By Marjorie Brody, MA, CSP, CMC

Jim was interviewing for a job and things seemed to be going pretty well until the hiring manager asked Jim if he had any questions. "Just one," said Jim. "Which days are dress-down days?" The hiring manager looked disappointed and replied, "Saturday and Sunday."

Dressing for work can be tricky these days. It's easy when you wear a uniform, but most people don't. It's difficult to define appropriate business wardrobe, because it really depends on the type of job you have, the industry you're in, the part of the country (or world) you are in, and the company culture.

Check out any dress codes before joining a firm. Look at your managers—how are they dressed?

There is a difference between business professional, business casual and dress down. Dress down is never acceptable in a business environment. Here are a few guidelines about each:

Business Professional
The following items are acceptable as business attire for women:

• Suit—black, gray, dark burgundy or navy
• Contrasting jacket and skirt
• Two-piece dress
• White or off-white blouse
• Solid color blouse (may be pastel)
• Gold or silver earrings
• Scarf that picks up colors from the suit
• Black, navy or taupe pumps
• Neutral or taupe hosiery
• Black, dark brown or burgundy leather handbag
• All-weather coat
• Black, brown or burgundy briefcase

"Business professional" wardrobe options for men are:

• Suits—solid-color navy, gray and charcoal gray (one each color)
• Black socks, two pairs navy socks
• Pin-striped navy suit, same in gray
• Ties—burgundy, red print, navy, mauve, striped silk and patterned silk
• Navy sport coat with gray trousers
• Black leather belt
• White cotton shirts, a blue or pin-striped shirt
• Black leather briefcase
• Black slip-on shoes, or black lace-up shoes

Business Casual
Women have the following options for "business casual." Keep in mind, however, that there are real differences between "Classic Casual" and "Smart Casual":

• Skirts and slacks
• Neatly pressed chinos or corduroys are acceptable
• Cotton shirts in solids, prints or muted plaids
• Sweaters (not too tight)
• Blazers (structured and non-structured)
• Low-heeled shoes or boots with stockings or socks

Men can wear the following as acceptable "business casual":

• Slacks, Chinos or "Dockers"-type trousers
• Sport shirts with collars or banded necks
• Polo shirts (with collars)
• Sweater or sport jacket
• Casual loafers or lace-up shoes (with socks)

Dress Down & Weekend Wear
(never acceptable in a corporate environment)

• Leggings
• T-shirts
• Bare midriffs
• Low-cut garments, front or back
• Hats, caps
• Ripped or tattered clothing
• Extremely tight-fitting blouses, short skirts or other suggestive clothing
• Jeans (depending on your business environment)
• Shorts

Sloppy dressers are crossing the line, according to 34% of the 3,500 executives polled by Management Recruiters International. These executives mention tank tops, sweatshirts and open-toed shoes in the workplace as examples of "weekend casual" and inappropriate in any office setting.