Flip-flops, board shorts, and a tattered Rip Curl T-shirt. Perfect beach attire to be sure, but not so much for a day at work. These days it’s not uncommon to see employees at companies with progressive (or non-existent) dress codes roll into the office as if it’s a day at the beach.

While dress codes have substantially loosened over the past three decades, the area between appropriate and inappropriate apparel has become a bit hazy. Fashion and personal style strategist Joseph Rosenfeld says that lax dress policies can result in employees consistently dressing down and misrepresenting themselves in a professional setting.

“I find that companies with a strict business professional policy often deal with less dress code violations and a more consistent workforce. However, their employees end up feeling bored with their wardrobes and unable to express themselves and their personalities,” said Megan Moran, founder and wardrobe stylist at The Style Foundry. Although Moran also said that companies that implement a casual dress code policy may struggle with displaying a consistent company message and their employees may lose that empowered feeling that comes with business professional attire.

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Are You A Highly Visible Business Woman Struggling to Dress for Your Dress Code?

If you found yourself nodding your head along to this article saying: “YES! Knowing what to wear and how to wear it to work is SUCH a challenge!”, then let’s chat.

I’d love to help you make every outfit in your closet a go-to outfit, so you can walk confidently into any room.

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Need More Workwear Wisdom? Check These Out:

“Dress For Your Day” Dress Code

How To Use Your Clothes To Position Your Expertise

How To Merge Your Work And Everyday Wardrobes

How To Show Up Stylishly As A Business Woman

5 Ways To Break Through Workwear Boredom