corporate DRESS POLICY
AND UNIFORMS
As workplace culture becomes more relaxed, many organisations are revisiting their corporate dress policy. Interestingly, it is often the companies that view dress codes as “outdated” that experience the most challenges with employee presentation. Most professions have either a uniform or a corporate dress policy - both exist to create cohesion, professionalism, and brand alignment.
Uniforms ensure everyone looks consistent in the same garments. A corporate dress policy aims to achieve the same outcome, without prescribing identical clothing, providing an on-brand visual standard for the team.
A clear, modern dress policy brings:
-
Consistency across teams and departments
-
A recognisable external brand presence
-
Reduced ambiguity and tension among staff
-
A shared reference point for managers and HR
However, internal conversations about appearance can quickly become sensitive, and many organisations worry about being perceived as outdated, profiling, or inappropriate. As a result, companies either leave it in the "too hard basket" or opt for a one-hour workshop and hope for the best. However, without a clear policy or guide, there is no structure for ongoing alignment. A well-written dress policy removes subjectivity and protects everyone - leaders, HR, managers and employees.
A better way to approach corporate presentation.
I use a multi-step process that includes both qualitative and quantitative research with team members before presenting styling and presentation recommendations. Once the final approach is approved, I help deliver it to the wider organisation through a carefully designed rollout - whether through workshops, video communications, launch events or digital activation.
If the company does not wear a uniform, a cohesive style and presentation guide becomes the key to consistency.
Navigating the Uniform Industry
Uniforms are a major investment and the industry is commercially driven. Many uniform providers are salespeople pulling from the same manufacturers, incentivised to sell high quantities of stock garments with a logo added on. It’s why, when companies run a tender, they often see the same garments presented over and over again.
Custom solutions are rarely offered because they are less lucrative for the supplier and require design expertise, something many suppliers do not have.
This is where working with an independent Stylist makes a difference. I understand:
-
Where the uniform companies source from
-
Which suppliers have genuine design capability
-
Which providers specialise in comfort, durability, sustainability or inclusivity
-
When a custom design is worthwhile and when it isn’t
-
How to avoid overspending on “stock + logo” solutions that don’t reflect the brand
-
How to advise on style and design in line with current trends, with longevity in mind
I can manage supplier engagement end-to-end, run a tender or collaborate closely with an internal procurement team. With access to manufacturers, I can also support the development of custom pieces when required.
Reducing Complexity Through Expert Outsourcing
Teams don’t want to carry the burden of uniform or dress policy decisions and HR shouldn’t have to manage subjective presentation conversations alone. Outsourcing protects relationships, reduces conflict, and speeds up decision-making.
With extensive experience in developing style guides and dress policies across corporate, professional and customer-facing industries, my approach is:
-
Clean
-
Consistent
-
Practical
-
Inclusive
-
Discreet and confidential
Whether the goal is a modern uniform, a style guide, or a refreshed dress policy, the outcome is the same: a workforce that looks cohesive, confident and aligned with the organisation’s brand - without feeling policed or forced into outdated rules.