Switzerland: Business Dress

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Guidelines for business dress

Swiss attitudes towards business dress have evolved in recent years. More casual dress is acceptable in many companies--'dress-down' Friday is commonplace and some firms have even banned suits--but the degree of informality depends on the degree of direct client-contact. A Swiss executive meeting a foreign visitor, then, will still dress in a formal and conservative style and you should do the same.

All clothes for both men and women should be subdued in appearance, and more subdued in the German north than in the French--and Italian--speaking regions.

Standard attire for men includes finely tailored woollen suits, white cotton shirts and plain silk ties, with highly polished black leather shoes.

Standard attire for women includes suits or skirts of a conservative length. Trouser-suits, in classic styles, are also acceptable.

You should dress well, but modestly. The Swiss dislike ostentatious displays of wealth and appreciate clothing that is simply clean, well pressed, and in perfect condition.

Any jewellery [even a Swiss watch] should be elegant, but simple and understated.

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