Fashion Survey Reveals That Executives Prefer Business Casual
TheLadders.com Survey Uncovers New Rules For Dressing For Success
New York (Sept. 6, 2006) - Business casual is the "new black," according to a national fashion survey for executives conducted by TheLadders.com, the world's leading online service for $100,000+ jobs. The company's "Fashion in the Workplace" survey revealed that 78 percent of executives prefer to wear business casual attire at the office.
Business casual attire is currently the standard dress code, and a trend that will continue to grow at the majority of U.S. companies, according to 65 percent of executives surveyed. TheLadders.com survey also found that employees who are dressed casually are perceived to be creative (36 percent) and more fun (31 percent), yet run the risk of being taken less seriously (49 percent).
For the employees who like to suit up, dressing more traditionally - in business suits and skirts - has benefits. More than 70 percent of executives surveyed said that employees dressed in suits are perceived to be more senior level, while 60 percent say those in suits are taken more seriously. The downside of being buttoned-up is that employees wearing suits are seen as less creative (27 percent) and rigid (16 percent).
"Seventy percent of the executives surveyed said that clothes can help present the right image. I agree with them wholeheartedly," said Marc Cenedella, president and CEO, TheLadders.com. "Presenting yourself in the best possible light, whether you're dressed for a relaxed or formal environment, can help boost your confidence level. When you look good, you feel good, and you increase your shot at success."
The "Fashion in the Workplace" survey also revealed what not to wear. The survey uncovered that wearing revealing clothes to the office is the most common fashion faux pas (63 percent), followed closely by wearing flip-flops (62 percent). Fifty percent of executives said employees push the boundaries of office dress codes by wearing jeans. Other inappropriate fashions in the office include sleeveless shirts (44 percent), athletic shoes (42 percent), visible tattoos and piercings (37 percent) and clothing with inappropriate slogans (34 percent).
TheLadders.com "Fashion In the Workplace" survey was conducted in August 2006 and included 2,245 executives. The results of this survey are statistically accurate to within +/- 2.08 percentage points.