Dress up - dress down
Do workers in the UK like to dress up, or dress down? In the 1990s, the mood swung towards the smart casual, dress-down approach. It now seems to be swinging back - or possibly coming to rest in the middle.
Both regimes have their advantages and disadvantages. Dress-down, smart casual guidelines allow workers to express their tastes and individuality - but there are limitations. Most companies frown upon shorts, leather, lycra, running shoes; in short anything too distracting for clients or colleagues. Many insist on shirts with collars. It begins to sound a bit like school.
Cost is another factor. Suits are expensive - but you only need three or four. You may feel you must ring the changes on your smart casual work clothes more often, so your work wardrobe will need fairly constant rejuvenation. This could also be expensive - and take time.
If early mornings aren't your best time, having to make a decision about what to wear is the last thing you need. It's easier just to throw on your suit or uniform. But even so... isn't choosing your own clothes, expressing yourself, less boring? This debate will run and run. The great thing is that many companies have relaxed, and workers are being given more freedom to choose which way to go. For that, we can be grateful.