The definition of professional dress at an engineering and design firm can vary depending on the company culture, the specific role, and whether client meetings are involved. However, a general guideline leans towards business casual for day-to-day work, with the possibility of dressing more formally for client-facing situations.

Here's a breakdown for men and women:

General Principles for Both Men and Women:

• Cleanliness and Neatness: All clothing should be clean, pressed, and in good repair (no tears, stains, or missing buttons).

• Fit: Clothes should fit well and be neither too tight nor too baggy.

• Grooming: Pay attention to personal hygiene, including neat hair, clean nails, and minimal or no strong fragrances.

• Appropriate Accessories: Jewelry should be professional and not distracting. Bags and briefcases should be in good condition.

Professional Dress for Men:

• Tops:

  • Button-down shirts: Long-sleeved or short-sleeved, in solid colors or subtle patterns. These are often tucked in.

  • Polo shirts: Neat and well-fitting polos are often acceptable, especially in more casual environments within the firm.

  • Sweaters: Crew neck, V-neck, or quarter-zip sweaters can be worn over button-down or polo shirts.

  • Blazers or Sport Coats: These can elevate a business casual look, especially for client meetings or presentations.

• Bottoms:

  • Dress pants/Slacks: Khakis, chinos, or other professional-looking trousers in neutral colors (navy, gray, black, tan).

  • Dark wash jeans: In some firms, especially those with a more relaxed culture, dark wash jeans without rips or distressing might be acceptable for regular days, but usually not for client meetings.

• Shoes:

  • Dress shoes: Leather oxfords, loafers, or similar styles in black or brown. Shoes should be clean and polished.

  • Clean, non-athletic sneakers: Depending on the company culture, some stylish and clean sneakers might be acceptable on regular days, but avoid overly casual or athletic styles.

• Accessories:

  • Belt: Leather belt that matches shoes.

  • Socks: Dress socks in a color that coordinates with the trousers or shoes.

  • Tie: Usually required for more formal client meetings or presentations, but less common for daily office wear in many engineering and design firms today.

Professional Dress for Women:

• Tops:

  • Blouses: Professional blouses in various styles, materials (cotton, silk, etc.), and modest patterns or solid colors.

  • Button-down shirts: Similar to men's, can be worn alone or layered.

  • Sweaters: Cardigans, crew neck, V-neck, or turtleneck sweaters.

  • Knit tops: Well-fitting, professional knit tops.

• Bottoms:

  • Dress pants/Slacks: Similar to men's, in various cuts (straight leg, bootcut, etc.).

  • Skirts: Knee-length or longer pencil skirts, A-line skirts, or other professional styles. Avoid overly short or tight skirts.

  • Dark wash jeans: Similar to men, may be acceptable for regular days in some firms.

• Dresses:

  • Knee-length or longer professional dresses: Sheath dresses, A-line dresses, or wrap dresses are often appropriate. Avoid overly casual or revealing styles.

• Shoes:

  • Closed-toe shoes: Heels (block heels, pumps - generally no higher than 2-3 inches), flats, loafers, or dressy boots. Shoes should be clean and in good condition.

• Accessories:

  • Professional bags: Tote bags, satchels, or briefcases.

  • Jewelry: Simple and professional necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Avoid overly large or distracting pieces.

  • Scarves: Can add a professional touch.

  • Hosiery: May be expected with skirts or dresses in more formal settings or for client meetings.

Items Generally Considered Unprofessional:

• Shorts

• Leggings worn as pants

• Flip-flops or overly casual sandals

• Athletic wear (unless explicitly permitted on a specific "casual day")

• T-shirts (unless specifically allowed on a casual day, and even then, should be in good condition and appropriate)

• Clothing with large or offensive graphics or slogans

• Revealing clothing (low-cut tops, very short skirts, etc.)

• Wrinkled or stained clothing

Key Considerations for Engineering and Design Firms:

• Client Meetings: When meeting with clients, a more formal level of dress is usually expected. This might mean suits for both men and women in more traditional settings.

• Field Work/Site Visits: If your role involves site visits, safety and practicality will take precedence. However, even in these situations, presenting a reasonably professional appearance (clean workwear) is important.

• Company Culture: The best way to understand the specific dress code is to observe what others in the firm, especially those in similar roles and leadership positions, are wearing. It's always a good idea to err on the side of being slightly more dressed up when starting a new role and then adjust based on the observed culture.

• "Casual Fridays": Many firms have "casual Fridays" where jeans and more relaxed tops might be acceptable, but it's important to understand the specific guidelines for your workplace.

In summary, professional dress at an engineering and design firm typically means a polished business casual look for daily work, with the potential for more formal attire for client interactions. Pay attention to cleanliness, fit, and the overall impression you convey. When in doubt, it's always best to ask your HR department or manager for clarification on the company's dress code.