Abstract

The case explores the changing trends in corporate dress codes the world over and the role of a company’s HR department in this context. The reasons for the growing popularity of casual attire at the workplace since the 1990s, especially in the US, are examined in detail. The case also provides an in depth analysis of arguments for and against allowing casual dressing at corporate offices. The case concludes with a note on the ways of striking a balance between casual and formal attire and proposes an ‘appropriate business attire.’

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Issues and implications regarding personal appearances across the business world.

Keywords

Corporate dress codes, HR department, popularity, casual attire, workplace, 1990, US, analysis, casual dressing, corporate offices, formal attire, appropriate business attire