THIS IS HOW PROGRAMMERS STYLE THEIR OUTFITS!
Is it true that programmers can get away with working in their PJs? You certainly can, but not always. Your office attire is less dependent on the fact that you are a programmer and more dependent on the specific office norms and policies.
A typical programmer’s work attire consists of jeans and a casual shirt. Most technology companies do not have strict dress codes. Nonetheless, some non-tech companies require in-house programmers to dress formally. During client meetings or interviews, you should also dress professionally.
So, let’s get into it.
I’ll show you what programmers are expected to wear based on where they work and when this dress code changes. Following that, I’ll share some of my thoughts on what you should wear to work and the benefits of arriving on time.
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WHAT SHOULD PROGRAMMERS WEAR DEPENDING ON THEIR JOB?
We live in a digital age where programmers are required in almost every industry.
With the ability to design and structure virtual reality, programmers should be at ease at work, and most employers don’t mind what you wear as long as your work looks professional.
However, some businesses prefer that you appear professional, and they may have a building dress code that you must follow.
Programmers may dress casually, formally, or in a uniform, depending on where they work.
Programmers can work in software firms, law firms, hospitals, and other businesses. As a result, you must adhere to your company’s dress code.
With that said, let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular industries where programmers work and get a sense of the typical work environment.
PROGRAMMER ATTIRE FOR SOFTWARE-BASED TECHNOLOGY FIRMS
Most tech companies, particularly those with their own app or SaaS, provide a fun and relaxed work environment for their programmers.
There are rarely any dress code requirements for employees, and you can come to work wearing almost anything you want.
Nonetheless, the keyword is “almost”
Employees should not dress inappropriately just because their company does not have a dress code.
Programmers at a software company will typically dress casually and comfortably for the office.
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Employees wearing denim jeans, skirts, T-shirts, pullovers, or hoodies are perfectly acceptable.
However, some tech companies, particularly Silicon Valley startups, have such lax dress codes that you can show up to work in shorts, ripped jeans, Hawaiian shirts, and even pajamas.
Do you want to wear your flip-flops to work? Take a chance!
The goal is to inspire innovation and creativity among employees, and allowing them to dress however they want is part of that. Some tech companies even encourage programmers to dress as outrageously as they want – as long as there is no nudity or profanity involved.
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NON-TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMMER ATTIRE
Non-tech companies such as logistics, automotive, and publishing houses that do not have direct contact with customers or clients have abandoned the formal dress code in favor of business casual.
If you work for one of these companies, you can wear khakis, slacks, dress shirts, skirts, dresses, sweaters, and the like to work.
The idea behind the business casual look is to keep things sober and presentable while still avoiding the discomfort of neckties and suits.
However, the specifics of your dress code will differ depending on the size of the company and its particular work culture.
Larger companies with multiple departments, for example, typically have stricter dress codes. This is usually done to help bring about a sense of unity and order while reducing the contrast between all employees.
Smaller businesses (fewer than 50 employees) and creative agencies, on the other hand, don’t mind what you wear as long as it’s appropriate for work.
To be safe, I recommend wearing a formal shirt with trousers or a business dress on your first day of work. Then, observe what others are wearing to gain an understanding of the workplace culture and follow suit (pun intended).
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PROVIDER AND CONSULTANCY ATTIRE
By professional service providers and consultancies, I mean any business or office that receives frequent visits from customers, clients, investors, and company stakeholders.
These companies include law firms, accounting, and financing firms, and even IT consultancies that create software for a client.
Because it is critical to maintain a professional image in these types of businesses, the dress code is usually very strict.
Whether you’re a programmer or not, you’re expected to dress professionally. That means a conservative button-down shirt with slacks and a necktie, as well as office shoes. Wearing a suit is optional, but if your coworkers are wearing one, you should as well.
In most cases, men and women wear the same dress code, but female programmers can opt for a more feminine look with a business skirt, a modest blouse, and high heels or loafers.
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WHAT DO PROGRAMMERS WEAR ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS?
On Special Occasions, such as Job Interviews and Investor or client meetings, programmers typically dress formally.
During parties or remote work, however, casual attire is usually the norm.
Certain important occasions necessitate appropriate attire regardless of where you work.
Let’s take a quick look at some of the recurring events you’ll encounter in your programming career and how you should dress for them.
INTERVIEWS
Do you know what to wear to a coding interview?
I recommend wearing a sober button-down shirt with a nice pair of trousers and polished office shoes. Female developers can do the same or wear a business suit, a longer skirt, and an office blouse.
When applying for jobs, blazers or suit jackets can help you look more professional.
An employer isn’t looking for a programmer who can pull off an Armani suit. They are most interested in your coding abilities and programming knowledge.
However, they also want to ensure that the new employee will fit into their company’s culture. As a result, going business-casual keeps you safe by putting you in the middle of formal and casual attire.
Furthermore, dressing too casually for an interview conveys a lack of interest or a rebellious personality, both of which can hurt your chances of getting hired.
“The first impression is a lasting impression,” as the saying goes.
MEETINGS WITH INVESTORS OR CLIENTS
Is a client, investor, or stakeholder visiting or meeting with you? Then you should dress for the occasion!
As a programmer, you may be required to attend meetings on occasion, especially if your company creates custom software and applications for clients. If you’re a part of a startup, investors will want to keep in touch on a regular basis to stay up to date on the project’s progress and status.
You don’t want to make the wrong impression when meeting with an investor or a client. Wearing formal clothing conveys the impression that you went out of your way to look good and value the person (or people).
However, I would advise you to dress in accordance with their company’s dress code.
As a result, if your client works for a non-tech firm, dress for the meeting in business casual attire. Carry your best formal attire if they are from the professional services industry.
Investor meetings can now go in a variety of directions. The best attire is determined by the investor’s perception of your company.
As a result, if your team is portrayed as innovative thinkers and problem solvers, dressing casually is to be expected. Wearing formals, on the other hand, makes the most sense if your team is known for its professionalism and orderliness.
OFFICE PARTIES
Each product launch or successful client project is usually followed by a sort of party. But, hey, it’s an office party. So, are you supposed to wear a nice suit – perhaps a tuxedo? Or is it finally time to show off your flamboyant and bombastic wardrobe to your coworkers?
It all depends on who is invited to the party.
If it’s a small group office party for employees only, you should be able to dress however you want. It’s time to relax, have fun, and get to know your coworkers. However, don’t go overboard with your attire. Remember that you’ll be working with these people again tomorrow.
REMOTE WORK-FROM-HOME
Following the pandemic, many companies hire programmers as remote workers in fully work-from-home (WFH) positions that do not require them to come to the office. Many more businesses are going the hybrid route, where they alternate between office attendance for a few days or weeks, followed by a WFH period.
So, what are you supposed to wear when working from your living room? You can wear whatever you want – or nothing at all – depending on your mood.
