Australia: Business Dress
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Guidelines for business dress
The types of clothing that people wear reflect the diversity in Australian society just as much as the variation in climate. Whilst there are no laws or rules on clothing in public, you are expected to wear certain clothing for business situations and most organisations have dress standards.
Standard business dress code for men is a black or navy suit with a white shirt and tie, and for women skirt or trouser suit with white blouse. During the summer, the jacket can be removed. Dress code depends on the industry, with banking and finance being the most conservative. A large number of organisations observe ‘casual Fridays’, when employees can dress more casually, however, they still observe certain rules. Increasingly, organisations introduce ‘business casual’ dress code during the week as well, and often specify what is acceptable and what not to wear. Jeans, singlets, open shoes and thongs are never acceptable.
For a visiting business person the best option is to observe traditional business dress code until you get to know your counterparts more closely.
Women are best not to wear too much jewelry and makeup, as it can be seen as extravagant and ‘showing off’.
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Outside the work situation, clothing is an individual choice and many people dress for comfort, for the social situation or the weather. Some clubs may require patrons to be in neat, clean clothes and appropriate footwear, and would not allow entrance to someone wearing jeans, sneakers or thongs. At the same time, people would come to the Opera or a theatre dressed from very casual to very formal.
Australians will usually send formal invitations for dinner parties and will specify the dress code. ‘Smart casual’ is quite common, meaning tailored pants and a top with collar for men, and dress or tailored pants and top for women. ‘Smart casual’ does not mean jeans, shorts and thongs. It is always good to accessorise a little, as it picks up the outfit, but don’t overdo it.
If unsure, it is always good to ask what the dress code is, and Australians will gladly explain.
Many Australians live close to the beach and the sea. On hot days, they may wear little clothing on the beach and in the surrounding suburbs. This does not mean that people who dress to go to the beach or swimming have low moral standards. It means that this is what is accepted given the weather and beach culture.
People from other countries can choose to wear their national dress, which may be religious or customary items and include monks' robe, a burqa, a hijab or a turban. As a tolerant society with people from many different cultures, clothing is a part of cultural beliefs and practices that is encouraged.
