In a professional downtown big-4 accounting environment, is it necessary to dress plainly versus trendily?

Question

A female colleague of mine (who is attractive) is considering a downtown firm, which is a global professional partnership.

In your experience, have you find it necessary to avoid dressing fashionably, but conservatively and plainly, to be regarded professionally?

Answer 1

It depends on her position. An audit assistant can dress more simply than an audit manager, but in any case, she has to dress professionally. Where I worked, we couldn't even wear pants, and only around 2000 were we allowed to wear pant suits, i.e matching jacket with pants. At the higher levels, a jacket, either with skirt or pants is de rigeur. Definitely no bling, no high slits and no cleavage. Oh, and of course, no piercings! LOL

Answer 2

As a professional in the mortgage banking industry and a woman I find that a woman can still be fashionably yet meet a business dress attire. Trendily slacks, blouses and skirts that are just above the knee are typically considered acceptable.

Answer 3

What are normally considered acceptable are dress slacks, conservative blouses, and skirts that are just above the knee.