WHat would be the best uniform for a business-casual office job?

Question

My boss has given me the assignment to put together a work uniform for all employees. He feels it benefits everyone because everyone will match and we will provide the clothes. We will give employees dry-cleaning reimbursement for the uniforms. We will provide these intial and replacement uniforms free of charge.

The only thing though is this is an office in an office complex. We have over 100 employees. Most guys wears button up shirts with or without ties. Usually ties. Most girls wear a nice blouse, skirt, hose, & heels.

What kind of uniform could we put together that meets the needs of both sides?

I was contemplating some type of school uniform type thing. A uniform place near us, Flynn and O'Hara, has these items for purchase. The skirts obviously do not have to be plaid. Could be grey in color.

Help?

(Please do not answer with your opinion about uniforms at the office. This is my bosses decision. I need help with uniform ideas not your opinion on why)

Answer 1

I would seriously think about quitting an office job that required a uniform. That being said, please stay away from embroidered logo! These people are educated professionals, and there's no need for them to dress like they work at Burger King. I think choosing a pallet of colors that coordinates with the company logo would be a nice choice... if there is such a thing, given the circumstances. For women a choice of navy or black A-line skirts or trousers and a blue or white tailored blouse. A pleated uniform skirt wouldn't be as flattering on most women and might be a bit young-looking on older women. For men, kakhi or black trousers with a blue or white button down. A good option for winter would be a nice, royal blue pullover that would work for either sex.

Answer 2

Hi There,

Fist off stop calling it a uniform and go to a dress code. My company has just over 100 employees and I've done the shopping for 5 years.

It really depends if cost is an issue or not for the company. Let me also throw out a word of caution - do not get unisex shirts! The women will hate them - sleeves too long the body of the short too long etc.

First - dress code ideas:

Men: Dress/Khaki pants/ oxford shirts ( with or with our ties) and short and long sleeves and polo/golf style shirts. We also pick up v- neck sweater vests that are very popular.

Women: Crew neck Sweaters/Cardigans, polo/golf style shirts. Stretch cotton button up style shirts. Bottoms pants (khaki or black) shorts khaki or black.

The shopping: Lands End - you can send them your logo and select clothing that employees can order. Have the employees order their own garments and you reimburse them.

Because that got expensive and we wanted to give everyone a weeks worth of clothes I started shopping Jcenney outlet ordered a variety of items in different sizes/colors and had them logo'd locally. Twice a year I open a boutique (tops only) and employees come to "shop". All clothing is separated by size and the employees pick the colors/styles that they think best works for them ( and its all approved b/c its been logo'd).

The women love this the most- the stretch Cotton shorts I mentioned are no iron and from JcPenney you can get them for about $7 - 8 each. The challenge is every style may not be available in every size so I make sure I find equal shirts for each size from size 0 to size 30 or XS to 4X for women. Men's have ever neck size. I usually buy the polo/golf style shirts from Costco or Sams.

Answer 3

A nice shirt. Maybe even blouses for the ladies that have the proper tucks and darts to fit nicely.. All of the same color and the same material, of course.
Slacks for the men, of course. For the ladies, either slacks or skirts, all of the same color.
A cotton blend material for shirts and slacks/skirts is nice. Not polyester. Make it something easy care, and will be cool in summer, but warm enough in winter. And please don't let it be something that looks like bowling league shirts. Those look terrible on employees who have a few extra pounds on them!
You could even get stuff that can be cleaned at home by the employee, and save the company the cost of dry cleaning.

Answer 4

I'd give people two or three options for tops and bottoms, all in solid colors only. For example, khaki, black and gray bottoms, (pants and then a skirt option for women), then go with polo shirts and button downs in two or three colors, such as pale, warm greens, peaches and reds. All of these colors can be mixed and matched, and people will feel like they have options but everyone will still look reasonably uniform. Pardon the pun. I couldn't help it.

As for shoes, let people wear what they want, except for flip flops and tennis shoes.

Answer 5

Uniforms at work - definitely weird.. I wouldn't work at a place that did that.. Sorry, I couldn't resist the opinion :)
Instead of uniforms, what if you just said everyone had to wear black pants and some sort of white top? Simple enough and still gives people a little bit of freedom.

Answer 6

For the first few days you might wear something a little more dressy, even though a polo shirt is likely just fine. But, if you wait and see what others are wearing for a little while you will know for sure.

Answer 7

button down shirt w/logo for men and women. maybe a polo shirt for summer. women can also wear a shell and cardigan w/ an embroidered logo. pantsand or skirts can be khaki, black, or gray. brown or black shoes.