February 24, 2025

By Ravi Bhatnagar, Account Director at Anabas

After 25 years in facilities management (FM), I’ve witnessed a dramatic transformation in office attire. Back when I started, ‘dressed for success’ meant sharp business wear and polished shoes only.

Fast forward to today and we’re embracing a much more relaxed and flexible approach to office dress codes, reflecting a broader shift in how we define success in the workplace.

From formal to flexible office attire

The pandemic really accelerated this shift, challenging old ideas about what it means to be dressed for success. With remote work becoming the norm, more relaxed dress codes quickly gained acceptance. But, when we returned to the office, the casual wears didn’t stay at home.

It’s affected every industry, too – even finance and law. I’ve seen workplaces move from formal attire to business casual and even more laidback styles. The rigid traditional norms have made way for comfort and personal style.

Personally, as someone who prefers a more casual look, I’ve fully embraced this new, more comfortable definition of being dressed for success.

Why is dress code important in an office?

For decades, finding the sweet spot between looking professional and staying comfortable was tricky. But not now.

From what I see on site, this shift has not only boosted morale but also ramped up productivity. When people can dress in a way that suits their own personal style, and encourages them to bring their true selves to work, they tend to be more engaged and motivated.

Clients often tell us that flexible dress codes really help with workplace satisfaction and overall effectiveness.

Understanding the nuances of your role or industry

Of course, some disciplines require a level of conformity in workwear. Engineers, for example, benefit from clothing that differentiates them from day-to-day office staff and protects against the risks of their role – such as insulated clothing for electrical work or knee pads for prolonged kneeling.

Equally, corporate staff who interact with key stakeholders might benefit from a degree of business wear to help convey their company’s professionalism and trustworthiness.

The key is to allow flexibility and encourage staff to incorporate their own style where appropriate and possible.

What is sustainability in fashion?

Sustainability is becoming a key factor in modern fashion. With growing environmental awareness, companies are finding new ways to reduce their impact, and employees themselves are now being encouraged to play an active part in that.

At Anabas, we’re about more than just relaxed dress codes. We promote eco-friendly and sustainably sourced materials for workwear and support brands that follow ethical production practices.

We also encourage ‘dress for the weather’ days, which cut down on the need for heating or cooling in the office. By encouraging employees to dress according to the weather, we boost comfort and save energy.

Our goal is to create a workplace that’s both comfortable and green, showing that sustainable practices can easily fit into everyday work life.

Balancing professionalism and comfort

Looking ahead, it’s clear that office dress codes will continue to evolve. Greater flexibility and a more relaxed approach are key trends of late, aligning with the diverse needs of today’s workforce.

As someone who’s seen it all, I can say with certainty that these changes are for the better. At Anabas, we’re here to help our clients navigate these new norms and we work with them to create workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Here’s to a future where office attire is less about age-old rules and more about what works best for each of us. This is the true meaning of being ‘dressed for success’.

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