Instead, with the old rules gone, many people are in a state of dress-down confusion. People are struggling over just what the new standard of appearance should be,'' says Dominique Isbecque, an image consultant in New York. Of course, there are some general guidelines that will keep you from getting too far off the mark. Fashion experts say men usually can't go wrong with a sports coat in muted colors and flannel or gabardine trousers. Shirts, whether button-down or knit pullover, must have a collar.
Women can wear pantsuits or tailored pants with a sweater set.
When it comes to business meetings, image consultants and company executives agree that employees must make their wardrobe fit the client's style. If you don't know what that is, it's up to you to find out. Daniel Reehil, director of sales for Clik Communications, a New York marketing firm, first tries to figure out how casual the client might be from the company's Web site. Otherwise, he calls the client's office and speaks to either the client or an assistant to try to figure out the style of dress. Many companies ask that employees keep a change of appropriate clothing on hand just in case they have to go out on a client call.