Chile: Business Dress
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Guidelines for business dress
As a visitor, the best policy is to dress conservatively and formally. Dressing well is a priority here and is perceived as a sign of respect. Moreover, the "business casual" look [i.e., sports coat, khakis, casual shoes] will not be well-received.
The best wardrobe options for men include blue or gray suits, white shirts, and conservative ties. Similarly, women should stick with blue or gray business suits and shoes with low heels.
It will be in your best interests to avoid wearing clothing that is extremely bright, or otherwise attracts attention. Regrettably, perhaps, an "individual" dress sense is likely to compromise your success in this country. Emulating the business dress of your Chilean peers promotes a level comfort and security that helps them to accept and eventually become friends with you.
Men and women who wear jewellery should select only conservative and understated pieces. Chileans may perceive you as vain and self-absorbed if they see you in expensive, eye-catching accessories.
If invited to dinner at someone's home or to a restaurant, standard attire for men includes a suit and tie, and for women, a conservative--yet elegant--dress. In recent years it has become acceptable to dress more casually in the summer, short sleeved shirts and slacks for men, and more casual dresses for women.
Pants or good jeans and a shirt are fine for casual wear. Shorts are rarely worn in public.
Chile has extremes in temperature between the northern part of the country and the south. The north is typical desert, hot in the day and cool at night. The south has heavy snowfalls and extremely low temperature in the winter. The seasons are the reverse of North America or Europe. Winter is June, July and August.
At higher altitudes, warmer clothes are necessary.
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