OFFICE workers are saying goodbye to the tie, as corporate workwear takes a dressing down.
Once a staple of the working man’s wardrobe, corporate image specialist Suzanne Dekyvere says many Brisbane offices are now shunning the traditional neck accessory for a more laid back approach to business.
“You run into a lot of guys just wearing pants and shirts,” Ms Dekyvere said.
“Queensland has a more relaxed vibe and that’s often reflected in corporate standards of dress.
“Its also extremely hot compared to the southern states, so it’s not realistic to suit up every day.”
Suncorp Bank’s senior strategy adviser Ed McGuiness said while the requirement to wear a tie in a corporate environment has diminished over time, it’s not out of fashion just yet.
“Wearing a tie sends the right professional message,” Mr McGuiness said.
“For me it’s a sign of respect, some people really appreciate the effort … dressing nicely helps you put your best foot forward.”
Suncorp has a “smart” dress policy for its workers, but Mr McGuiness says the company tries to adopt a fairly relaxed approach across the board.
New BoQ chief executive Jon Sutton, who is featured in Queensland Business Monthly inside Friday’s The Courier-Mail said he always wears a tie but doesn’t expect all staff to follow suit.
Mr Sutton’s predecessor Stuart Grimshaw was known for never wearing one.
Men’s fashion has swung away from a more rigid style of dress, replacing ties with pocket squares and a smart jacket.
“It’s becoming more and more acceptable not to wear a tie and in fact more on trend to just have a good dress shirt with no tie, top button undone and jacket over the top,” Department Group co-owner Jonathan Ford said.
And while Optio Consulting director Bevan O’Neill some industries will always require a tie, it was no longer the sign of “professionalism” it once was.