A couple weeks ago, we featured a post about how to dress for interviews at Reynolds. And after receiving positive feedback, we thought we’d take that one step further, and tackle what happens next, when you finish the interview and land the job — how you dress at Reynolds every day.

Our official dress code is “business casual,” but this can be a broad and sometimes vague term with multiple definitions. “Business casual” often elicits questions like, “Does casual mean I can wear whatever?” or “How business is business casual?” As a general rule of thumb, business casual is a step down from business professional (what you wear to an interview) and a step up from casual (what you wear on the weekends).

Here are some tips for dressing well at Reynolds:

Tip #1: Stick to the Do-Nots

When it comes to business casual, sometimes it’s easier to remember what not to wear rather than be overwhelmed by all the options of what you could wear. Avoid the following clothing items:

• Jeans and denim
• Tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and muscle shirts
• Shorts and capris
• Clothing that is too short, too low, too tight, see-through, worn out, or dirty
• Yoga pants, sweatpants, or leggings as pants
• Sneakers
• Flip flops
• Hats
• Clothing with logos or text that isn’t business appropriate
• Hoodies and sweatshirts
• Anything with rips or holes

Tip #2: Build from the Basics

If you’re just starting out in the corporate world, it’s a good idea to build your wardrobe with some staples. Start with basic pieces:

For Women:

• Skirts and dresses (knee length or longer)
• Dress pants or slacks
• Collared shirts
• Blouses
• Blazers
• Cardigans
• Sweaters
• Heels
• Loafers
• Ballet flats

For Men:

• Button down shirts
• Polos
• Sweaters
• Collared shirts
• Dress pants
• Loafers
• Blazers
• Tie (optional for everyday wear)

Depending on your role, there may be some days when you need to dress more formal, beyond business casual (for company meetings, meeting with customers, or presentations). Something as simple as adding a tie or a blazer can transform your outfit from casual to more professional.

Tip #3: Read the Room

On your first day, it’s best to dress professionally — similar to your interview outfit. You’ll be meeting a lot of people, and as mentioned in our other post, it’s important to make a good impression with the clothes you wear. After that, you can dress more casually. If you’re still unsure of what to wear, remember that it’s always better to dress up rather than dress down.

During your first week, observe what your fellow associates wear. You don’t have to copy a coworker’s style, but you can use it as a template for your own. Wear colors, patterns, and styles you’re comfortable in and that look good on you. Some men tend toward polo shirts, while others wear blazers and ties. Some women wear more dresses and skirts, while others stick to slacks. You can dress comfortably, while still looking professional, clean, and put together.

As a last note, on Fridays at Reynolds, associates can dress casually when they contribute a couple bucks to a featured local charity. Essentially, casual means you can wear jeans as opposed to slacks, dress pants, or skirts. All-in-all, it’s a fun way to dress down as the weekend approaches and support a good cause.

Ready to dress for success at Reynolds? Check out our open positions and visit our careers page to learn how you can join the team.