United States: Business Attire

BUSINESS ATTIRE Standard attire is a business suit, especially when dealing with large companies. However, as in everything else, individuality is accepted. Being neatly dressed and well-groomed is most important. There is generally more latitude when dealing with smaller companies or in rural areas, where suits may not be expected. Women should dress professionally and, for best results, conservatively when conducting business. Avoid extremes in fashion, and excessive jewelry, makeup, or accessories. America is where the concepts of corporate casual and dress down Friday began. Even vintage brokerage firms, known for their starched-shirt mentality just a few years ago, have given in to golf shirts and khaki pants. (Wear a tie at an American software company and they will assume you are a politician looking for votes.) Though sometimes it is hard to tell the executives from the mailroom delivery staff, comfort is sweeping through American business dress standards. However, foreign women should keep in mind that a conservative suit will likely serve best for a meeting in a formal sector company such as banking or finance. In the world of arts, it's every artist for themselves in terms of fashion.