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In most banks, business attire is the norm, with men typically wearing suits and ties, while women wear professional dresses or pantsuits. Dressing professionally helps create a positive and respectful atmosphere for customers.
The bank dress code is not just about personal style, but also about maintaining a professional image. A well-dressed employee can make a great first impression on customers and help build trust in the bank's services.
In addition to business attire, banks may also have specific dress code policies for employees who interact with customers, such as tellers and customer service representatives.
Bank Dress Code Basics
A well-fitted navy or charcoal suit is essential for a classic and conservative look.
Stick with conservative colors like charcoal grey, navy, or black for your suit. Avoid flashy colors that might give the wrong impression.
Socks should be mid-calf length or higher to avoid showing bare flesh beneath your trouser leg.
The recommended tie knot should match your face shape and collar type. A good tailor can help you find the right combination.
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A crisp white or light blue dress shirt pairs perfectly with a navy or charcoal suit. These classic colors keep your look clean and professional.
A silk tie in a solid color or subtle pattern can add some personality to your outfit. Keep it simple and let it stand out for the right reasons.
Industry Standards
In the banking industry, it's essential to know what's considered professional attire. A three-piece suit was once the standard, but these days, business casual is the way to go.
Black, dark gray, or navy blue suits are the only permitted colors for men in the banking industry. These colors symbolize competence, formalism, and sobriety.
To maintain a professional look, it's best to avoid wearing socks that are too short. A band of bare flesh showing beneath your trouser leg is unsightly.
Mid-calf socks are a good compromise, but knee-highs might be overkill.
Investment Banking Style
Black, dark gray, and navy blue suits are the only permitted colors for men in investment banking, as they symbolize competence, formalism, and sobriety.
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A well-fitted suit is essential, and it should fit perfectly, not look sloppy. A good tailor is a must.
Stick to classic and conservative colors like navy or charcoal, which show authority and style without being flashy. These colors will give you the most bang for your buck.
Mid-calf socks are a good choice, as they're not too short and won't show bare flesh beneath your trouser leg. Avoid too-short socks at all costs.
A crisp white or light blue dress shirt is a classic choice that matches perfectly with your suit while keeping your look clean and professional. These colors are versatile and timeless.
A silk tie in a solid color or a subtle pattern can elevate your look and add some personality, but keep it simple and let it stand out for the right reasons.
Style Tips
Fit is key in investment banking. A well-tailored suit that hugs your shoulders, tapers at the waist, and has pants long enough but not pooling at the shoes is essential.
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Your shoes should show attention to detail, polish, and professionalism. Get a pair of quality leather shoes like Oxfords in black or dark brown and keep them well-maintained and perfectly polished.
A black belt should match your black shoes, and a brown belt should match your brown shoes. This keeps your look cohesive and avoids mismatches.
Quality materials are a must in investment banking. A few well-made suits, shirts, ties, and socks will always outshine a closet full of cheaper items.
Shoes are crucial in investment banking and convey attention to detail. Good-looking, polished shoes can make a great impression.
Socks do matter, and you should take how you pair them with your outfit seriously. A well-made sock can elevate your style and make you look more polished.
Company Guidelines
Dress code guidelines can be found in the employee handbook, which outlines the bank's expectations for professional attire.
Business casual attire is typically allowed on Fridays, but employees are encouraged to dress more formally on other days.
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Avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers, as these are considered too casual for the bank's work environment.
The bank recommends dressing in layers, as the temperature in the office can fluctuate throughout the day.
In general, it's best to stick with neutral colors like navy, black, and gray, as these are easy to mix and match.
The bank also recommends avoiding bold patterns and bright colors, as these can be distracting in a professional setting.
Employees are expected to keep their hair clean and styled neatly, with no extreme hairstyles or colors.
Men are expected to be clean-shaven, while women are expected to keep their nails trimmed and polished.
Sources
- https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/swiss-banks-dress-codes-and-menswear/
- https://www.wayup.com/guide/dress-job-interview-bank/
- https://www.montagio.com.au/cms/How_to_Dress_Interview_at_Bank
- https://aklasu.co/blogs/journal/master-the-investment-banking-dress-code
- https://www.bankfrick.li/en/news-and-insights/ties-trainers-new-dress-code-bank-frick
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