I am finding more and more that suits are no longer the necessary uniform it once was. Not only do I see it when I meet with colleagues at the JC Penney’s corporate headquarters where Business Casual is the policy but also when I meet with the president of companies. Guaranteed, in the summer with 104 + degrees it’s difficult to carry on a meeting when the company is conserving energy with thermostats set at 78. Yet even in the winter at software development companies, kakhis and denim shirts are the uniform for most men and women. Futher, a lot of companies are employing uniforms that may include a polo shirt and kakhis. Love those kakhis!

So is the suit dead? For men and women it is still a viable option and in many professions expected. As opposed to residential real estate sales person where a cabana shirt and slacks might be great, finanical managers and advisors still need a suit. However, even that is changing. At American Express, it is acceptable for women and men to conduct business without a jacket, let alone a suit. For Saks Fifth Avenue, particularly in stores that are in warm climates such as Phoenix, suit jackets are not required for men during the summer.

For women, there are so many alternatives to suits these days that having one or two in your closet may be all you need. As I move to a more artistic expression of myself, my wardrobe is filling up with jean jackets, long skirts worn with belts and tops, and lots of knits. Women can wear cardigan sets with skirts or slacks and operate as professionally as the next person. Even colors that were considered unacceptable for work are common place such as bright lime green, magenta and white.

Men have alternatives too such as turtlenecks, vests, jeans, as well as the stand bys such as the denim shirt and blazer. V-neck sweaters, cardigans, polo type shirts are deemed acceptable in the office, as well. So what happened to the suit?

Suits are more common place in winter and for professions that it is expected such as corporate sales, finance and banking. Even accountants, depending on their clientel and corporate policy vary regarding mandating a suit. However, if anyone is saying that the suit is dead I think not. Even with baby boomers loosening up their ties, leaving their jackets at home, or are wearing short decorative jackets and “funky” skirts with boots, a suit will always be something in their closet. Here are some guidelines to wearing or NOT wearing a suit.

• Before jumping into business casual or expressing your artistic passion, check the employee handbook for any dress guidelines.
  
  
• Have a dark suit, whether you are male or female for formal occasions such as dinner parties and funerals.
  
  
• A suit is still the advisable path to wear on an interview for a white-collar position. Make sure it is in top form, cleaned and pressed.
  
  
• If you want to vary from the suit and you are not a gifted clothing coordinator, seek outside advice either through an image consultant or through such stores as JC Penney, Men’s Wearhouse, Sears, Chico’s, and Talbots.
  
  
• Always put your best foot forward with shoes in tip top condition. That may require you to polish them on occasion or get them repaired. Besides they’ll last longer!
  
  
• Also be sure your clothes are in good order without strings hanging and buttons attached. Check to make sure your clothes are cleaned and pressed.
  
  
• Finally, even though you may be varying from the so called traditional “suit,” be sure your image is great from head to toe!