Are ties and pumps endangered species? One thing is certain, the “soft” style, courtesy of the pandemic, still rubs off today on the outfits worn during the three days a week spent at the office where comfort and sports shoes are now king and master.
“I hardly see any ties anymore,” says Anne-Marie Henson, partner at BDO Canada, spontaneously.
In her accounting firm, she also observed that women were abandoning the jacket and that wearing jeans was no longer the prerogative of “casual Fridays”, but of any day of the week.
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
Anne-Marie Henson, partner at BDO Canada
“Two weeks ago, I was at the office in jeans on a Thursday. I told my colleague: “Thursday is the new Friday!” », says Anne-Marie Henson, laughing.
She even saw an employee wearing a denim skirt, a “boldness” that few would have had before the pandemic. Mme Henson even points out in passing that the look was absolutely successful and in good taste.
Accustomed to seeing managers in jackets and ties during the training he gives in human resources, Alain Gosselin, professor emeritus at HEC Montréal, makes the same observation: “Ties, since the pandemic, I don’t think I have seen them. »
And there are a lot fewer “dressy” shoes, he himself observed while going shopping. These seem to have been outdone by sports shoes.
The only ones who kept a strict dress code: the police. During recent training he gave to a police force at a resort, everyone wore uniform.
Comfort above all
Did the pandemic and its confinement, which no longer required people to be dressed to the nines, contribute to this more relaxed return to the office? “We think people want to be more stylish and take care of themselves. But there is the element of comfort which may have changed the situation, recognizes Lili Fortin, president of Tristan. They may no longer have the desire to dress casually, but on the other hand, they have tasted comfort. »
She sees this with the popularity of stretchier jackets that are worn like cardigans, for example. “We work hard on the cuts, so that it fits well and is comfortable. »
The trend to dress a little more relaxed, in my opinion, was there before the pandemic. As with everything else, the pandemic has had an effect of accelerating changes that were already in place.
Alain Gosselin, professor emeritus at HEC Montréal
“Apart from the fact that our industry, which is creative, was already in slack before the pandemic, we still notice that there is premium slack today! says Katia Aubin, vice-president of communications and brand image at Sid Lee, a multidisciplinary creative agency. We always see an attention to detail that makes a difference. We can see the jogging pants, but with a more chic top… or more sophisticated shoes. Style codes can vary depending on the services, design and architecture groups often present a considered clothing aesthetic. »
At BDO Canada, Anne-Marie Henson recognizes that the office dress code is much more flexible than before the pandemic. “What we want is for people to be presentable and adapt to the needs of customers. »
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
At BDO Canada, an accounting firm, the office dress code is much more flexible than before the pandemic.
And at a time when employers may be struggling to recruit or retain qualified candidates, a more flexible dress code that allows people to be more “creative” may help attract employees.
I think we are starting to realize that we have to be much more flexible to keep our young talents, maintains Mme Henson. Because for them, flexibility means hybrid mode and it also goes with the dress code.
The outfit sometimes makes the monk
A more casual outfit is not necessarily appropriate for all occasions, however, maintains Julie Blais Comeau, etiquette specialist. According to the founder of the company etiquettejulie.com, the profession practiced and the people met can tip the scales towards wearing a jacket.
“There are some who are very happy to return to tailors, to suits,” adds the one who gives a workshop entitled “Dressing for success”.
When our client sees us, do we look like what we do for a living? Are we credible? Based on our attire, can we be trusted? Whether we agree or not, we are judged from the outside in. This is the first look. With this first impression, people will know if they can trust you.
Julie Blais Comeau, etiquette specialist
“Can Lady Gaga’s accountant dress differently from the accountant of someone who has an insurance business? Probably yes! “, she says, laughing.
What does the law say about the dress code?
Can an employer impose a dress code? Yes, but under certain conditions. “When an employer makes the wearing of particular clothing compulsory, he must provide it free of charge to the employee paid the minimum wage,” indicates article 85 of the Labor Standards Act. “The employer cannot demand a sum of money from an employee for the purchase, use or maintenance of particular clothing which would have the effect of the employee receiving less than the minimum wage. » “The rights of the employer to formulate requirements regarding personal appearance must be reconciled with the right of employees to their physical integrity (art. 1 of the Charter of human rights and freedoms), to respect for their private life (art. 5 of the Charter), the protection of their dignity (art. 4 of the Charter), their freedom of expression as well as their freedom of religion in certain cases (art. 3 of the Charter )”, we can also read on the website of the Order of approved human resources advisors.