Workspaces function with a mandatory dress code for Bengaluru’s young professionals. Western formals make all the difference when it comes to business. These youngsters tell us what they like to be wearing at their place of work. Formal dress codes are part of the deal when you work at a corporate or any office space for that matter. The overall idea as we understand is to stay presentable as Vineeth Thomas, a support technician says, “My firm utilises several standards of dressing that ranges from relaxed casual to business professional attire.” Sulekha Nambiar, an HR professional says, “It important to wear clothes that are suitable for the working environment, which translates into formal long sleeved shirts, pants, long kurtis and leggings.”
Friday being the last working day for most is understood as a day when casuals are worn. Roshan CV, an infrastructure consultant says, “Unlike other days, I prefer wearing business casuals on Friday. The atmosphere on Fridays is just slightly more relaxed then.” Vinod, an analyst, is flexible with what he wears and likes sporting formal or casual attire. Sulekha says, “Formal dress codes are imposed as it exudes sophistication rather than a jeans and tee”.
Formal apparel can be quite expensive says Gopika, a consultant. “I prefer to purchase office wear from good brands. I shop in bulk when there are big sales and discount offers, which includes clothes, shoes and a bag. I easily spend about Rs 30,000 in a year.” Vinod likes to keep his wardrobe updated once every three months and spends roughly Rs 10,000 then, much like Vineeth who shops when he feels his wardrobe looks bleak. “I spend anywhere between Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000 when I shop for office wear.”
Dressing well goes beyond the job demands and becomes a personal choice. You do have to look the part to play the part. Gopika says, “My job involves interacting with a lot of clients so I prefer looking smart and professional during meetings. Personally, I feel that ethnic wear is more comfortable as Western formals means using a shirt, pants and belt which is not the easiest available choice.” For some, what they wear reflects how they feel as Vineeth says, “I feel more relaxed when I wear my favourite jeans with a casual shirt. Being in comfortable clothes boosts my efficiency as I feel like my most authentic self, even at work”.
