At a recent Affogato team meeting, someone casually mentioned dress codes. What should have been a quick side note turned into a 30-minute discussion full of opinions, examples, and “what about this?” scenarios. That conversation made one thing clear: dress codes, although seemingly simple, remain a real pain point.
For managers, talking about dress codes can feel as awkward as pointing out spinach in someone’s teeth. For employees, it’s just as frustrating. Everyone wants to get it right, but vague expectations, shifting styles, and generational differences leave plenty of room for second-guessing. Nobody wants to show up overdressed like they’re headed to a wedding, and nobody wants to look sloppy either.
The truth is, traditional terms like ‘business casual’ or ‘dress appropriately’ just don’t cut it anymore. The way we dress for work has shifted dramatically over the past decade, especially on the West Coast, where casual style is the norm. To take the guesswork out, we thought it would be fun to create a set of categories that fit today’s West Coast work culture. Here are a few:
1. West Coast Formal
Client-ready attire for big presentations, meetings, or events where first impressions matter. Think tailored dresses, blazers, dress pants, or button-down shirts with polished shoes. Suits are rare, but the overall look should signal professionalism and readiness.
2. Office Sharp
Every day, polished office wear. A step above casual, but not as dressed up as formal. Dark denim or chinos with a collared shirt or blouse, dresses with clean lines, and dressy sneakers or flats fit here. It’s the modern interpretation of business casual.
3. Creative Casual
Relaxed but intentional. Well-fitted jeans, sweaters, casual tops, and stylish sneakers or boots are welcome. This style reflects personal flair while keeping things neat and workplace appropriate.
4. Work Practical
For physical jobs. Sturdy shoes, durable pants, and clothing built for safety and function. The focus is on enabling the performance of physical jobs, often in the field, back of the house, or on-site.
Not all jobs at a single company will fall into the same dress code category. Depending on the day, you may even have different dress standards for the same position. A Development Manager may dress Creative Casual while in the office, but when meeting with potential donors, the expectation is Office Sharp. In all cases, the goal is to create clear standards that cut the confusion. When employees know what’s expected, they spend less energy second-guessing and more energy doing great work. And in the end, it’s always better to be remembered for your contributions, not your clothes.
Have a burning question you’d like us to write about? We’d love to hear from you.
Jonna, Lisha, Suzanne, Lisa, Karen and Linda