Office dress code in the US and Russia: useful tips and absurd bans
'10.09.2021'
Source: Path2USA
As a rule, the work environment in the United States combines professionalism and convenience: do not be surprised if you see, for example, colleagues bringing pets to work (and imagine that in a Russian office!). But the work culture and dress code in the United States are different concepts. Most companies still expect you to follow a certain style of clothing. In Russian firms, the dress code is less common, but it can be very strict, sometimes with absurd rules. Let's figure out what to wear and what is better not to wear to work in the USA and Russia.
Dress code in america
Unless otherwise stated in the company's policy, Americans working in the office prefer to dress comfortably in a casual style, writes Path2USA. However, the standard wishes for compliance with the dress code are often found. If you have recently moved to the United States or are applying for your first job, some guidelines will be useful to you. Do not worry: you will soon understand everything and learn to match the style adopted in the company.
Once you start working, you will figure out (or they will tell you) how to dress in this particular office. But there are general rules as well.
If you have a business meeting, the best option is a classic suit or a dress with a jacket. If you will be in a pantsuit or a suit with a skirt, dark shades are considered the most presentable, they are also the norm for most business conferences. At the same time, it is very good to combine a suit with a blouse of the same or contrasting shade. At the same time, women need stockings or tights, often even in summer, and classic closed-cut shoes. Short sleeves may be prohibited.
Often, the same look is required in everyday work, while a business dress may be required. If your office requires this kind of dress code, denim will not work. It's not uncommon for companies with strict rules to have a casual day - most often Friday. On a day like this, it is not uncommon for everyone, even senior executives, to come to work in informal clothes, including jeans and T-shirts, and in some cases shorts, depending on the company's internal permits.
Casual comfortable clothing is common in information technology companies. Jeans, T-shirts, pants, khaki and cotton shirts are acceptable even on weekdays. As a rule, even in very free-thinking firms, it is recommended to cover the toes and heels of the feet with shoes for women and wear socks, even for short sports, for men.
If the dress code is casual, you have a rather large selection. In IT companies, women wear jeans, casual pants, shirts, t-shirts, blouses, skirts, pants, dresses, shorts, sweaters and blazers. Try to avoid traditional ethnic or sportswear, unless it is customary in the company. You can add an image with a bag with interesting details, as well as wear jewelry (do not overdo it).
At work, it is not recommended to wear pretentious-expensive shoes, sandals, shoes with open toe and especially slippers and similar shoes. Classical shoes are optimal, ballet flats, sneakers or sneakers, shoes are often acceptable.
Useful tips:
- As a rule, women's dress code means closed shoes with heels.
- Do not overdo it with jewels. Avoid bright and voluminous decorations.
- Choose a handbag or clutch in the style of your image. Shades of black and brown complement almost any color.
- Cut so that your hair always looks well-groomed and neatly styled. Cleanliness is the default.
- Pay attention to your hands and nails: there should not be chipped or worn nail polish.
- Do not put on “heavy”, evening, too conspicuous makeup.
- Use a delicate perfume. Deodorant - a must, carry it with you to use during the day.
You can buy clothes at Macy's, Nordstrom, Express, Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Talbot, New York & Company, or any other good brand store. Accessories should be purchased at Aldo, H&M, Forever 21, Old Navy and similar stores.
Rules and prohibitions in Russian companies
When getting a job, we are last interested in what size of heels or color of nail polish is allowed in the company. But in some cases, even the preferred form of nails is regulated, writes Rambler... As a rule, most of the requirements for an office dress code coincide with the American ones - you can navigate and you are unlikely to be mistaken. But, of course, it is worth considering carefully the specific wishes of your new organization.
What kind of appearance can be fined in different Russian companies?
- "Rosneft"
Although velvet, tweed and a cell are allowed in Rosneft, it is strictly forbidden to come in the same suit three times in a row. Almost all companies have stockings in all seasons. They must be beige or gray.
- PJSC Gazprom Neft
On the whole, Gazprom is fairly fair: the jewelry is asked to choose modest ones, without huge stones and multi-layer chains.
From shoes under the ban muley and clogs, and blouses can be worn in any color and print.
But there are a few rather strange points: hair ends need to be cut every two months, and the shape of the nails should be strictly rounded. How to follow this and why is not explained.
- Russian Railways OJSC
This company has a lot of bans. You can not wear: clothes with animal print, designer manicure, patent leather shoes, ruffles, maxi-skirts, breeches, frills. For some reason, white shoes and a hairdo no more than five centimeters for ladies were banned.
If you have to work in one of the departments, remember that it is forbidden to put the bag on the table.
What about other companies?
In 2010, the job search research center conducted a survey among working people older than 18 for years across Russia.
Some respondents said blue ink was banned. The bosses, who are irritated by the smell of coffee or fish, have banned the use of these products during the working day.
There are also such companies in which the main prohibition is closed blinds. They violate feng shui and can "slaughter the vital energy."
