What to say instead of “dress more professionally”
Why it can fall flat
“dress more professionally”
Most people will hear “dress more professionally” as a verdict on their taste or character, and it gives them nothing specific to change. Usually you just want to state the expectation for one setting and name the items that fit it.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Wendy, quick one about client days. Our usual dress for those is a collared shirt or blouse with trousers or a skirt, rather than jeans or trainers. Can you plan for that from next week?
Someone you manage · Email
A first, low-key conversation suits this one because it states the expectation for a specific occasion and names the items.
- 02
Hi Maya, for tomorrow's client lunch please wear a shirt or blouse and trousers, no trainers or T-shirts. Thanks.
Someone you manage · SMS
Last-minute reminders suit this text, since the event is close and only the basics need saying clearly.
- 03
Rory, ahead of Friday's client presentation, I'd suggest a collared shirt and chinos or suit trousers. That's what most of the team will be wearing on the day.
Coworker · Chat
With a peer you get on with, this lands well because it is a suggestion for one event and not a comment on style.
- 04
Quick note, Emeka: the client visit is at 10 tomorrow. Most of us will wear shirts and chinos or suit trousers, so it'd help if you matched.
Coworker · SMS
The day before an event is the time for this, when you want a peer to fit in without being singled out in public.
- 05
The new starter has been in a T-shirt and trainers at client meetings. Could you mention the expected dress to him, or would you rather I did?
Boss · Chat
When managing the person isn't your job, this hands the decision to the right owner and keeps to the facts.
- 06
Hi Mr. Coleman, for Thursday's board meeting at our office, all attendees wear business attire, such as a jacket or blazer with trousers or a skirt. Please ask if you have any questions.
Client · Email
For a formal event you host, this presents the dress as the standard for everyone attending and not a judgment of one person.
- 07
Could you let Aisha know our interviews are in business attire, for example a suit, or a shirt and trousers? Candidates sometimes arrive in casual clothes.
Recruiter / HR · Chat
If a candidate once dressed too casually, this lets the recruiter pass on the expectation before the next round.
Examples
Hi Siddharth, Next Thursday's client presentation is in person, so I'd like you in a jacket or blazer, a collared shirt and suit trousers or chinos. On ordinary office days, shirts or blouses without slogans and trousers rather than joggers are fine. If anything makes this hard, tell me and we can talk it through. Thanks, Tanya
Hi Robin, clients are in the office on Monday. Could you wear a collared shirt and chinos or suit trousers instead of a T-shirt and joggers? Thanks.
What to avoid
- Vague words like “smarter” or “proper” say little, so name the items instead, such as a collared shirt or suit trousers.
- Stay away from comments on someone's body, weight or appearance and talk only about the clothes and the occasion.
- Raising it in a group chat or in front of others puts the person on the spot, so speak to them privately.
- Comparing them to a named colleague turns a simple request into a contest.
- Guessing at reasons such as money or effort is risky, so state the expectation and invite them to tell you if something makes it hard.