WHATEVER your job is, there are certain guidelines you should follow when it comes to attire. The human resources (HR) department shouldn’t have to send out memos that tank tops, pierced nostrils, and flip-flops are inappropriate for any work environment, neither should you think that loud chatter and loud music are required for relieving workplace stress.

Cheryll Messam, life and corporate coach at youinmindjamaica.com, says although the way one dresses is highly dependent on the culture of the organisation, one should draw a distinction between party and office wear.

It’s good to take note of HR requirements, and draw reference from other employees at the office.

Racquel Duncan, branch manager for the Spanish Town branch of Sangster’s Book Stores Limited, highlighted dress code rules that are more or less typical of most workplaces in Jamaica.

She told Career & Education that in her organisation there are strict regulations where dress codes are concerned.

“You have to have on a blouse with sleeves and a collar, or a jacket. You must wear tailored pants and no sandals. Your skirt should not be more than two inches above your knees or have anything like fringes. No sheer material is allowed; no sneakers or white shoes, and for men, the shirt must be in their pants and the pants must be at the waist.”

Duncan added that hair must be well kept and the styles modest, and for men, no cornrows or earrings are allowed.

“No multicoloured nails are allowed. There is a trend now where four fingers are painted in one colour such as purple and the fifth finger is in pink or green or orange. That is not allowed here,” she said.

Duncan also said that while make-up is good, the workplace is not where one should choose to get creative.

“Only modest make-up is allowed, no dramatic eye shadow or colouring of eyebrows after they have been shaved out.”

Here are a few common ground rules for dressing for your job:

1. Dress business formal if you work with customers in a professional setting. This means jacket and pants or jacket and skirt suits, button-down shirts and knee-length skirts.

2. Avoid loud colours such as bright yellow, orange and certain shades of red. Instead, choose colours which are not too bright or too dark. Select neutral and solid colours. These include black, grey, navy, and brown.

3. Wear shoes with heels no higher than four inches. Avoid wearing sandals, chunky heels, flat-soled shoes, stilettos and platforms.

4. Be conservative with jewellery and accessories.

5. Remove piercings that are not in your ears and try to conceal tattoos as they may cause distractions or offend others. Don’t tattoo your hands, neck or face and then expect to be taken seriously.

6. Try not to wear highly scented perfume as it may affect co-workers.

7. If your workplace is more casual, this is no excuse to wear your miniskirts, halter backs and sheer tops. If jeans are allowed on workdays, pair with a button-down top and/or jacket. Don’t wear shorts, ever. And capris and tank tops are not appropriate for work.

8. Don’t get too wild with the hair colour. Stick to natural colours and conservative styles. Save the extremely long weaves, braids and bright colours for the party. Your manager may not call you up about it, but no one will take you seriously when it comes time for a promotion.