ï‚• Hair styled neatly
ï‚• Polished shoes with brand new laces look extra smart
ï‚• If it’s a corporate role you are applying for then ties on men, and women keep your neck lines in check
ï‚• Match your belt with shoes - black belt, black shoes.

Definitions:

Smart casual:Â this is the dress code where you are most likely to get away with jeans. However, note the 'smart' in this description, dark wash denim will always appear smarter than a lighter wash with distressing down the leg.

Business casual: is more ‘business’ than ‘casual’. Choose a look that's comfortable (comfortable doesn't mean a shapeless garment) but dressed up enough to walk into a meeting at any point.

Semi-formal: blurs the line between 'business casual' and 'business'. For women this means moving towards dresses and skirts where a tidy cardigan is worn over a blouse on top instead of the formal jacket. For men this is still shirt territory, but not necessarily ties and jackets.

Business: you can afford to be more playful with a 'business' look than a 'corporate' look but keep this vision sharp and stylish. For men, this is where a creative tie would work well, and women might choose stockings with more detail. Make sure shoes and belts match in colour tone.

Corporate: means that you mean business, and nothing says business like a sharp suit. Think black and white, pin stripes, cuff links and patent leather shoes. For women, knee length pencil skirts with a structured matching jacket, high heels and jewellery with class. For both men and women, a classic trench coat is the ideal corporate companion for your look in winter.

-ENDS-

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