travel company dress code

August 26th, 2024

Brightline kicks off five days of deals to celebrate one year of orlando rides, savings of up to 50% off exclusively for brightline email subscribers.

MIAMI (Aug. 26, 2024) – Brightline is kicking off a month-long celebration of its first year connecting riders between South Florida and  Orlando with a special week of savings! From Sept. 3 through Sept. 7, Brightline will be offering email subscribers five days of unbeatable deals in honor of this milestone. Each day, a new deal will be revealed, giving travelers the chance to save big on rides to and from Orlando.

"This has been a transformative year for Brightline, and we're just getting started,” said Barbara Drahl, SVP of marketing and commercial strategy at Brightline. “As we celebrate our first year of service to Orlando, we're offering our guests more than just great deals. We'll be unveiling major enhancements that will redefine the Brightline experience and further solidify our commitment to revolutionizing rail travel."

Brightline's One-Year to Orlando Celebration Sale kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and runs through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7. Deals are valid for travel through Nov. 16, 2024, with booking now and travel later. Deals will include deep discounts and special promotions for travel between Orlando and South Florida, as well as for rides within South Florida, from West Palm Beach to Miami.

Don't miss out on this chance to celebrate one year of Orlando rides with Brightline! Sign up today at www.gobrightline.com/deals-sign-up and get ready to unwrap the best travel deals in Florida. 

–GOBRIGHTLINE–

ABOUT BRIGHTLINE

Brightline seamlessly connects travelers to top destinations and major events between Central and South Florida. The company serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando with future stops in Stuart and Cocoa. Brightline is recognized as one of TIME100’s Most Influential Companies of 2024. It is also recognized by Inc. 5000 Regionals as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast for 2023 and is one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative by Fast Company in 2024. Brightline offers a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. The company plans to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and X .

Media Contact

Vanessa Alfonso [email protected]

Advertisement

Where Kamala Harris Stands on the Issues: Abortion, Immigration and More

She wants to protect the right to abortion nationally. Here’s what else to know about her positions.

• Share full article

By Maggie Astor

• Published July 21, 2024 Updated Aug. 24, 2024

With Vice President Kamala Harris having replaced President Biden on the Democratic ticket, her stances on key issues will be scrutinized by both parties and the nation’s voters.

She has a long record in politics: as district attorney of San Francisco, as attorney general of California, as a senator, as a presidential candidate and as vice president.

Here is an overview of where she stands.

Ms. Harris supports legislation that would protect the right to abortion nationally, as Roe v. Wade did before it was overturned in 2022, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.

After the Dobbs ruling, she became central to the Biden campaign’s efforts to keep the spotlight on abortion, given that Mr. Biden — with his personal discomfort with abortion and his support for restrictions earlier in his career — was a flawed messenger. In March, she made what was believed to be the first official visit to an abortion clinic by a president or vice president.

She consistently supported abortion rights during her time in the Senate, including cosponsoring legislation that would have banned common state-level restrictions, like requiring doctors to perform specific tests or have hospital admitting privileges in order to provide abortions.

As a presidential candidate in 2019, she argued that states with a history of restricting abortion rights in violation of Roe should be subject to what is known as pre-clearance for new abortion laws — those laws would have to be federally approved before they could take effect. That proposal is not viable now that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe.

Climate change

Ms. Harris has supported the Biden administration’s climate efforts , including legislation that provided hundreds of billions of dollars in tax credits and rebates for renewable energy and electric vehicles.

“It is clear the clock is not just ticking, it is banging,” she said in a speech last year , referring to increasingly severe and frequent disasters spurred by climate change. “And that is why, one year ago, President Biden and I made the largest climate investment in America’s history.”

During her 2020 presidential campaign, she emphasized the need for environmental justice , a framework that calls for policies to address the adverse effects that climate change has on poor communities and people of color. She has emphasized that as vice president as well.

In 2019, Ms. Harris, then a senator, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, introduced legislation that would have evaluated environmental rules and laws by how they affected low-income communities. It would have also established an independent Office of Climate and Environmental Justice Accountability and created a “senior adviser on climate justice” within several federal agencies. In 2020, Ms. Harris introduced a more sweeping version of the bill. None of the legislation was passed.

Ms. Harris was tasked with leading the Biden administration’s efforts to secure voting rights legislation, a job she asked for . The legislation — which went through several iterations but was ultimately blocked in the Senate — would have countered voting restrictions in Republican-led states, limited gerrymandering and regulated campaign finance more strictly.

This year, she met with voting rights advocates and described a strategy that included creating a task force on threats to election workers and challenging state voting restrictions in court.

She has condemned former President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. In a speech in 2022 marking the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, she said that day had showed “what our nation would look like if the forces who seek to dismantle our democracy are successful.” She added, “What was at stake then, and now, is the right to have our future decided the way the Constitution prescribes it: by we the people, all the people.”

Economic policy

In campaign events this year, Ms. Harris has promoted the Biden administration’s economic policies, including the infrastructure bill that Mr. Biden signed, funding for small businesses, a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that capped the cost of insulin for people on Medicare and student debt forgiveness.

She indicated at an event in May that the administration’s policies to combat climate change would also bring economic benefits by creating jobs in the renewable energy industry. At another event , she promoted more than $100 million in Energy Department grants for auto parts manufacturers to pivot to electric vehicles, which she said would “help to keep our auto supply chains here in America.”

As a senator, she introduced legislation that would have provided a tax credit of up to $6,000 for middle- and low-income families, a proposal she emphasized during her presidential campaign as a way to address income inequality.

Immigration

One of Ms. Harris’s mandates as vice president has been to address the root causes of migration from Latin America, like poverty and violence in migrants’ home countries. Last year, she announced $950 million in pledges from private companies to support Central American communities. Similar commitments made previously totaled about $3 billion.

In 2021, she visited the U.S.-Mexico border and said : “This issue cannot be reduced to a political issue. We’re talking about children, we’re talking about families, we are talking about suffering.”

More recently, she backed a bipartisan border security deal that Mr. Biden endorsed but Mr. Trump, by urging Republican lawmakers to kill it , effectively torpedoed. The legislation would have closed the border if crossings reached a set threshold, and it would have funded thousands of new border security agents and asylum officers. “We are very clear, and I think most Americans are clear, that we have a broken immigration system and we need to fix it,” Ms. Harris said in March .

Israel and Gaza

Ms. Harris called in March for an “immediate cease-fire” in Gaza and described the situation there as a “humanitarian catastrophe.” She said that “the threat Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated” but also that “too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.”

In an interview later that month , she emphasized her opposition to an Israeli invasion of Rafah, the city in southern Gaza to which more than a million people had fled. “I have studied the maps,” she said. “There’s nowhere for those folks to go, and we’re looking at about 1.5 million people in Rafah who are there because they were told to go there, most of them.”

She has said on multiple occasions that she supports a two-state solution.

Racial justice

Racial justice was a theme of Ms. Harris’s presidential campaign. In a memorable debate exchange in 2019 , she denounced Mr. Biden’s past work with segregationist senators and opposition to school busing mandates.

She has called for ending mandatory minimum sentences, cash bail and the death penalty, which disproportionately affect people of color.

Amid the protests that followed the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, she was one of the senators who introduced the Justice in Policing Act, which would have made it easier to prosecute police officers, created a national registry of police misconduct and required officers to complete training on racial profiling. It was not passed.

Her record as a prosecutor also came into play during her presidential campaign. Critics noted that as attorney general of California, she had generally avoided stepping in to investigate police killings.

Maggie Astor covers politics for The New York Times, focusing on breaking news, policies, campaigns and how underrepresented or marginalized groups are affected by political systems. More about Maggie Astor

Airline customer 'Charter of Rights' will allow refunds, compensation, as part of Aviation White Paper

Topic: Air Transport Industry

New customer rights will allow people to seek refunds when flights are delayed or cancelled. ( AAP )

The federal government will establish a charter of rights for airline customers to seek compensation for delays and cancellations.

The charter has been introduced in the government's aviation white paper.

What's next?

The scheme is expected to be operational by 2026.

Australians will be able to access cash refunds for cancelled or unreasonably delayed flights under the government's much-anticipated crackdown on the aviation sector. 

The Aviation White Paper was handed down this morning and is hoped to trigger a flight revival after soaring costs and the collapse of two airlines.

The government used the white paper to introduce a new 'Charter of Rights' entitling airline customers to refunds for flights that are disrupted, cancelled or unreasonably delayed, as part of a wider industry shake-up.

Transport Minister Catherine King said Australians were often not being dealt with fairly by airlines.

"The bottom line is if people don't get the service that they are expecting, then customers deserve to get their money back or they deserve to get an equivalent service," Ms King said.

"And that's really not what's been happening when it comes to the consumer space."

Catherine King will deliver the long-awaited Aviation White Paper. ( AAP: Lukas Coch )

The rights charter will be managed by a new oversight body, which will be able to resolve disputes, direct airlines and airports to provide remedies, and report on airline conduct.

The Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme will also be able to refer allegations of misconduct for investigation and enforcement.

Under that scheme, airlines will have to "show cause" when they report their reasons for a flight's delay or cancellation, as part of regular reporting to the government, with powers for the ombudsperson to request additional information.

Airlines will also be obliged to provide support to people to make alternative travel arrangements.

In December, Qantas warned the government that introducing a compensation scheme would force it to hike air fares and reconsider operating some routes.

A bad year for flying

Airlines have made headlines repeatedly since the industry's restart after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The major airlines, Qantas and Virgin, have been under scrutiny for their behaviours as an effective aviation duopoly — including claims of squeezing out competitors , Qantas selling tickets to flights that had already been cancelled in their internal systems, and sitting on h undreds of millions of dollars worth of flight credits .

A $21.4 million paycheck for former Qantas boss Alan Joyce raised eyebrows while the national carrier fought findings it illegally sacked hundreds of workers .

There was furore after it was revealed the government had rejected an expansion of Qatar Airways into Australia that could have reduced air fares by at least a third.

And last month, regional airline Rex became the second carrier after Bonza to collapse this year.

Through those moments, the government has repeatedly pointed to its long-awaited Aviation White Paper as a coming solution for the sector.

In statements from Qantas and Virgin, the companies welcome the release of the white paper and said they would review it closely.

As part of its white paper, the government will also establish new minimum standards for airlines to make their services accessible to people with a disability.

The standards will define responsibilities of airlines and airports for an entire person's journey, from information provision to exiting the terminal, 

The government will hope today's announcement can ward off Coalition senator Bridget McKenzie's move to introduce "pay on delay" laws into parliament.

Legislation to establish the aviation ombuds office will be introduced next year, but the government intends to appoint an interim ombudsperson "from the minister's department" in the meantime.

• StaffTraveler
• Download app

Flying in Style: Staff Travel Dress Code Made Easy

Last week, United Airlines denied boarding to two young girls on standby passes for wearing leggings. A third girl cleared for the flight from Denver to Minneapolis-St. Paul after changing into a dress. Now, the company is in hot water after the incident spilled over onto Twitter.

United’s Pass Travel Dress Code

By failing to prominently mention the children were flying on pass travel, media accounts are only adding fuel to the fire. Airlines provide this benefit to their employees, families, and friends for free or reduced cost, and thus set a higher standard of appearance. Referring to United’s official pass travel dress code, a company spokesman countered that “pass travelers are representing the company and as such are not allowed to wear Lycra and spandex leggings…” Regardless, the debate has taken off over United’s decision. Is it wrong to deny children from boarding over this seemingly minor transgression? What would other airlines do? Fasten your seatbelts as we explore the pass travel dress code from airlines across the world.

Back to the golden age in Asia

Remember the good old days when passengers would dress up for a flight? Japan’s All Nippon Airways desires “suits, blazers, slacks, shirts, neckties, shirts, blouses, etc.” Cathay Pacific and EVA Airways have similar policies. One time while checking in for a Cathay Dragon flight, the agent asked my girlfriend to change out of her sandals. We were heading to Cambodia and had 90-degree heat. Pass riding in Asia is a serious business.

What about the Middle East?

Pass riding is also a serious business in the Middle East. Etihad Airways prefers UAE national dress and requires men to wear blazers to sit in first class. Non-collared T-shirts and shorts are banned in all classes.

Don’t wear your uniform in KLM

In the US, airline employees often “commute” to work by plane while in uniform. But don’t try it in The Netherlands. “ISA travelers are not allowed to travel in airline uniform on KLM.”

Furthermore, ISA travelers must dress appropriately and take care of their appearance. This requires neat casual (business) attire and excludes track/sweat suits, tank tops, flip-flops, shorts, and torn and/or extravagant clothing. Neat and tidy jeans are accepted.

Our friendly neighbors up north

Interestingly, Air Canada makes an exception to their dress code for children ages 12 and under but does not specifically permit leggings. Otherwise, while Air Canada “strictly prohibits” any kind of athletic wear (sweats, yoga pants, running shoes, etc.), they are more understanding for overnight flights.

“After take-off, you may change into something more comfortable, such as yoga pants or loungewear. Whatever you change into must be clean and appropriate for public areas. Nighties, pajamas, and other sleepwear are not permitted. Please note however, you must change back into your pre-boarding attire before the plane lands.”

Are leggings appropriate for pass riders?

United and other US carriers offer a relaxed pass travel dress code. Unlike ANA, United’s spokesman told the New York Times, “It’s not that we want our standby travelers to come in wearing a suit and tie.” Pass riders in the US can wear jeans and athletic shoes as long as they are plain and not dirty or tattered. But for now, leggings are firmly in the “no” category. This can change as styles evolve, and considering United’s public relations nightmare, Air Canada’s exception policy for children seems like a sensible update. Still, pass riders need to be mindful of each airline’s dress code, which can be found in the airline notes on StaffTraveler, and the final authority of the gate agent to deny boarding to pass riders they deem unfit to represent the company’s image.

Josh works for an airline in the US and spends his days off traveling the world on standby. His blog, Cleared List, features standby tips and destination guides to help you maximize your benefits.

Travel Tips from Airline Crews

The holidays are upon us, which means that holiday travelers are about to…

How to Get Cleared on Standby

Flying standby can be stressful. With proper planning and a pinch of luck,…

What is StaffTraveler?

StaffTraveler takes the stress out of staff traveling by providing airline…

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy preferences.

Sling is now Sling by Toast! Learn more

More Features

• Restaurants
• Get Started

Dress Code Policy: The Complete Guide For Managers

• Employee Management , Templates & Guides

Don’t let individual style give your business a bad image. Implement a dress code policy to cultivate the identity, character, and culture that is best for your company.

Regardless of whether you run a restaurant, a coffee shop, a catering business, or a Fortune 500 company, your team, your customers, and your business itself can benefit from a clear and comprehensive dress code policy.

In this complete guide for managers, the workforce-management  experts at Sling  help you understand everything that goes into crafting the right dress code policy for your organization.

Does Your Business Need A Dress Code Policy?

Many managers and business owners avoid implementing a dress code because of the inherent difficulties in the process.

They wonder, “How can I set an appropriate tone for my business while, at the same time, giving my team members the freedom  to dress according to their personal style?”

Another common question many managers ask is, “How can I ensure that I don’t violate local, state, and federal laws in either the dress code policy itself or the way that I enforce it?”

Those are valid concerns, but you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear when you start crafting the policy that works for your business.

Despite the worry, the concern, the time, and the effort that go into establishing a new policy such as this, every business needs a dress code.

Outlining what types of dress are acceptable — and what types of dress are not acceptable — for your company provides structure, clarity, and guidelines  that can actually reduce stress for you and your team members.

Your employees will know exactly what your expectations are, and you’ll have a set of standards you can point to should a team member ever wear something unacceptable.

Common Types Of Dress Code Policy

There are four main types of dress code:

• Business casual
• Summer casual

Within those four broad categories lie countless variations that you can use to create the guidelines that are perfect for your business .

Formal Business Attire

This is the strictest category of dress code and requires that employees wear:

• Suit and tie
• Close-toed shoes

Traditional workplaces, such as law firms and accounting  firms, often adhere to this professional dress code policy.

Business Casual

Business casual is the most common dress code in effect these days. As such, most team members understand what it is and accept it as standard .

Business casual includes (but is not restricted to):

• Collared shirts
• Closed-toed footwear (including athletic shoes)

With business casual, you also have to start thinking about what constitutes inappropriate work attire for your company (e.g., sweatpants, yoga pants, jeans, t-shirts, sandals, shorts).

The casual dress code is a step down from the business casual policy on which it’s based. Acceptable clothes often include the same items in the business casual category, as well as:

In many businesses, business casual and casual often overlap. You’ll need to decide what’s right for your company and be specific with acceptable and unacceptable attire.

Summer Casual

Summer casual is another step down from the casual category and typically allows:

• Sleeveless tops

Summer casual is the least strict of the four broad categories (meaning there’s a lot of variation in what employees can wear).

Businesses that hire seasonal workers  during the summer or businesses that are striving for a more relaxed atmosphere (e.g., bars , outdoor restaurants, food trucks , etc.) may benefit from this type of dress code policy.

What To Include In Your Dress Code Policy

A comprehensive dress code policy addresses more than just clothing.

When creating your first dress code policy, though, we recommend limiting yourself to just what your employees should and shouldn’t wear.

Once you’ve settled on the attire that is appropriate for your business , you can go back and address other variables, such as:

• Insignia (union, political, product)
• Disabilities
• Religion (i.e., head coverings)
• Gender issues

You may even want to include information on hygiene and grooming in your policy to avoid many of the problems that can present themselves these days.

Incorporating the bulleted variables mentioned above into your dress code may dictate that you add or remove some clothing restrictions. That’s OK.

For example, you may have allowed loose shirts and jewelry as well as long sleeves in the first draft of your dress code.

Once you start to think about safety — which often trumps every other dress code consideration — you may decide that this type of attire could get caught in widely-used equipment .

You would then need to strike that clothing from your dress code and add information about tight — but not too tight — attire that is acceptable in your business.

How To Communicate Your Dress Code Policy

Even the most comprehensive policy is useless if no one sees it. To ensure that your guidelines reach every member of your team, include the dress code policy in your employee handbook .

If you’re introducing a new dress code into an existing business, convene a team meeting , go over the guidelines point by point, and answer any questions that might come up.

If you’re bringing a new employee onto the team, discuss the dress code during both the interview  and onboarding  processes.

In either case, be sure to have each employee sign off that they have read, understand, and agree to comply with the dress code policy.

Keep a copy of the signature in each team member’s personnel file for future reference.

Sample Dress Code Policy

In this section, we’ve created a sample dress code policy for your reference. Feel free to use it as-is (after changing the names, of course) or alter it to fit the needs of your business.

<START SAMPLE DRESS CODE POLICY>

In order to maintain an appropriate professional environment for our team members, clients, and customers, Serenity Valley Transport maintains a formal business attire dress code.

This document serves as a non-exhaustive list of apparel that is and isn’t appropriate for Serenity Valley Transport employees.

Managers have discretion to enforce the code in a fair, reasonable, and consistent manner.

Team members who report to work dressed in a way that violates the policy may be asked to go home and change clothes.

Repeated violations of Serenity Valley Transport’s dress code policy will be considered a disciplinary infraction and will be dealt with accordingly.

Brief definition of formal work attire:

• Skirt suit (knee-length or longer)
• Suit and tie (no blazers or sport coats)
• Closed-toed shoes
• Stockings (for those wearing skirts)

Inappropriate work attire:

• Yoga pants (or leggings of any kind)
• Any clothing that shows midriff, shoulders, or legs above the knee
• Any clothing that is dirty, overly tight, revealing, or ripped
• Open-toed shoes
• Athletic shoes
• Construction boots

________________________________________________________________

Employee Signature and date

By signing this document, you acknowledge that you received, understand, and agree to comply with Serenity Valley Transport’s dress code policy as outlined above.

<END SAMPLE DRESS CODE POLICY>

Revise Your Policy As Needed

More than likely, you won’t write your dress code policy and be done forever. Standards and styles will change. Old rules will become outdated and new rules will become necessary.

Revisit and revise your dress code policy at least once per year or whenever a question or concern arises.

Feel free to tweak the policy to address the unique needs of your team, your customers, and your business. As long as the code is fair to everyone involved and you’re consistent with its enforcement, there shouldn’t be an issue.

Of course, both the crafting of a new dress code policy and its regular upkeep take time — time that you as a busy manager may not have. That’s where the Sling app  can help.

Sling combines all the tools you need to both manage your own schedule and optimize your workforce .

But the benefits that Sling has to offer don’t stop there. You can also control labor costs, stay on budget , simplify payroll calculations , and communicate better with your team.

All of that and more from one integrated app.

Sign up for a free trial today to find out what Sling can do for your business.

And for more free resources to help you manage your business better, organize and schedule your team, and track and calculate labor costs, visit GetSling.com  today.

See Here For Last Updated Dates: Link

This content is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal, tax, HR, or any other professional advice. Please contact an attorney or other professional for specific advice.

Find the article useful? Share with others:

Related articles

7 Effective Code Of Conduct Examples

A professional code of conduct is a key component of some of the most successful...

19 Types Of Restaurants: Complete Guide For Potential Owners

If your dream is to be an owner or manager of a food-service business, understan...

Attendance Policy: How To Create The Right One For Your Business

If you run a small business, you may feel that an attendance policy is unnecessa...

Get started today

Schedule faster, communicate better, get things done.

• Human Resources
• Tools and Samples

Dress Code Policy

A dress code is a set of guidelines to make it easy for employees to know what is appropriate to wear to work. It can also help companies to be sure employees are presenting themselves well in meetings and interactions with clients and customers.

Dress Code Policy Template Download:

Download this free dress code policy template and quickly create a policy that clarifies your guidelines for employees.

Dress Code Policy Template:

Introduction:

The [company name] dress code policy is designed to help us all provide a consistent professional appearance to our customers and colleagues. Our appearance reflects on ourselves and the company. The goal is to be sure that we maintain a positive appearance and not to offend customers, clients, or colleagues.

Who does this policy apply to?

The [company name] dress code policy applies to [which positions this applies to] .

[Company Name] Dress Code Policy:

• Employees are expected to dress in [casual, business casual, smart casual, business] attire unless the day’s tasks require otherwise.
• Employees must always present a clean, professional appearance. Everyone is expected to be well-groomed and wear clean clothing, free of holes, tears, or other signs of wear.
• Clothing with offensive or inappropriate designs or stamps are not allowed.
• Clothing should not be too revealing.
• Clothing and grooming styles dictated by religion or ethnicity are exempt.

Dress Code Violations:

Managers or supervisors are expected to inform employees when they are violating the dress code. Employees in violation are expected to immediately correct the issue. This may include having to leave work to change clothes.

Repeated violations or violations that have major repercussions may result in disciplinary action being taken up to and including termination.

More Policies:

• Cell Phone Policy.
• Company Credit Card Policy.
• Company Travel Policy.
• Company Vehicle Policy.
• Cyber Security Policy.
• Sexual Harassment Policy.

What is an appropriate dress code for the workplace?

This often varies from company to company and depends on your business environment and organizational culture . While many companies do not require their staff to wear formal business attire, employees are expected to look presentable at all times.

Can you get fired for breaking the dress code?

Yes. Breaking a company's dress code can lead to termination.

Can an employer change the dress code?

Yes. The employer typically sets out the dress code, and can, therefore, make reasonable changes as needed.

What are the four types of dress codes for the workplace?

• Business formal.
• Business professional.
• Business casual.

What should you not wear to the office?

Different companies have varying dress codes that allow or ban certain items of clothing. Generally speaking, these items are considered inappropriate:

• Flip flops.
• Nonnatural hair colors.
• Facial piercings.
• Backless tops.
• Short skirts or dresses.
• Short shorts.
• Yoga pants.

Why do employers have dress codes?

Dress code policies reinforce a positive and professional image of the company, especially when employees interact with clients, prospects, or business partners on a regular basis. A company's employee handbook will typically contain the rules of the dress code.

Can an employer force you to cover tattoos?

Yes. Some employers require employees to cover visible tattoos when working with customers.

Can employers make you shave?

Yes. If the company's dress code calls for having no facial hair, an employer can request that an employee shaves.

Can you be fired for not wearing a bra?

This depends on the company's dress code and what they deem appropriate attire for the workplace.

Can your employer force you to wear makeup?

Yes. If the company's dress code requires that employees wear make-up, not doing so would be a breach of contract.

Are leggings appropriate for work?

Some companies may allow leggings, and others may not. Generally, leggings are not considered appropriate office attire.

Are jeans okay for business casual dress?

Dark jeans may be acceptable in some cases, but this may depend on the employer. Casual jeans or acid-washed colors are never acceptable.

What are examples of business casual attire?

This may include khaki or cotton pants shorts or skirts with a hem past the knee. Long-sleeved button-down shirts, collared polo/knit shirts, sweaters, and cardigans. Pants and shirts should be neatly pressed. Shoes should be relaxed but nice, no tennis shoes or sandals.

What is casual dress code?

Relaxed, but tasteful. Jeans and T-shirts are acceptable but should be in clean and neat condition, without holes, stains, etc.

What is smart casual dress code?

An example of smart casual would be a pair of slacks or a nice pair of jeans with a button-up shirt and leather shoes. This dress code typically excludes shorts, worn jeans, sandals, and T-shirts.

What is business dress code?

For men, this typically means a shirt, tie, jacket, and dress shoes. For women, a skirt or pants suit with closed-toe heels. All clothing should be clean and pressed.

Are dress codes legal?

Dress codes are legal as long as they do not cause employees to dress in demeaning or provocative ways. If an employer has a dress code, it must be applied fairly to all employees.

What is a dress code policy memo?

Read and download our free dress code policy template above.

Related Articles:

Conflict of interest policy, job orientation, professional code of conduct, code of ethics, disciplinary action.

Want to work at Buc-ee's? Here's what to know about the company dress code

M issouri's first beaver-themed travel center has been all the buzz this week as questions about the company's dress code circulate on social media.

Though an official opening date has yet to be set, construction of Buc-ee's is nearing completion. In anticipation of a potential end-of-year grand opening, the company is hosting a mass hiring event this week. Public interviews were set to conclude Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. A Buc-ee's spokesperson told the News-Leader that the company is looking to hire between 250-300 initial employees.

When it comes to the company's dress code, the Buc-ee's website indicates that all employees must wear khaki pants and a "clean, professional, solid red shirt with a collar." In cooler weather, employees are allowed to wear a red sweater or coat. Employees are not allowed to have visible tattoos, body piercings, tongue posts, unnatural colored hair, open toe shoes and torn or faded clothing. The News-Leader contacted a Buc-ee's spokesperson for more specific information about these restrictions but was unable to connect by press deadline.

This week's mass hiring event was invitation-only, according to the Buc-ee's website . Interested candidates should first apply on the company's website. If eligible, candidates will receive a phone call or text message with information about the in-person event.

As of Wednesday, Buc-ee's had eight full-time positions listed on its website :

• Bookkeeper, starting at $20 per hour
• Gift/Merchandise Associate, starting at $18 per hour
• Janitorial/Cleaning & Maintenance Attendant, starting at $18 per hour
• Grocery Stocker, starting at $18 per hour
• Deli/Food Service Associate, starting at $21 per hour
• Cashier, starting at $18 per hour
• Night Manager, starting at $33 per hour
• Team Lead, starting between $20-25 per hour

All full-time employees are eligible for medical, dental and vision insurance, up to three weeks of paid time off and 401ks, according to the Buc-ee's website .

Varying information on the Buc-ee's website indicates that the gas station will open this fall or by December . However, a Buc-ee's spokesperson told the News-Leader on Tuesday, Oct. 10 that an opening date has not been set.

Construction of Missouri's first Buc-ee's began in August 2022. The travel center's convenience store is 53,000-square-feet, full of themed merchandise and food, clean bathrooms and hot-and-ready food. The travel center also features 120 gas pumps, only available to passenger vehicles. Truck drivers are not allowed on the travel center's premise.

Before ground was broken on the travel center, Springfield City Council approved two rounds of reimbursement to Buc-ee's for public infrastructure improvements. The city will reimburse Buc-ee's a total of $9.2 million over 20 years.

City Council also approved the renaming of North Mulroy Road off Interstate 44 to North Beaver Road in January. This decision came after months of discussion and contention from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Although city staff does not typically recommend the changing of street names to support specific commercial businesses, this was done in order to avoid driver confusion.

Buc-ee's was founded in 1982 by Texas native Arch "Beaver" Aplin III. After gaining a steady footing throughout Texas, Buc-ee's has expanded to locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. As of Oct. 10, Buc-ee's operated 46 locations.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Want to work at Buc-ee's? Here's what to know about the company dress code

#LeggingsGate Special Report: Comparison of Airline Non-Revenue Dress Codes

Yesterday, United Airlines was at the center of a social media storm when a gate agent refused boarding to two girls who were wearing leggings. After the immediate backlash on Twitter, it later turned out that the girls were "non-revenue" (or non-rev) passengers. Thus, they are expected to follow a different set of rules than paying customers.

Many airlines allow their employees to fly this form of standby , for free, and extend the same privilege to family and friends with a "buddy pass." But with the privilege of flying standby as a non-rev passenger come the rules. Because non-rev passengers represent the airline — in some form — the carrier expects them to act as such, which includes a dress code. With yesterday's incident on United, we saw how one gate agent interpreted the rules, but airlines have different policies.

Below, we are taking a close look at the non-rev attire policies across six major US carriers: Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and, of course, United. Some policies are in the public domain, and others are kept internal. Regardless, with yesterday's situation, the following question has ricocheted across the Internet: Should airlines loosen up their non-rev passenger dress-code policies?

The most challenging thing about enforcing non-rev dress codes is that each rule is subject to interpretation by a customer service agent. Non-rev passengers could catch a friendly agent having a great day, willing to let folks board wearing flip flops and shorts... or they could get an agent who's enforcing everything strictly. Below, at the very least, is the exact articulation of the policies from the airlines.

Alaska Airlines

According to Alaska's Guest Pass Standby Passenger rules , there is a section for standby etiquette. It details:

"The dress code for GP passengers is a neat and clean appearance. Business casual attire is suggested. Short shorts, torn or tattered jeans, bare feet, halter-tops, exercise clothing, T-shirts or 'sweats' are not appropriate."

An anonymous source reached out to us with some additional policies on the employees-only guide:

"Good grooming and appropriate attire reflect on you and your dependents as well as Alaska and Horizon [Air].

The dress code at both Alaska and Horizon is casual, and the requirement is simply a neat and well-groomed appearance. Clothing that is soiled or tattered and bare feet are never acceptable.

Employees and travel-eligibles are expected to use their own good judgment, but customer service agents will have the final authority to refuse travel for inappropriate attire or appearance.

Standards vary for each airline. When traveling as a nonrev passenger on another airline, please check with the operating carrier for dress code requirements when you list for your flight."

As you can see, the policies and wording are pretty subjective. What determines a neat and well-groomed appearance? That could entirely depend on the gate or customer service agent . Non-rev passengers are told to use their best judgment, but Alaska reserves the right to refuse travel. Based on these limitations, we have to admit that it's just not clear if a pair of leggings would warrant a no-travel stamp.

American Airlines

According to the 2016 version of AA's Travel Guide ( PDF ), non-rev passengers are subject to a pretty detailed list of what they can and cannot wear:

"American's goal on every flight is to provide our customers with a comfortable, safe travel experience. When we travel with our families and friends for leisure, our behavior should enhance the travel experience for everyone, and our attire should never be a distraction.

American has a casual dress code so that our team members and their guests can enjoy a relaxing journey, just like our customers. In general, if attire is appropriate and in good taste for our revenue customers, then it is acceptable for us as well. When traveling to represent American, business or business casual clothing is encouraged. Jumpseat riders should consult their operating department, Flight Manual or their manager for dress guidelines.

Our airport agents and flight attendants are focused on taking care of our customers, not policing the dress code. Still, if what you are wearing is on the "Never Appropriate" list, we may deny boarding to you and/or your guest travelers.

Always Appropriate:

• Clothing that is clean and neat

Never Appropriate:

• Torn, dirty or frayed clothing
• Clothing that is distracting or offensive to others, for example, clothing that is overly revealing (such as extreme miniskirts, halter and bra tops, sheer or see-through clothing), swimwear or sleepwear
• Clothing that is vulgar or violates community standards of decency is never appropriate, including items that have words, terms or pictures that may be offensive to customers and other team members

First and Business Class: To ensure an outstanding travel experience for our premium customers, the following items are not acceptable in First or Business class:

• Beach footwear (such as flip-flops and Croc-style shoes)
• Jogging suits, athletic gear, baseball-style caps (of course, it is acceptable to change into a jogging suit or similar attire during long-haul international flights)
• Any item in the Never Appropriate list

Dress Guidelines for Travel on Other Airlines

American's dress code generally applies. You may also refer to the carrier-specific reference files found in at www.flyzed.info. Make sure you verify the dress requirements of the OAL when you travel using a Zonal Employee Discount (ZED) ticket or a Company Business Pass."

American's non-rev policy seems to be pretty detailed and outlines some specifics — including the ban of Crocs in first and business class.

Delta Air Lines

Delta's policy for its Buddy Pass program outlines that its non-rev passengers are to adhere to the carrier's "Buddy-quette" ( PDF ). Here's what that means:

"Appearance: Flying in comfort and style. Delta has a relaxed dress code for pass riders, including Buddies. The standard is based on respect — for our customers and for you. Delta trusts your good judgment when traveling on a Buddy Pass. Just remember, Delta has a relaxed code for pass riders, but that doesn't mean a sloppy appearance is acceptable. You should never wear unclean, revealing or lewd garments, or swimwear or sleepwear on a flight. The relaxed dress code also applies for Buddy Pass travel on Delta Connection carriers."

The airline also tweeted a shot at United, informing its passengers that they're allowed to wear leggings. However, while that was presumably directed toward revenue passengers, it's unclear if that also applies to non-rev passengers.

A spokesman for the airline also reached out to us with a statement about Delta's non-rev policy, stating, "We ask our employees and their family and friends flying on pass privileges to use their best judgment when deciding what to wear on a flight."

Based on this information, it seems that Delta's non-rev policy is pretty relaxed and relies on the discretion of the non-rev passenger and good judgment.

JetBlue Airways

A representative from JetBlue clarified the New York-based carrier's policy for non-rev passengers. She said, "As is common across airlines, JetBlue crewmembers and their friends and relatives flying with free flight passes are asked to maintain certain minimum dress standards and be well-groomed at all times."

In addition, an anonymous source sent us the employee guidelines for non-rev travel to TPG, which read as follows:

"Pass Riders must adhere to certain minimum dress standard to travel on JetBlue and other airlines. Crewmembers, eligible family members (including children), Travel Companions, and other airline employees must wear neat attire when flying on JetBlue. JetBlue Airports Crewmembers will deny boarding to anyone they feel is not dressed appropriately. The following specifics are not exhaustive; they are examples to help illustrate JetBlue standards. Crewmembers must have their JetBlue ID when traveling for leisure or duty/company business travel. Crewmembers should not wear or display their JetBlue ID when traveling for leisure or business travel.

If you are traveling on another airline, you are responsible for checking the non-revenue dress code policy of that carrier. Many airlines have stricter regulations than JetBlue does, including some who require business attire.

Acceptable:

• Clean, well maintained and in good taste
• Shirts with sleeves and collars, nice t-shirts
• Walking shorts (not shorter than 3" above the knee)
• Nice jeans/denims
• Dress slacks
• Skirts and dresses
• Jogging suits
• Dress shoes, open-toe shoes, and nice sneakers.

Never Acceptable:

• Torn, ragged, slashed, dirty, frayed, low cut, skimpy, or revealing
• Offensive or sexually oriented inscriptions or messages
• Halter/tube/midriff tops
• Sweats of any kind
• Beach or swim wear
• Body piercings (The piercing of holes in parts of the body other than the earlobes in order to insert rings or other decorative objects). Please remove or cover from view.
• Tattoos (please cover from view)
• Shoes that are dirty, stained, or any type of flip flops

Mint Dress Code:

Traveler 18 years of age and older: Business Casual (no jeans, sneakers, t-shirts or open toe shoes). No fully uniformed Crewmembers are permitted to be seated in Mint.

Traveler 17 years of age and younger: Must meet Core Dress Code"

JetBlue's policy covers many of the same bases as other US carriers, and a lot of the obvious no-nos are present in their guide — no flip flops, revealing tops, etc. Based on the wording here, it's not clear if a policy like this would also ban leggings.

Interestingly the carrier sent a message to all employees following United's incident. An anonymous source sent TPG the email, which reads:

"'OAL PASS RIDER ENDS UP IN THE NEWS'

Over the weekend, a competing airline received tremendous press and social media attention for enforcing its pass travel dress code. This situation is a great reminder of the importance of always ensuring that your dependents and those who make use of your JetBlue travel privileges are fully briefed on our airlines' standards and expectations."

The message continued to explain to employees where they can find the company's non-rev policies. So, while it's still not clear if leggings would be allowed for a non-rev traveler on a JetBlue flight, the company is reminding all employees to take the policy into account.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest calls its non-rev option a Guest Pass. The program ( PDF ) features a very vague policy:

"Dress to impress. While Southwest's dress code is relaxed and casual, you will be expected to present a clean, well-groomed, and tasteful appearance."

Not much here and the rules could certainly be confusing for non-rev travelers.

We followed up with the carrier, and a spokesperson said, "Our Employee Travel Privilege Policy does require Employees and guests of Employees to present a clean, well-groomed and tasteful appearance. Southwest does not have a Customer dress code."

The appropriateness of leggings, it seems, would be subject to the interpretation of staff.

United Airlines

After originally tweeting that the passengers violated the Contract of Carriage, United then clarified that the two travelers were Pass Riders. As non-rev passengers, they were subject to the dress code policy:

According to the company's terms , there's a lengthy description of what's included in the dress code requirement:

"United now has a relaxed dress code for all classes of service, though customer service makes the final determination of whether a pass rider is dressed appropriately for non-revenue travel. Below are some general rules to follow:

• Pass riders' overall appearance should be well-groomed, neat, clean and in good taste
• Attire should be respectful of fellow revenue passengers, employees and pass riders
• Pass riders may wear denim attire (such as jeans), shorts that are no more than three inches above the knee and athletic shoes when traveling in Coach, First or BusinessFirst/Business cabins

The following attire is not acceptable in any class of service:

• Any attire the [sic] reveals a midriff
• Attire that reveals any type of undergarment
• Attire that is designated as sleepwear, underwear, or swimwear
• Mini skirts
• Shorts that do not meet three inches above the knee when in the standing position
• Form-fitting lycra/spandex tops, pants and dresses
• Attire that has offensive and/or derogatory terminology or graphics
• Attire that is excessively dirty or has holes/tears
• Any attire that is provocative, inappropriately revealing, or see-through clothing
• Beach-type, rubber flip-flops"

As you can see, they include a reference to "spandex" and that does potentially cover leggings — it's the only carrier of the bunch that mentions anything about spandex. However, and as with the case for the aforementioned carriers, there is still a lot of wiggle room for interpretation.

Since the incident, United has issued a statement, reading:

"Let us take a moment to explain today's news:

We care about the way we present ourselves to you, our customers, as we believe that is part of the experience on board our flights. One of the benefits of working for an airline is that our employees are able to travel the world. Even better, they can extend this privilege to a select number of what we call "pass riders." These are relatives or friends who also receive the benefit of free or heavily discounted air travel – on our airline as well as on airlines around the world where we have mutual agreements in place for employees and pass riders.

When taking advantage of this benefit, all employees and pass riders are considered representatives of United. And like most companies, we have a dress code that we ask employees and pass riders to follow. The passengers this morning were United pass riders and not in compliance with our dress code for company benefit travel. We regularly remind our employees that when they place a family member or friend on a flight for free as a standby passenger, they need to follow our dress code.

To our regular customers, your leggings are welcome."

United offered a good explanation for its reasoning, but where it ran into real trouble was when it originally (and falsely) labeled the two passengers as revenue passengers. As you can see, the carrier has since backtracked and differentiated the difference between its non-revenue and revenue passenger requirements.

Bottom Line

Some airlines are more lax about their policies than others, but in most cases, the rules for non-rev passengers have little to do with paying customers. While you may never have to abide by these regulations, it's interesting to note that other people on your next flight could be conforming to a different set of rules for attire, rules that you may not have known existed. Maybe most important, we should all withhold judgement until we know the specifics of the situation.

What do you think about airline non-rev dress code policies? Do you think the policies are good as-is or should they be more or less relaxed?

• Book a Speaker

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vivamus convallis sem tellus, vitae egestas felis vestibule ut.

Error message details.

Reuse Permissions

Request permission to republish or redistribute SHRM content and materials.

Managing Employee Dress and Appearance

Dress codes are used to communicate to employees what the organization considers appropriate work attire. A dress code or appearance policy allows an employer to set expectations regarding the image it wants the company to convey. Dress codes can be formal or informal and might include the use of uniforms. This toolkit discusses workplace dress and appearance, including policy considerations, challenges (including discrimination issues) and best practices. The toolkit also refers to federal and state laws and to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rules that may affect dress and appearance policies.

Business Case

Employers realize that impressions made on clients and customers are important to the success of an organization. Employees typically are the "face" of the company, and employers often find it necessary to control that image. In the past, employers used dress and appearance policies to help employees work comfortably and safely while still projecting a professional image to clients, customers and future employees.

Employers over the years also have used dress and appearance policies to help create an employment brand. Some organizations intentionally use dress to create a specific perception or certain image as an employer. Dress codes help employers fulfill these varying goals of comfort, professionalism, safety, brand and image.

HR's Role

Ideas behind dress and appearance have developed into more than just unwritten policies and practices made and used by managers and supervisors. Dress and appearance policies now require organizations to develop strategies that align with employer goals and culture while protecting the employer from discrimination claims and protecting employees' rights. HR, which is frequently responsible for policy development, must work with other parts of the organization to ensure that dress codes are managed consistently and fairly.

The business of dress and appearance requires HR or managers to do the following:

• Set and manage policies by working directly with internal managers, business partners and executives.
• Identify and mitigate legal issues, such as protected class considerations, by working with the legal department.
• Manage employee requests for dress code accommodations.

Types of Dress Codes

Dress codes used in many organizations range from those that require formal business dress or "business casual" to those that allow more casual wear in summer or those that include grooming and hygiene standards. Employers must consider which type of dress code will not only provide the image they want to portray but will also support company cultures and values.

Those cultures and values might embrace a more serious and formal image in a law firm; a uniform in a delivery company; or colorful, informal dress (that still acts as a kind of uniform) at a casual restaurant. Employers also need to consider relevant industry standards or safety regulations that affect employee dress and appearance.

Address Offensive Attire with Dress Code, Nondiscrimination Policy

Should Companies Relax Their Dress Codes?

Summer Dress at Work: What's Appropriate and What's Not

Formal Business Attire

To present a professional, businesslike image to clients, visitors, customers and the public, some employers implement dress and appearance policies requiring formal business attire. Environments likely to enforce formal business attire are law, finance, banking and accounting firms. No casual clothing or shoes are usually allowable.

Business Casual

Some employers create business casual policies that are a little less formal. Industries that tend to be more creative or artistic, like technology environments, are more likely to have a business casual dress code. The attire usually includes most apparel except shirts with graphics, shorts, torn jeans, tank tops or sandals, though policies will differ. 

See Attire and Grooming Policy and Business Attire Policy .

Casual Fridays

Some organizations designate Friday as the day of the week when employees may dress more informally than the normal day-to-day formal business or business casual attire. These provisions usually apply only to employees who have no client or customer contact. On these days, employees can wear blue jeans, T-shirts (without any inappropriate slogans or images), long or knee-length shorts or capri pants, and athletic shoes.

Summer Casual

Many employers offer summertime policies and activities to keep employees productive and happy on sunny, warm days. The relaxed summer dress code typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day for employees who have no client contact. Blue jeans, T-shirts and athletic shoes are permitted, but employers may have specific provisions against showing midriffs or wearing sandals or flip-flops.

See Summer Dress Policy .

Grooming and Hygiene

Employers often address grooming and hygiene standards in dress code policies. Grooming standards might include the requirement that clothing be neat and clean and not ripped, frayed, disheveled, tight, revealing or otherwise inappropriate. Hygiene standards tend to include a regular bath or shower, use of deodorant, and appropriate oral hygiene.

A written policy about grooming and hygiene can help support an employer's action if a workplace situation involving hygiene arises that must be addressed by the employer. Employers should also be aware that body or breath odor issues may be related to medical conditions. If that is the case, the employer should address the issue appropriately and confidentially; otherwise, it could run afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act or anti-discrimination provisions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

See What should HR do when an employee's body odor is affecting the workplace? and How to Talk with a Worker About Body Odor .

Legal Issues

Although no federal law bans employment decisions based on appearance in general, most employers know better than to base employment decisions on appearance that is related to legally protected factors. What employers and managers may not know is that employees' appearance can still qualify for legal protection in some situations.

For example, some local jurisdictions have enacted laws that specifically protect workers from discrimination based on appearance. And some aspects of appearance, such as those related to gender roles or sexual orientation, can—in some situations—qualify for legal protection.

On the other hand, the nature of the business or of the job can play a role in determining how much latitude employers have in requiring a certain look for their employees. Whenever an organization has a job requirement such as a particular dress or grooming code, a good HR professional should question whether that criterion really is relevant to the job.

See Ugly Policy Alleged at NBC: Only Beautiful People Need Apply .

A dress and appearance policy should be clear and specific. Employers also want to ensure some flexibility. Managers may need to use some discretion when dealing with certain matters such as disability, religious requirements or other case-specific issues that might require accommodations.

Employees Dressing Too Casually? Clarify Your Dress Code

Managing Equal Employment Opportunity

Supreme Court Rules for EEOC in Religious Accommodation Case

Union Insignia

One aspect of dress codes is the ability of employees to wear union buttons, decals or other insignia in the workplace. The right of employees to wear union insignia at work has long been recognized as a reasonable and legitimate form of union activity. Employers that curtail that activity risk violating the National Labor Relations Act. However, an employer might be able to show special circumstances that justify limiting employees' ability to wear union insignias.

See  NLRB Upholds Tesla Employees’ Right to Wear Union Logos .

Safety could be compromised, for example, if people confused decals or buttons, such as union insignia, with safety-related insignia on uniforms. If an organization requires specific employees—those with particular certifications or training—to wear insignia indicating that they are qualified to help in an emergency, then the wearing of other insignia on their uniforms could create confusion.

In an emergency, people might be confused by multiple insignias and unsure who is qualified to help. Such an example demonstrates the possible "special circumstance" in which an employer could curb employees' rights to wear union buttons, decals or other insignia.

Many employers are familiar with making reasonable accommodations pertaining to schedules or job duty modifications. An employee with a disability can also request modification of the company dress and appearance policy as a reasonable accommodation. For example, an employee may ask to wear sneakers instead of dress shoes due to a foot condition that is a result of diabetes. 

An employee may ask to wear a different uniform shirt because of a severe allergic reaction to the material of the standard uniform shirt. Like with any reasonable accommodation, an employer must permit the exception unless it creates an undue hardship for the organization.

See Applying Performance and Conduct Standards to Employees with Disabilities .

Gender Disparities

A dress and grooming policy that has different requirements for men and women may be challenged because the requirements for one sex are based on stereotypes.

See Can employers have dress code requirements that differ between genders?

Gender Identity and Accommodations

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. This means that the EEOC will accept claims brought by transgender individuals and can bring lawsuits against employers determined to have discriminated against transgender employees or applicants. 

Employers doing business on a national or regional scale should review all state and local provisions. Employers may have to make accommodations to their dress and appearance policies for employees in transition or those choosing to express themselves as the opposite gender.

Health and Safety Issues

In some industries such as health care, hospitality, manufacturing and corrections, employers must enforce guidelines designed to protect employees or others from injury. These guidelines often include restrictions related to dress and appearance. HR professionals may be required to enforce such restrictions and may have to deny requests for exemptions from such policies.

Some requested exemptions may stem from employees' need to wear certain religious garb. For example, three Muslim women employed in a prison requested accommodation to wear head coverings at work but were denied an exemption on safety grounds when the prison successfully argued that the head coverings posed hazards because an inmate could use them to strangle the employees, the coverings could make it difficult to identify employees, or they could be used to hide contraband. Also see the section below on religious expression.

Appearance and Race

Grooming and appearance standards that contain prohibitions against certain hairstyles or beards or that treat traditional ethnic dress differently from other attire may also result in race discrimination allegations. Policies should be "neutral" and used "evenhandedly," according to the Race & Color Discrimination section of the EEOC Compliance Manual.

For example, although employers can generally require employees to be clean-shaven, Title VII requires exceptions for men who have a condition in which shaving causes inflammation—a condition that occurs primarily in black men. The EEOC provides another example: Employers can require employees to have neatly groomed hair, but such rules must "respect racial differences in hair texture" and cannot, for instance, prohibit black women from wearing their hair in a natural Afro style. The EEOC recommends that to minimize the likelihood of discrimination claims, employers should make sure grooming standards are race-neutral, adopted for nondiscriminatory reasons and consistently applied.

Religious Expression

Employers must be prepared to make exceptions to dress codes when an employee has a sincerely held religious belief that conflicts with the rules and when no undue hardship for the employer (such as a serious safety problem) would exist as a result of the exception. The Religious Discrimination section in the EEOC Compliance Manual notes that religious grooming practices may relate to shaving or hair length and that religious dress may include clothes, head or face coverings, jewelry, or other items.

See Religion and Work: 'A Hot Topic and Getting Hotter Every Day' .

Determining if a religious belief exemption is legitimate may involve discussion between the employer and the employee. The question of whether a particular belief is or is not religious in nature is one that employers typically will not want to address. In some situations, though, the employer may reasonably question either the sincerity of the particular belief or whether it is in fact religious in nature. In such cases, the employer would be justified in seeking additional information from the employee.

HR can prohibit body piercings and tattoos as long as it does so evenhandedly. Religious issues arise only if an employee asserts a religious basis for such piercing or tattoos. In that case, the employer will have to determine whether the request for an exception is based on a sincerely held religious belief and, if so, whether allowing an exception will create an undue hardship. If tattoos or piercings are not worn due to religious reasons (or another protected class reason), employers can deny the exception request.

See What Are an Applicant's Tattoos Telling Potential Employers? and Can employers have dress code requirements that prohibit all tattoos and piercings?

In workplaces where employers require uniforms, employers must still make reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs. Cases involving uniform modifications have covered issues such as allowing Sikh men to wear turbans, permitting Muslim men to wear skullcaps, and allowing skirts or culottes for women whose faiths prohibit them from wearing pants.

Uniforms represent a more restrictive type of dress code. They are sometimes required by law, by the nature of the business or by an employer's preference. In certain industries or professions—health care, hospitality or law enforcement, for example—employers commonly require uniforms. Uniforms may include specific items (medical scrubs, firefighter gear) or standardized colors and types of garments (black pants and white shirt).

Pros and Cons 

Reasons why an employer may want to require uniforms include:

• Safety . Some positions may need or require protective gear to be worn (e.g., fire-resistant jacket, steel-toed shoes).
• Branding. Some employers want to present a specific image to the public. Uniforms can help create that image and provide advertising for the business.
• Appropriateness. Uniforms reduce the chances of inappropriate dress in the workplace because employees have fewer opportunities to misinterpret attire guidelines.
• Productivity. When all employees (including senior managers) wear a uniform, everyone is perceived as equal. An employee will focus less on who is wearing designer clothes and more on being productive.

Requiring uniforms can also have some disadvantages. For one thing, employees might resist wearing them. For another, if customers or clients perceive the uniforms as inappropriate, the result can be negative feedback. Moreover, if uniforms are not well-thought-out, they can hinder performance; for example, a bartender uniform with long, oversized sleeves could hinder the preparation of drinks.

Who Pays for Uniforms?

When employers require uniforms, many organizations assume that they may charge employees for the uniforms; however, employers should review both state and federal laws first. On the federal level, the Fair Labor Standards Act allows for the deduction from wages for uniforms as long as the deduction does not bring the employee's hourly pay or overtime pay for the workweek below the minimum wage. If an employee makes minimum wage, no deductions may be made for uniforms at all because that automatically would take the worker below the minimum wage.

In addition, if a uniform for a worker earning minimum wage requires special cleaning, the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division Field Operations Handbook states that employers must pay a uniform maintenance reimbursement, either by reimbursing the exact amount of cleaning or by providing the employee one additional hour of straight-time pay. Similarly, uniform allowances are not considered wages and cannot be used as credit toward meeting minimum-wage obligations.

Although most states simply reiterate the federal law in their provisions, several states have more-restrictive rules, even going so far as to prohibit employers from making employees pay for required uniforms.

See U.S. DOL Fact Sheet #16: Deductions from Wages for Uniforms and Other Facilities Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) .

Templates and Tools

Agencies and organizations

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

U.S. Department of Labor

Informational tools

EEOC: Prohibited Employment Policies/Practices

Questions and Answers: Religious Discrimination in the Workplace

Race & Color Discrimination

JAN Hygiene Resources

Attire and Grooming Policy

Business Attire Policy

Fragrance Free Workplace Policy

Jewelry and Tattoo Policy

Summer Dress Policy

Uniforms Policy

Related Articles

Why AI+HI Is Essential to Compliance

HR must always include human intelligence and oversight of AI in decision-making in hiring and firing, a legal expert said at SHRM24. She added that HR can ensure compliance by meeting the strictest AI standards, which will be in Colorado’s upcoming AI law.

A 4-Day Workweek? AI-Fueled Efficiencies Could Make It Happen

The proliferation of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and the ensuing expected increase in productivity and efficiency, could help usher in the four-day workweek, some experts predict.

How One Company Uses Digital Tools to Boost Employee Well-Being

Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees.

HR Daily Newsletter

News, trends, analysis and breaking news alerts to help HR professionals do their jobs better each business day.

Success title

Success caption

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

Travel Tips

• Travel Photography
• Travel Budgeting + Currency
• Celebrity Travel
• Cool Gadgets
• Customs + Immigration
• Ground Transportation
• Mobile Apps
• Packing Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Travel Agents
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Trends
• Travel Warnings

Explore more in

Etiquette Articles

The world of Emily Post etiquette advice is at your fingertips. Please, search or browse our comprehensive online etiquette articles.

• Trending Topics
• Table Setting Guides
• Lizzie Post's Recipes for All Occasions
• Avoid Political Pitfalls
• Featured Articles
• General Tipping Guide
• Official Forms of Address
• Addressing a Former President of the United States
• Dining Etiquette
• Top 10 Must Know Table Manners
• Lipstick at the Table
• Texting at the Dinner Table
• Business Etiquette
• Tips on Preparing for a Job Interview
• Professional Email Etiquette for Work
• Beyond the Handshake: Hugs and the Social Kiss

Wedding Etiquette

• Wedding Planning Series
• Wedding Thank Yous
• Wedding Invitations
• Children's Etiquette
• Can You Teach a Toddler Etiquette? Yes!
• What to Do About Bullies
• The Golden Rule of Parenting
• Invitations & Correspondence
• Complete Guide to Writing Thank You Notes
• Writing Personal Letters
• Invitation Etiquette
• Image & Attire
• Attire Guide: Dress Codes from Casual to White Tie
• Five Tips for Looking Crisp and Keeping Cool in the Workplace

Good Grooming and Wardrobe Care

• Everyday Etiquette
• Etiquette for Volunteering
• How to Choose Luggage
• Before You Travel: Acquaint Yourself with Your Destination
• Digital Manners
• Email Etiquette Dos & Don’ts
• Netiquette: The Rules of the Internet
• Smart Use of Smartphones and Tablets
• Hosts & Guests
• General Entertaining
• Celebration Parties
• Hosting a Baby Shower
• What to Say to Someone Who Is Grieving
• Manners Matter Even More in Hard Times
• How to Help When Someone is in the Hospital

Training & Services

Emily Post training and services are available for groups, businesses, and individuals. Choose from trainer training, seminars, live and pre-recorded webinars, self-paced eLearning courses, and consultation services to best meet your etiquette training needs. Every live session is customized for the client and built from our extensive menu of training topics.

Training Options

• Live Online Seminars
• Author Led Seminars

Online Courses

• Online Course: Dining Etiquette - CreativeLive
• Online Course: Manners at Work, The Ultimate Guide - Creative Live
• Online Course: Business Etiquette for Professionals

Trainer Training

• Business Train the Trainer
• Children's Train the Trainer
• Wedding Professionals Training

Training Topics

• Etiquette Defined/Why Etiquette?
• Problem Solving

Brand Partnership with Emily Post

• Speakers Bureau
• Brand Partnerships
• Spokesperson

Find the right Emily Post book, game, or learning tool for you. We have the perfect wedding, graduation, or housewarming gift for someone special in your life.

Best Sellers

Emily post's etiquette, the centennial edition, the etiquette advantage in business, 3rd edition personal skills for professional success, table manners for kids, the unwritten rules of golf, higher etiquette, our favorites, emily post’s wedding etiquette, 6th edition, emily’s magic words, digital stationery for texts, emily post's - host a bridesmaids' luncheon digital planner, awesome etiquette podcast.

The Awesome Etiquette podcast is a weekly Q&A show where hosts, (cousins, and co-presidents of the Emily Post Institute,) Lizzie Post and Dan Post Senning answer audience questions, tackle etiquette topics in detail and salute good etiquette witnessed by the Awesome Etiquette audience.

Listen on your favorite platform!

• Support the Show
• Episode 501 - Total Eclipse
• Episode 500 - Yes, 500
• Episode 499 - Etiquette vs. Protocol

The Emily Post Institute Inc. is a fifth generation family business that has been promoting etiquette based on consideration, respect and honesty since Emily Post wrote her first book ETIQUETTE in 1922. Today we offer a wide range of books, online resources, training programs for all ages and topics, a weekly podcast and a selection of greeting cards and paper products.

The Emily Post Institute

• Timeline History
• Definition of Etiquette - Consideration, Respect and Honesty
• Emily's First Novel
• Emily Post: Daughter of Bruce Price
• Emily Post: In The Garden

Get a signed copy of our latest book, Emily Post's Etiquette - The Centennial Edition , for yourself or to give as a gift, and support Vermont's independent bookstore Bridgeside Books.

Join our Substack newsletter for more from Emily Post.

Black tie, white tie; formal, semi-formal. Festive! Casual! Hitting the right note with attire can be confusing. Here are the details of how to dress appropriately for any occasion:

Casual dress code refers to clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet clean and professional. It’s best to go with nicer casual wear and avoid the baggier items you wear around the house.

• Long or short skirt
• Khakis or nice jeans
• Shorts (depending on occasion and climate)
• Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck
• Casual button-down blouse
• Khakis or good jeans (clean, no holes)
• Cargo or Bermuda shorts—depending on occasion and climate
• Casual button-down shirt and/or sweater
• Loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), sandals

Dressy Casual

A dressy casual dress code is a versatile balance between formal and casual. This is the ideal choice for networking (or socializing) after work, fundraisers, or dinner at a nice restaurant.

• Skirt and dressy top
• Dressy pants outfit
• Nice jeans and dressy top
• Seasonal sport coat or blazer, and slacks
• Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, open-collar or polo shirt
• Optional tie

Semi-formal

A semi-formal dress code is best described as being more formal than what you would wear to an office, but slightly less formal than what you would wear to a formal event. Do keep in mind that if the event is later than 6 in the evening, you’ll want to err on the side of formality.

• Short afternoon or cocktail dress
• A “little black dress”
• Long dressy skirt and top
• Dressy separates
• Dark, business suit
• Matching vest (optional)
• Dress shirt
• Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks

Business Formal*

A business formal dress code is characterized by a suit jacket with matching pants or a skirt. The darker the suit, the more formal. There are seasonal variations as well as matching accessories to personalize your look, but they should not be a distraction in any way.

• Business-style dress
• Dress with a jacket
• Stockings (optional in summer)
• Heels, low or high
• Dark business suit
• Conservative tie

Business Casual*

Casual business attire is pretty ambiguous, but generally means slacks, khakis, or a skirt with a dress shirt, blouse or polo. Dresses and seasonal sport coats fall into this dress code as well.

• Skirt, khakis, or pants
• Open-collar shirt, knit shirt or sweater (no spaghetti straps or décolleté)
• Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis
• Loafers or loafer-style shoes, and socks

*Always check and abide by your company’s dress code. Read more about business casual dress codes .

Black tie attire is slightly less formal than white tie, but it is more formal than business attire. It is the most common formal dress code for events such as weddings, proms, formal dinners, and theatre.

• Formal (floor length) evening gown
• Dressy cocktail dress
• Your dressiest “little black dress”
• Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers
• Formal (piqué or pleated front) white shirt
• Shirt studs and cuff links
• Black bow tie (silk, satin, or twill)
• Black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest
• Dressy braces to ensure a good fit (optional)
• Black patent shoes and black dress socks
• In summer, in the tropics, or on a cruise: White dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers plus other black tie wardrobe

Learn more about Black Tie Attire .

Creative Black Tie

A creative black tie is best described as attire with a black-tie foundation with room for some creativity and flair. It maintains black tie formality but allows for the use of textures, colors, and accessories to personalize your look.

• Fun or unique accessories
• Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsical items, such as a black shirt or a matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund

Black Tie Optional

A black-tie optional dress code gives guests a couple of formal options to choose from. Men are requested to wear a tuxedo, but can opt for a dark suit. Women can choose either a formal evening gown, a shorter cocktail dress, or dressy separates.

• Tuxedo (see “Black Tie” above)
• Dark suit, white dress shirt, and conservative tie

Festive Attire (usually for the holidays)

A festive dress code is often the choice for holiday or New Year’s parties. It’s essentially cocktail party attire with a seasonal and festive holiday touch.

• Cocktail dress
• Dressy pants outfit or separates
• Feature holiday colors
• Seasonal sport coat or blazer in color of choice, and slacks
• Open-collar shirt, or dress shirt
• Tie—festive or with a holiday theme

Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes. The white tie dress code indicates that guests are high-caliber, royal, or have high social standing.

• Long gloves (optional)
• Black dress coat (tailcoat), matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US; two stripes in Europe or the UK
• White piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front
• Braces, to ensure a good fit
• White bow tie
• White or gray gloves

Learn more about white tie attire .

Be sure to also check out our articles on wedding attire and golf attire .

• Wedding Etiquette 101: Everything You Need to Know

Recommended Articles

• Business Casual Attire
• The Origin of the Tuxedo
• View all articles

Related Articles

Five guidelines, what not to wear to the office in the summer, hats off hat etiquette for everyone, guys and ties.

Dress Code Policy: What It Is, How to Make One

Dress codes may seem outdated, but they still have a place in today’s working world.

A dress code policy establishes what types of clothing and grooming choices are appropriate for the workplace. And while dress codes may seem outdated, they still have a place in today’s working world. Companies can use them to uphold standards of safety and professionalism, provide wardrobe guidance to new employees and ensure all employees are held to the same appearance standards.

What Is a Dress Code Policy?

A dress code policy is a set of guidelines advising employees what they should wear to work. 

Creating an office dress code policy can be a balancing act between upholding a professional image without appearing old-fashioned or culturally clueless. This guide covers how to do it.

A dress code policy sets a standard for what type of attire is acceptable in the workplace. Companies adopt dress codes for a variety of reasons. Some industries, like healthcare and hospitality, may rely on dress codes to uphold safety and sanitary standards. Dress codes in office environments, on the other hand, are typically a reflection of company culture .

Companies might also adopt a dress code to maintain a certain standard of professionalism, which could vary greatly depending on the company culture. Companies in the financial, legal or insurance industries, for example, might want to conform to the traditional norms in those industries, while a laid-back tech startup may allow their workers to wear clothing that showcases their individuality.

Dress codes may seem less relevant in a remote work environment, but Kimberly Rogan, head of people operations at construction software company PlanHub , said her team created a remote dress code policy to account for some unexpected challenges — like people not wearing pants.

“There’s all sorts of adds and changes that we’ve had to bring in to dress code policies now post-Covid,” Rogan said.

Related Reading What to Wear to a Job Interview

Types of Dress Codes

A company’s dress code will typically fall into one of four types, giving employees a general idea of what is considered appropriate attire in the workplace.  

Business Formal 

Business formal is the most strict dress code, typically reserved for black-tie dinners and other special occasions. It could include a dark suit and matching dressing pants over a white collared shirt, along with a pocket square, cufflinks and leather dress shoes. A formal dress code could also include a dark suit coat, blouse and a knee-length skirt or dress slacks paired with formal flats, heels or closed-toe pumps.

Business Professional

Business professional attire is still dressy, but more appropriate for everyday office wear than business formal attire. Commonly found in the legal and finance fields, this dress code could include a suit or blazer, dress shirt, tie, dress pants and dress shoes. Alternatively, one could wear a blazer, blouse and a knee-length skirt or dress slacks with heels or formal flats. Unlike business formal, this dress code allows a little more flexibility to wear dress shirts and ties with patterns or brighter colors.

Business Casual

Business casual, the most common dress code in U.S. offices, allows employees to abandon their suits and blazers for a wider variety of attire, like button-down shirts, polo shirts, blouses, dresses and sweaters. Employees might round out their look with dress slacks, khakis, chino pants, knee-length skirts or capri pants along with loafers, flats and other casual shoes (no sneakers).

Many startups and other informal office environments will allow casual attire, which can include hooded sweatshirts, sweaters, tee shirts, blouses and button-down shirts along with jeans, khakis or skirts. Shoe options could include sneakers, boots or sandals. Although a casual dress code is more relaxed, employees should still not wear gym clothes, revealing outfits or clothing with stains, rips or offensive graphics.

What to Include in a Dress Code Policy

A dress code policy can range from one sentence long to a multi-page document. In general, though, a dress code policy should provide the following information:  

General Guidelines

The policy should start with a high-level overview about the company’s expectations for cleanliness and professionalism. This section can also lay out the general dress code classification, such as casual, business casual or business professional.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Attire

Terms like "business casual” are notoriously confusing , so it can be helpful to provide examples of what types of clothing are acceptable and unacceptable. Some companies might also include guidance about jewelry, tattoos, piercing and grooming standards. This list does not have to be exhaustive, but it should answer questions employees are likely to have.

Enforcement

The dress code should state what actions will be taken if an employee violates the dress code.

Questions and Exemptions

Employees should also be invited to contact the HR department if they have any questions or if they would like to request an exemption from the policy. Employees may need an exemption due to religious practices, like wearing a hair covering, or due to a disability , like foot ulcers that make it painful to wear dress shoes.

Related Reading What Is Gender Bias in the Workplace?

What Not to Include in a Dress Code Policy 

Dress code policies should not discriminate against employees based on their gender, religion or other protected class. 

Robert Kaskel, chief people officer at software company Checkr , suggests companies keep their dress code restrictions to a minimum so as not to impede on the cultural identity of employees. He said every rule should be gender-neutral and applicable to any employee.

“While you may need a dress code policy in place, it’s far more important to keep it minimal and allow your team to express themselves through their clothing,” Kaskel added.

Gender-Specific Language

Companies are allowed to have different dress code requirements for men and women, but any restrictions that place a heavier burden on one gender over another could put a company at risk for a gender discrimination lawsuit. A company couldn’t allow men to wear pants but require women to wear skirts, for example, as that might be perceived as that could be interpreted as having a disparate impact on women employees.

As a best practice, companies should abstain from making gender-specific requirements. Gender-neutral dress codes can also create a more inclusive environment for transgender or nonbinary employees , who may feel targeted by a gender-specific dress code that does not align with their gender identity.

Hair Requirements

Hair requirements need thoughtful consideration before they’re implemented. Black employees, for instance, can be disproportionately impacted by hair requirements. A 2023 study of nearly 3,000 women found more than 20 percent of Black women between the ages of 25 and 34 have been sent home from work because of their hair. More than 23 states have passed The Crown Act , which expands racial discrimination laws to defend against hair-based discrimination.  

Hair requirements may also impact an employee’s religious practices. Some religions may require adherents to cover their hair , which can conflict with a dress code that doesn’t allow hats. Other employees may belong to a religion that prevents them from cutting their hair, which can pose an issue if a dress code prevents the wearing of facial hair. If a hair requirement were to conflict with an employee’s religious practices, it would typically be incumbent upon that employee to seek an exemption from the dress code. 

“As long as the policy is not discriminatory — either geared toward a protected class, has a disparate impact on a protected class or infringes on a disability or religious accommodation — the employer has a lot of flexibility to adopt a policy that is appropriate under the circumstances,” Patrice Arend, employment law attorney at Taft , told Built In.

How to Write a Dress Code Policy 

Keep the following tips in mind when making your company dress code policy. And for an idea on how to implement them, check out the dress code policy template in the next section.  

Start With a Stated Purpose for the Policy

When writing a dress code policy, the desired purpose should be a company’s guiding principle. For example, companies may adopt a policy to reduce safety risks, present a professional image to clients or prevent attire that may be disruptive to workplace productivity.

Be Inclusive of all Employees

The dress code policy should also aim to be as inclusive as possible, avoiding any requirements that could discriminate against employees based on gender, race, religion or cultural traditions. 

Kaskel said a dress code policy should be created by a group of people from diverse cultural backgrounds to ensure the policy is as inclusive as possible and avoids “the potential for unconscious bias to creep in.”

Don’t Worry About Trying to Write an Exhaustive Policy

At the same time, companies shouldn’t feel pressured to address every single garment or grooming choice in their dress code policy. 

“It’s very difficult to draft any policy, especially a dress code policy, to cover every single thing you can think of,” Arend said. “There will always be an employee that comes to work wearing something you might not have anticipated.”

Update Your Policy Over Time

Whatever your dress code policy looks like, know that it may change over time. Some companies think they don’t need a dress code policy, but they end up adopting one when employees push the boundaries of good taste. Similarly, some companies may start out with simple dress code guidelines, but they eventually find it necessary to provide additional clarity on specific issues that have arisen over time.

“Any policy that’s adopted should certainly not be the end of the inquiry,” Arend said. “Employers need to maintain flexibility and understand that just because they adopt a certain policy today doesn’t mean that policy won’t change in the future.”

Related Reading What Is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)?

Dress Code Policy Template 

At [company name], employees are expected to present themselves with good hygiene and clean, professional clothing.

Employees should dress in business casual attire unless otherwise stated by their manager. Employees are expected to be well-groomed and should abstain from wearing any clothing with holes, stains or inappropriate words or imagery. Clothing should not be revealing or make others feel uncomfortable.

Examples of appropriate clothing include, but are not limited to:

• Button-down shirts, blouses and sweaters
• Dress pants, casual khaki-style pants and capris
• Dresses and skirts of appropriate length for the workplace
• Dress shoes, loafers and dress sandals
• Jewelry and fragrances may be worn minimally

Examples of inappropriate clothing include, but are not limited to:

• Athletic clothing, such as sweatpants, yoga pants, shorts and sneakers
• Clothing with political, religious or other words or imagery that could be offensive or distracting
• Tight or revealing clothing, such as halter tops, tank tops, crop tops and skirts or dresses that are inappropriately short for the workplace
• Casual sandals or slippers
• Excessive jewelry or fragrances

Employees who violate this dress code may not be allowed to work until their attire and hygiene are consistent with the policy. Employees who repeatedly violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including termination. 

This policy is not intended to prohibit any religious or ethnic practices. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please contact the HR department at [email protected] .  

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are dress codes important at work.

Dress codes can help some industries, like restaurants and healthcare, meet sanitary standards. Manufacturing companies might use a dress code to prevent accidents. A retailer might design a dress code to make employees identifiable. In the office, a dress code can be useful in establishing a professional image or minimizing workplace disruptions. 

What is a gender-neutral dress code policy?

A gender-neutral dress code policy does not dictate what types of clothing should be worn by men or women. A gender-neutral dress code policy ensures that employees of all genders are treated equally, and it also creates a more inclusive environment for transgender and non-binary employees. 

Recent Company Culture Articles

Understanding Common Work Dress Codes

What does your work dress code say about your company culture? Are you projecting the right image? Let’s dive into common styles!

Even before the pandemic forced millions of workers around the world to retreat to their established or makeshift home offices, remote work was already on the rise. With a growing number of people seeking positions that offer remote work at least part-time, the work dress code has changed dramatically, and it shows no signs of reversing its course anytime soon.

Introducing Your Workplace Dress Code With Team-Building Activities

As you’ll see below, there are a variety of work dress codes, and they all indicate something a little different about your work culture. What message are you sending? Is it a deliberate one? More importantly, is your whole team onboard? Whether you want to change things up or simply remind everyone of the image you’re going for, team-building activities can help! Break the ice with Coworker Connect before you dive into the serious business. Or create a custom on-site scavenger hunt that helps the whole team get more comfortable with your company culture. Whatever your needs, Let’s Roam has a team-building activity to support your efforts.

What Work Attire Says About You

Studies indicate that most people form a first impression about another individual within seven seconds . Researchers at Princeton University even suggest that people can form accurate judgments of other individuals within a mere tenth of a second.

Your clothing is one of the things onlookers use to form an impression of you. Based on your clothes, passersby will make assumptions about the type of work you do, the ambitions you hold near and dear, your emotions and background, and your spending habits.

If you wear a t-shirt instead of a button-down shirt, onlookers may think you work at the local gym or coffee shop. Maybe they’ll assume you have no dreams of climbing the corporate ladder even if you’re the CEO of a financial startup. Wearing flip-flops instead of dress shoes may lead others to think you’re a lifeguard rather than the head of human resources at a Fortune 500 company.

With people inferring so much about you based on your workwear, it’s often advisable to play it safe and wear clothes that have stood the test of time. Depending on your audience, this could be especially important. For instance, take care if you’re going to an unfamiliar office for your first job interview. Or if you’re preparing to deliver a presentation to people you’ve never met or who dress conservatively, opt for the best impression possible.

Classic attire like the black cocktail dress paired with pumps or dark pants, a blazer, and a button-up shirt offset by recently buffed dress shoes are safe choices for instances in which you have to make a good first impression. Those choices have proven, long-lasting appeal because they work across generations, body styles, and industries.

How Office Dress Codes Have Changed and Continue to Do So

Over the past decade or so, a slow shift occurred with dress codes. Whereas people used to focus on work attire and what it says about others, they now pay closer attention to what their clothes say to them. A concept known as “enclothed cognition” is largely responsible for the shift. It suggests that a person’s outfit has an influence on the individual’s psychological processes, including the way they feel.

Think about the last time you had a makeover or put on a costume for a Halloween party. You probably felt fantastic after your makeover and possibly empowered as you donned a costume. Your clothes and appearance facilitate an expression of your character, which isn’t something you’re supposed to hide or disguise in conventional clothing any longer.

The pandemic accelerated the shift toward authenticity at the office as more and more workers reconsidered their work-life balance and the expectations they have for employers. Companies in all verticals reacted by introducing diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, a trend that isn’t expected to slow down in the years ahead.

DEIB initiatives include the elimination of appearance-based bias. That’s when people negatively judge others based on how they look. This type of bias encourages homogenous business attire that doesn’t reflect who many employees are. It also disproportionately affects women, people of color, and other marginalized groups.

Changes in the Workplace

Today, many business leaders are doing away with their exclusionary workplace dress codes. They’re opting for more relaxed and inclusive requirements instead. A lot of managers are asking their teams how they’d prefer to dress when they’re on the clock, and they’re adjusting their formal dress codes so everyone on their payroll can dress as their authentic selves.

However, some managers are reluctant to change their dress codes. That’s because they fear some employees may take things too far. You shouldn’t let fear stand in the way of making your dress code more inclusive, though. You’ll run the risk of certain workers feeling like they don’t belong. If an employee shows up in their pajamas, pull the person aside for a one-on-one conversation instead of closing the door to inclusivity and belonging for everyone.

An Explanation of Different Dress Codes

When you’re getting ready for a job interview or your first day at a new job, you may wonder what you should wear. To find out what’s the norm at the business you’re heading to, it’s wise to check the company’s “About Us” page and its social media accounts for clues. If you know someone who works at the organization, ask them for some clothing tips.

As you explore the attire that’s appropriate in different work environments, you’ll discover that dress codes range from informal to strait-laced and well-pressed. You’ll also notice that the codes are often interpreted differently between remote and in-person professionals, sometimes hilariously so. Trust us—you won’t want to wear “Zoom pants” in a shared workspace, but they’re a great choice for a remote video call in your home office.

Business Professional

This type of dress code is widely viewed as old fashioned—the suit and tie look. A business professional dress code is extremely conservative and relatively standardized. Men typically wear tailored charcoal or navy suits. Women often wear pantsuits or skirt suits, with the jacket matching the bottom of the outfit and the skirt being at least knee-length.

It’s not unusual for certain verticals to enforce business professional when it comes to attire. Finance, law, and government are some industries where business professional is the work dress code expectation.

Business Formal

Many people use business professional and business formal interchangeably, but they’re different styles of dress. Business formal takes business professional to the next level. It’s normally reserved for special occasions, like board meetings, benefits, fundraisers, award ceremonies, and formal outings with clients or investors.

If business formal is the requirement, you’ll want to wear the nicest conservative clothes in your closet. You might even want to consider going on a shopping spree with a seasoned clothing consultant. Alternatively, channel your inner Tim Gunn if a consultant isn’t available to help you out.

Dark pantsuits, a black suit with a light-colored button-down shirt and tie, heels, Oxfords, and loafers are common in business formal settings. In some cases, you may want to wear a long evening dress or fitted tuxedo. Regardless of the outfit you choose, make sure you accessorize appropriately with jewelry, cufflinks, and the like without overdoing it.

Business Casual

The most common dress code for American employees, business casual is similar to what you’ll see characters wearing in iconic TV shows like The Office . Business casual attire allows you to buy more generic items that don’t need the services of a tailor. This kind of dress code also allows you to wear more expressive clothing, such as patterned shirts and jackets, brightly colored accessories, eye-catching footwear, and linen pants.

Summer business casual is a variant of business casual. Companies located in warm regions often relax their dress codes during the late spring through early fall so their employees can remain comfortable. Think polo shirts, khaki pants you can roll up at the bottom of the pants legs, and even sandals, flip flops, and slides. These are examples of things that are normally permissible for organizations that have business casual dressing standards during the summer.

Smart Casual

Formal business attire means fitted clothes and tucked shirts. But that’s not the case in businesses that promote smart casual workwear. Smart casual is sort of like the meeting point between business casual and all-in casual.

Companies with a smart casual dress code don’t always identify their dress codes as what they are. Instead, they simply accept that people will wear the business casual attire that makes them feel comfortable.

In a casual workplace, dark jeans, casual pants, untucked shirts, comfy shoes, and more informal sweaters are the norm. While there’s a lot of leeway with a smart casual code, you still have to look professional. For example, you may want to wear a pair of chinos with an ironed collared shirt or a skirt suit with your favorite pair of sandals.

Tech companies are known for being casual workplaces where smart casual is the accepted dress code. This type of business casual attire is also common with think tanks and start-ups.

Popular among start-ups, smaller organizations, tech companies, and businesses involved in the arts, a casual dress code is as close as a business can come to having no dress code policy at all. Casual doesn’t always mean the same thing between companies. Therefore, it’s wise to do some research about an organization’s expectations when it comes to dressing before you start a new job or visit a buddy at work.

The trick with a casual dress code is to refrain from taking things too far. There’s a difference between professional dress in a casual environment and wearing pajama bottoms, a stained t-shirt, and fuzzy slippers to work. Although you don’t have to buy anything in particular or something new for a casual workplace, you should still dress to impress in your casual clothing.

Arguably, the best thing about being able to wear casual clothing to work is that it gives you the chance to really express yourself without fear. Do you prefer high tops to closed-toe dress shoes because you love basketball? You can normally wear them in a casual office. Are you more comfortable in leggings than dress pants when you work? Leggings are a regular choice for many employees who work in a casual setting.

Flexibility Maximized

Elizabeth works from home for a large healthcare company located in the Southeastern part of America. A health fanatic, she gets up earlier than most to attend a cycling class that starts at 5:30 a.m. every workday. When she returns home from class, Elizabeth immediately logs onto her computer to get to work.

Once a week, Elizabeth meets with her boss and teammates using Zoom. She attends the weekly meeting in her workout clothes, and she’s not the only one who does. Every time Elizabeth attends a team meeting, she feels right at home in her gym attire because her teammates and boss are often donning similar clothing.

Gender-Neutral Professional Attire

People who don’t ascribe to a gender binary sometimes struggle with dress codes and figuring out what to wear. Luckily, there are plenty of professional and casual options available in the marketplace that are as stylish and comfortable as they are expressive and affordable.

Just try shopping for gender-neutral clothing. You’ll quickly realize how easy it is to dress up or down various elements for different situations. If you’re going to a casual office, you can choose jeans, shirts with long or short sleeves, or loose-fitting sweaters. You can pair your outfit with the latest Nikes, loafers, or slides.

For more formal settings, you may want to opt for dress pants or pressed chinos. You may also want to wear a button-down shirt with a fashionable sports coat or a lush cardigan. Low-heeled oxfords or another type of closed-toe or lace-up shoe will complete the look you’re going for nicely.

Pantsuits are a fantastic choice for people shopping for gender-neutral clothes. Depending on various factors, like the color, style, and brand name, a given pantsuit could be a unisex choice. It’s a great option for anyone who’s non-binary as far as their gender goes. Pantsuits are easy and fun to dress up or down with accessories like jewelry, shoes, or even a pair of non-prescription glasses that hang from a breast pocket.

Video Call Dress Code

Remote workers like Elizabeth know it’s okay to dress casually for a work video call. But some distanced employees don’t know what they should wear for similar calls, especially if they’re new. Many businesses have different dress codes for their in-office representatives and remote workers. Even if you’ve been with the same company for years, you may want to ask your co-workers what they wear for a video call before you participate in your first one.

New hires may not have had the chance to meet their colleagues or establish bonds with them that are deep enough for them to inquire about the dress code. If you don’t have anyone to ask, it’s wise to dress up rather than dressing down for a video call. You can always take off a sports coat or blazer or remove a wrap if you’re overdressed. But it’s impossible to save the day if you show up on a call in a t-shirt while everyone else is sporting suits and ties.

Every time you participate in a video call, make note of what other attendees are wearing. Video calls often have more casual dress codes, but don’t assume that’s the standard if you’re unsure. Observing what your colleagues wear during virtual meetings will help you nail your own look as time passes.

Zoom Casual

Earlier, we mentioned Zoom pants. That term refers to instances where people don a professional top and some not-so-professional bottoms while they attend video calls. If you’re going to sport sweatpants during your next video call, make sure your camera is securely in place so it doesn’t inadvertently pan downward and reveal your Zoom pants to your co-workers and boss.

The son of Dana and Christopher Reeve, Will Reeve is a reporter for ABC News and Good Morning America . During the pandemic, Reeve famously appeared on TV wearing a professional shirt and jacket paired with what looked like underwear. Reeve later claimed he was wearing shorts, but people quickly took to social media to refute the correspondent’s claim, often in wildly amusing ways.

As funny as it was to see Reeve in his chosen outfit, conversations about his Zoom pants are still swirling several years later. Reeve has been a good sport throughout, but you don’t want to find yourself in a similar situation at work. It may undercut your credibility and put you on the receiving end of running jokes that may feel like they’ll never end.

Dressing for Success With Team-Building Exercises

Dressing for success means different things to workers depending on their work dress code. Hopefully, the expectations for dress are crystal clear and properly represent the company culture that suits your business best. If not, Let’s Roam is your ideal partner. With over 20 team-building activities on tap, you can easily get everyone on board, whether it’s time to update or reinforce.

Team building has long been recognized for yielding meaningful benefits, such as building trust and familiarity between co-workers and reinforcing or improving company culture . Perfect for remote, hybrid, and in-person teams, our fun-filled exercises provide a break from the daily grind and bring co-workers closer together.

Daily icebreakers can reinforce your dress code with laugh-inducing trivia questions. A round of Let’s Draw can do the same with custom subjects that will literally bring attire that’s appropriate for your workspace to life as people make pictorial interpretations for their teammates to guess their assigned topics.

To schedule team-building exercises that will resonate with your team and set everyone up for success, contact Let’s Roam , and work with a dedicated account manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

Business casual is the most common dress code for workers located in America. You might think of this style first when considering dress codes, especially if you’ve seen The Office .

Dress codes vary by company and industry, so it really depends on your organization. Business professional may be appropriate in a law firm while casual might be a better choice for a start-up.

Business casual, smart casual, and business formal are some additional dress codes you might encounter depending on your career path.

The leading dress code rule is to dress up rather than down for a video call if you’re unsure about a company’s dress code. Don’t skip the pants!

Smart casual is where business casual and casual come together. Less formal attire is necessary compared to business casual, but more formal clothing is required compared to all-out casual.

If it’s time for an update or you just want to reinforce your work dress code, just tap on Let’s Roam. A custom scavenger hunt can get your team enthusiastically on the same page.

Need help planning a team-building event?

Schedule a quick, complimentary 15 minute chat with an event planner to book your next team building event with breeze., featured products & activities.

Simple Flying

The ins & outs of airline dress codes.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

When Boom Supersonic's Overture Will 1st Fly

Could airbus build an airbus a340neo, top 10: the world's largest state-owned airlines.

Looking back at photos of the Golden Era we fondly remember as the Jet Age , you’d find that passengers were often dressed to the nines in suits, dresses, high heels, and elaborate bags to match. These days, however, air travel has become so common that passengers rarely put that much effort into their travel attire. While comfort plays a big part in how passengers dress, there are several – and even surprising reasons – why airline dress codes exist.

It's part of a contract between airlines and passengers

The guidelines regarding the appearance of passengers on airlines are typically documented in a legal contract known as the “conditions of carriage.” This agreement is essentially a legal contract that passengers enter with the airline whenever they purchase a ticket. By purchasing a ticket, passengers automatically consent to abide by the rules and conditions outlined in the contract of carriage.

Airlines have the right to refuse to board passengers deemed “inappropriately dressed.” For example, clothing that exposes too much skin or has offensive language can make other passengers feel uncomfortable. After all, keeping the peace is important when hundreds of people are packed in an aircraft for several hours.

Discover more aviation news about the passenger experience here.

American Airlines , for one, has a section in its contract of carriage that instructs passengers to “Dress appropriately; bare feet or offensive clothing aren’t allowed.” Likewise, Alaska Airlines ’ legal document states that it will not allow passengers to board if they:

“…are barefoot and older than two years old or who have uncovered torsos (except the midriff, which may be uncovered) unless required due to disability; and if they wear or display, and refuse to cover or stow, clothing or other items deemed to be lewd, profane obscene, or patently offensive.”

But why do airlines care?

Airlines have dress codes to maintain a professional image – especially in first class and business class . Airlines are service-oriented businesses that need to maintain a certain level of professionalism. These dress codes can also help to create a sense of exclusivity, making the airline feel more luxurious and premium.

Furthermore, the myth that well-dressed passengers, compared to those clad in hoodies and sweatpants (or t-shirts and shorts), stand a higher chance of scoring a free seat upgrade could hold some truth. While this practice is viewed as discriminatory today and is not as common as it was those years ago, one former flight attendant revealed that they did, in fact, tend to upgrade more neatly-dressed passengers.

Elaine Swann, a flight attendant who worked at Continental Airlines (now merged with United Airlines ) between the mid-1990s and 2007, told AFAR Magazine:

“If you dress nicely and look a little more polished and well put together, we would likely give you that upgrade.”

However, don’t rush to put on a three-piece suit or a pair of six-inch heels in hopes of a seat upgrade. With all things said, comfort and safety take precedence over appearance. Passengers are ultimately encouraged to dress comfortably – especially for long flights – in clothing and footwear that can allow for smooth evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

Source: AFAR Magazine

• United States
• Tampa / Central Florida West

St. Petersburg

Teak - St Pete Pier

Great for scenic views

• Good for special occasions
• Great for creative cocktails

Make a reservation

Additional information.

• Dining style Casual Dining
• Price $30 and under
• Cuisines American, Seafood
• Hours of operation Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
• Phone number (727) 513-8325
• Website http://www.teakstpete.com/
• Payment options AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
• Dress code Resort Casual
• Location 840 2nd Ave NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701-3521
• Neighborhood St. Petersburg
• Cross street Fourth Floor of the St. Petersburg Pier Head Building.
• Parking details There are two public pay-per-hour parking lots on the Pier - with Pier Trams running near each lot to the Pier Head Building.
• Public transit We are the last Pier Tram stop on the Pier at the Pier Head Building.
• Additional Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

A guide to the best date spots in tampa.

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Popular dishes

New england clam chowder.

served with middle necks clams and country bread

Hazelnut Mahi

crusted mahi mahi parsnip purée honey charred heirloom baby carrots burnt orange sage cream sauce

New England Clam Chowder $6.00

Seasonal soup $5.00, truffle asiago focaccia bread $13.00.

cast iron baked and served with chefs daily butter selection

Cinema Popcorn Coconut Shrimp $16.00

coconut shrimp, spiced popped corn, pina colada dipping sauce

Shrimp Ceviche $22.00

ají amarillo leche de tigre, garlicky tostones, shredded vegetables

Fish Spread $16.00

teak spiced fish, chips, crackers, pickled peppers

Cast Iron Baked Mac & Cheese $11.00

corkscrew noodles, jalapeño-spiced gouda, herbs, bread crumbs

Cheese & Charcuterie Board $26.00

chorizo, prosciutto, genoa salami, smoked gouda, mozzarella, goat cheese, marinated olives, peanuts, boiled peanut spread, pickled peppers, strawberries, crackers, crostini

Tuna Tartare* $24.00

raw ahi tuna, tostones, guacamole, creme fraiche, radish

Fire Cracker Brussels $14.00

crisp brussels leaves, citrus "fire cracker" sauce, fried garlic-chili pepper, peanuts, cilantro

Arancini $16.00

scoops of cheesy risotto, creamy marinara, fennel, pepper & leeks with chimichurri yogurt, parmesan cheese

Duck Spring Rolls $11.00

confit duck, caribbean spiced vegetables, passion fruit agrodolce

Ultimate Wedge BLT $9.00

iceberg, applewood smoked bacon, red onion, tomato, crumbled bleu cheese, grilled corn, buttermilk-bleu cheese dressing, balsamic reduction

Teak House Salad** $8.00

mixed market greens, mandarin oranges, strawberries, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, croutons, roasted sesame pineapple ginger dressing

Caesar $6.00

chopped romaine, parmesan, croutons, caesar dressing

Salad - Add Protein

Chicken $8.00, salmon* $17.00, shrimp $8.00, grouper* $24.00, mahi* $12.00, bistro filet* $17.00, seared tuna* $14.00.

choice of french fries, tri-colored sweet potato fries, chips, slaw, yellow rice

Black Bean Burger** $13.00

all bean, pickled peppers, greek chimichurri yogurt, toasted kaiser

Chicken on Ciabatta $16.00

chimichurri chicken breast, chipotle mayo, romaine, tomato, melted gouda, ciabatta bread

Grouper Sandwich* $30.00

blackened/seared/fried, toasted brioche bun, lettuce, tomato, onion & tartar sauce included

Peterburger* $15.00

8oz "smash style" burger, caramelized onion, toasted brioche, lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion & mayo included

Fish Tacos* $20.00

teak spiced mahi, corn tortilla, mango salsa, queso fresco

GF/vegetarian options available

Cavatelli $25.00

crispy smoked bacon, roasted tomato sauce, shallots & garlic, parmesan

Linguine $34.00

clams, shrimp, bay scallops, scampi sauce, herbs, cherry tomatoes, shallots & garlic, parmesan

Corkscrew $28.00

florida man bay scallops, jalapeño-spiced mac n cheese, baked gouda cream, herbs, bread crumbs

Personal Paella $30.00

clams, shrimp, bay scallops, spanish chorizo, saffron rice, green peas, sofrito

Fish N' Chips $22.00

lager battered haddock, tampa bay spiced potato wedges, malt vinegar aioli, lemon wedge

Beef Short Rib $34.00

whipped potatoes, garlic broccolini, beef au jus

Beef Tenderloin* - 8oz $46.00

twice baked lobster potato, sautéed green beans, lemon chorizo au poivre

Tuscan Chicken $28.00

airline chicken breast stuffed with lemon herb goat cheese & prosciutto, toasted polenta cake, pimento bacon, cream sauce, arugula, blistered cherry tomatoes, champagne lemon vinaigrette

Sesame Crusted Salmon* $34.00

shiitake pineapple fried rice, buttery bok choy, crispy togarashi noodles, orange szechuan sauce

Hazelnut Mahi* $33.00

crusted mahi mahi, parsnip purée, honey charred heirloom baby carrots, burnt orange sage cream sauce

Steak Frites* $24.00

6oz bistro filet, rosemary & garlic parmesan fries, greek chimichurri yogurt

Tuna - 8oz $30.00

seared ahi tuna, pina colada risotto, bok choy, toasted coconut, chimichurri yogurt, watermelon radish

Green Beans $4.00

Creamy herb & parmesan risotto $4.00, cheese & chive whipped potatoes $4.00, roasted fingerling potatoes $5.00, mac & cheese $6.00, yellow rice $4.00, french fries $4.00, tri-colored sweet potato fries w/spicy guava $5.00, chips $4.00, rosemary & garlic parmesan fries $6.00, what 3,559 people are saying, overall ratings and reviews.

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

• 4.5 Service
• 4.8 Ambience

Noise • Moderate

Best Ambiance

Most Booked

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

Is this helpful?

Dined 6 days ago

Dined 7 days ago

New Orleans

Atlanta Metro

Dined on August 23, 2024

Greater Boston

Dined on August 21, 2024

Dined on August 19, 2024

How is Teak - St Pete Pier restaurant rated?

Teak - St Pete Pier is rated 4.6 stars by 3559 OpenTable diners.

Does Teak - St Pete Pier offer gift cards?

Teak - St Pete Pier does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

Is Teak - St Pete Pier currently accepting reservations?

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

840 2nd Ave NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701-3521

• Dining Rewards
• Private Dining
• Reserve for Others
• Restaurants Near Me
• Delivery Near Me
• Restaurants Open Now
• OpenTable for iOS
• OpenTable for Android
• Affiliate Program
• OpenTable.jp
• OpenTable.de
• OpenTable.es
• OpenTable.ca
• OpenTable.hk
• OpenTable.ie
• OpenTable.sg
• OpenTable.nl
• OpenTable.com.mx
• OpenTable.co.uk
• OpenTable.com.au
• OpenTable.ae
• OpenTable.co.th
• OpenTable.it
• OpenTable.com.tw
• OpenTable.fr
• Restaurant reservation software
• Industry insights
• Hospitality resources
• Marketing resources
• Operation resources
• How to open a restaurant
• For restaurants
• For restaurant groups
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Cookie Preferences

• Quick Facts
• Sights & Attractions
• Tsarskoe Selo
• Oranienbaum
• Foreign St. Petersburg
• Restaurants & Bars
• Accommodation Guide
• St. Petersburg Hotels
• Serviced Apartments
• Bed and Breakfasts
• Private & Group Transfers
• Airport Transfers
• Concierge Service
• Russian Visa Guide
• Request Visa Support
• Walking Tours
• River Entertainment
• Public Transportation
• Travel Cards
• Essential Shopping Selection
• Business Directory
• Photo Gallery
• Video Gallery
• 360° Panoramas
• Moscow Hotels
• Moscow.Info

Essential Guide

Everything you need to know to prepare for a trip to st. petersburg….

The more you prepare for your holiday in St. Petersburg, the easier it will be. Our comprehensive guide will help you.

We can help you make the right choice from hundreds of St. Petersburg hotels and hostels.

Live like a local in self-catering apartments at convenient locations in St. Petersburg.

Comprehensive solutions for those who relocate to St. Petersburg to live, work or study.

Maximize your time in St. Petersburg with tours expertly tailored to your interests.

Get around in comfort with a chauffeured car or van to suit your budget and requirements.

Book a comfortable, well-maintained bus or a van with professional driver for your group.

Navigate St. Petersburg’s dining scene and find restaurants to remember.

Need tickets for the Mariinsky, the Hermitage, a football game or any event? We can help.

Get our help and advice choosing services and options to plan a prefect train journey.

Let our meeting and events experts help you organize a superb event in St. Petersburg.

We can find you a suitable interpreter for your negotiations, research or other needs.

Get translations for all purposes from recommended professional translators.

• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
• #Russian traditions

5 Top Activities to Do During Christmas in Saint Petersburg

• #Saint Petersburg
• #Winter travel

Although summertime is considered to be the best season for visiting Saint Petersburg, it is still a great gem during Christmas time. No crowds of tourists, almost empty airy halls of the Hermitage, exquisite New Year decorations — and this is not the whole list of treats you can find in the Northern Russian capital at the end of December.

01 Theatres

The famous Nutcracker ballet is a true Christmas performance — and this is a great chance to attend it during your Christmas stay in Saint Petersburg. The most popular and famous venue is Mariinskiy theatre; however, you can book tickets for Hermitage or Mikhailovskiy theatres, which also present serious and beautiful work. To add festive mood to your visit, mind the theatre dress code: a fancy evening dress or a suit.

02 Christmas Markets

Christmas time in Saint Petersburg is a great chance to get off the standard range of souvenirs people usually bring from Russia and opt for something special on Christmas markets. There are small markets in every shopping mall, but the biggest ones are located in the open-air areas on Manezhnaya square, Malaya Sadovaya street, and Pioneer Square. The markets feature souvenirs, snacks and unusual treats from all parts of Russia and the Middle East. Christmas fairs will also be opened on New Holland Island and Sevkabel port.

03 Skating rinks

Skating is one of the favorite Christmas fun as it gives you the instant feel of childhood nostalgia. In Saint Petersburg, you can skate in New Holland Island, Pionerskaya square, and Krestovskiy island. Skating rink on Krestovskiy island is located in Laplandia park where you can also meet reindeer and spend some time feeding and cuddling them.

04 New Year party

There is no bigger fest for Russians than a New Year. The night from December 31 to January 1 is the only night when the whole city stays up all night, so if you have a chance to flow into this most fabulous fiesta, don’t miss the New Year options, which many hotels and restaurants offer to everyone. For the luxury party you can book a ticket to an event at such hotels as Lotte Hotel Saint Petersburg, Sofitel Saint Petersburg, Corinthia Hotel, Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. For a more relaxed and mundane atmosphere you can consider small restaurants or cafes, for instance, Yat restaurant or Nebar.

05 Troika Ride

What Russian doesn't like a fast ride? This question is a quotation from the great Russian author, Nikolai Gogol, asked in the 19th century, and this is still actual today. If you want to feel Russian and experience fast ride of past centuries, Troika is a thing for you! Troika is a traditional harness driving combination; in simple words, three horses draw the carriage and can move at speed up to 50 km/h.

• The Top 10 Unusual Things to Do in Moscow read
• 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kola Peninsula read
• Murmansk read
• 1. Theatres
• 2. Christmas Markets
• 3. Skating rinks
• 4. New Year party
• 5. Troika Ride

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, tailor content, and measure advertising. By continuing to use our Website, you accept our Privacy Policy .

Your request has been sent successfully! Our travel expert will contact you shortly.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.