Dress for success in UAE: Here's what not to wear to work

Many fellow cubicle dwellers can tell you of weird clothes and accessories that their colleagues wear.

They may either be too old fashioned to still carry the style of the 80s or be very casual. For them whatever is comfortable is just right.

Well, no. “Never wear flip-flops to work even when you just have to take the elevator from the parking to your cubicle. Wear high-heels, my feet hurt too, so just live with it,” says a Dubai based banker, handling high net- worth individuals in the region on the condition of anonymity.

The above is a case of an employee working in a multinational company, where you need to deal with clients and that too wealthy ones.

They will judge you by your appearance and in a glance can size you up.

Such a work culture may not apply to all companies. What you can wear may be a bit relaxed in most offices, but in such cases (where it is not defined what to wear) common sense should prevail – that there is a way you dress for work and a particular way you present yourself.

Wear the right size

Wearing ill-fitting clothes is one of the most common mistakes that employees make – and this means too loose or too tight. Wear a size that fits you. If you are size 14 do not squeeze yourself into a dress that is size 12.

Wear respectful clothing

Avoid wearing revealing clothes. It’s not just the banker who has to dress appropriately. Even if you are in public relations you need to wear clothes that are not considered revealing.

Look professional

Wear clothes that are acceptable. This ideally includes the suit, shirts and trousers, knee-length skirts and blouses, for ladies. Hoodies are not suited for work and neither are shorts, for men. 

Traditional attire

The UAE is a melting pot of cultures, but it is advisable for expats not to wear traditional clothes to work unless it is a special occasion or there is some ‘International Day’ being celebrated at work.

Right colours

Refrain from wearing colours such as lime green, neon and orange. They are a no-no.

Shoes and accessories

Wear office shoes and avoid flip-flops, sandals, platform shoes, gladiator shoes, spike high heels, sneakers. Impression management experts also suggest avoiding jewellery that is dangling and too sparkling.
 

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