Kiwis' workplace attire becoming more casual

New Zealand workers are dressing more casually than they have in the past, according to 84 per cent of respondents to a recent survey. Photo / Dean Purcell

More than 80 per cent of New Zealanders believe we are increasingly adopting a more casual approach to our workplace attire, according to a survey released today.

But anonymous comments on the poll, run by job website Seek, reveal not everyone is happy with the changing look of our workforce.

"It certainly does not show any pride in their work when a person is dressed too casually," one respondent said.

"It is sad to see how the people in NZ have become with their way of casual dress together with a very careless attitude."

While a casual look is a practical solution for some New Zealand workplaces - particularly those where employees work outdoors - some respondents worried that less formal attire in other businesses equated to slipping standards and attitudes.

"I am more inclined to shop where the staff look well dressed," one person wrote.

"It makes me think they really want to be at their job."

Seek's General Manager Annemaire Duff said it was wise for prospective employees to check the company's website for photos prior to an interview and to ask whether there was a company dress policy.

"Part of the fit between you and a job is the overall culture, which is reflected in the way people present themselves at work."

Grooming and fashion stylist Luke Bettesworth said although different workplaces called for different types of attire, prospective employees should not miss an opportunity to make the right first impression by dressing well.

Bettesworth's key tips for impressing at an interview:

* Ensure your shirt or blouse is freshly pressed
* Wear a tidy skirt or trousers (Make sure skirts finish at an appropriate length)
* Style your hair neatly
* Polish your shoes - brand new laces look extra smart
* If you're applying for a corporate role then men should wear ties and women should keep their neck lines in check
* Match your belt with your shoes - black belt, black shoes

Common work wear definitions

Smart casual: This is the dress code where you are most likely to get away with jeans. However, note the 'smart' in this description, dark wash denim will always appear smarter than a lighter wash with distressing down the leg.

Business casual: Is more 'business' than 'casual'. Choose a look that's comfortable (comfortable doesn't mean a shapeless garment) but dressed up enough to walk into a meeting at any point.

Semi-formal: Blurs the line between 'business casual' and 'business'. For women this means moving towards dresses and skirts where a tidy cardigan is worn over a blouse on top instead of the formal jacket. For men this is still shirt territory, but not necessarily ties and jackets.

Business: You can afford to be more playful with a 'business' look than a 'corporate' look but keep this vision sharp and stylish. For men, this is where a creative tie would work well, and women might choose stockings with more detail. Make sure shoes and belts match in colour tone.

Corporate: Means that you mean business, and nothing says business like a sharp suit. Think black and white, pin stripes, cuff links and patent leather shoes. For women, knee length pencil skirts with a structured matching jacket, high heels and jewellery with class. For both men and women, a classic trench coat is the ideal corporate companion for your look in winter.

- NZ HERALD STAFF