Would you consider these clothes inappropriate for work?

With today's workplace attire trending towards the casual side, even the typically uptight accounting and finance departments have switched out their suit and tie in favour of the more casual khakis and polo shirt.

A recent survey by Robert Half Finance & Accounting revealed that 74% of CFOs said their accounting and finance departments have a somewhat or very casual dress code. Nearly a quarter (23%) observed that business attire guidelines have relaxed over the last five years, compared to 16% who reported a more formal dress environment.

A similar survey by OfficeTeam have found that 56% of employees preferred to wear a more relaxed work attire, and most employees (86%) reported they like casual dress codes because they can wear more comfortable clothes.

However, about one in four respondents (23%) said their company policy isn't always clear about what attire is acceptable, and 41% admitted they're at least sometimes unsure about whether clothing is office-appropriate. Hence, to eliminate that uncertainty, nearly half (48%) choose to don a uniform.

In line with that, OfficeTeam also asked respondents to reveal something they've considered wearing to work but were unsure whether it was appropriate.

Here are some of their responses:

• An off-the-shoulder ("cold shoulder") top
• Leggings
• A Hawaiian shirt
• Flip-flops
• A baseball hat
• Jeans
• Pyjamas
• Fishnet stockings
• A tight sweater
• Capri pants
• A track suit
• A low-cut top
• Dressy sandals
• A hockey jersey
• Shorts
• Cargo pants
• A political T-shirt
• Colored jeans
• A tank top
• Tennis shoes
• A short skirt
• A sheer top

Would you consider these clothes inappropriate for work?

"As work attire skews more casual, the rules about acceptable office wear aren't always clear-cut," said Brandi Britton, a district president for OfficeTeam.

"Besides following official company policies, employees should pay attention to the wardrobes of managers and colleagues. If you're uncertain about whether it's ok to wear something to work, it's best to play it safe by skipping it."

Photo / 123RF