8 Rules for Dressing Appropriately at the Office.

1. IF YOU DON'T KNOW, LOOK AROUND; IF YOU STILL DON'T KNOW, ASK.

Many offices don't have an official dress code, the assumption being that employees will figure it out themselves. But if you can't figure it out by observing other employees during your interview (for which you should err on the side of formality, if not wear a full suit), then ask HR if there's a policy surrounding proper fashion. 

                                        

2. IF YOUR DRESS CODE IS "BUSINESS FORMAL," SUIT UP. 

Also sometimes called "boardroom attire," this is the fanciest and least flexible of professional fashion categories, usually reserved for upper management, accountants, lawyers, and entry-level folks who have a lot of contact with high-level execs.

Men should wear a suit, tie non-optional, and a pair of well-polished professional shoes with socks. (No sneakers, no sandals.) For women, a pantsuit or mid-length skirt suit, black or neutral closed-toe pumps, and a conservative blouse are your best bet, although you have a bit more flexibility in terms of cuts, styles, and color. Both sexes should keep flourishes to a minimum—a bold-colored tie, a modest necklace—hair should be neat, and makeup should be unobtrusive. Unless you know for sure that bare legs are de rigueur in your office, you'll want to wear pantyhose with your skirt.

3. "PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE" IS JUST WANT IT SOUNDS LIKE. 

A "professional" dress code means a little more leeway to have fun dressing up, but it's still fairly staid. Guys should stick with dress pants and button-down shirts, but a sweater or sport coat can stand in for a suit jacket, if you like. Ties are officially optional, and color is back on the menu, within reason; a tasteful plaid or check shirt or a non-neutral sweater are fine. (Sorry, gents; your bright orange novelty tuxedo has to stay in your closet until Halloween.)

For women, a coordinated suit is no longer required, but you'll want to wear a conservative, subtle-colored dress, blouse, or sweater, with sleeves at least three-quarter length. You can also get a little more creative with jewelry and makeup, but it's still best to avoid anything too attention-grabbing (e.g. big sparkly statement necklaces, bright red lipstick). The good news: You no longer have to wear the most boring pair of pumps in your closet, and pantyhose are most likely optional.

4. LET (A LITTLE) LOOSE IF YOUR DRESS CODE IS "CORPORATE CASUAL."

Also called "business casual," this is the point at which employees of both sexes can sigh with relief and put their suits away. For women, short-sleeved and sleeveless tops are now acceptable as long as they're made of office-appropriate fabric and keep your decolletage relatively covered. Hemlines can climb a few inches above the knee; you can also wear a shift or shirtdress in a solid color, or a printed blouse or skirt as long as the pattern isn't too flashy.

For men, jackets are now entirely optional and ties are completely unnecessary; as long as your shirt is tucked in, you're fine. Khakis or chinos are also acceptable in lieu of dress pants, and while your shirt should still have a collar, a black, navy, or neutral-colored polo can stand in for a button-down. And if you've been dying to sport the loafers-with-no-socks look, here's where you can try it out.