In Season 5, Episode 26 of The Office, Toby Flenderson, the HR representative, delivers a memorable line: “What you got to understand is, when you come into work, you give up certain rights.” He was specifically referring to the right to dress as you please. While meant humorously, this quote hits upon a deeper truth – the expectations around workplace attire.
Historically, employees conformed to strict dress codes as a sign of professionalism. In recent years, the rise of flexible work arrangements, hybrid working, and the popularisation of “Casual Fridays” have significantly relaxed these codes. Adding to this shift, the Silicon Valley start-up culture has championed even more casual attire, further transforming our approach to workplace dress
