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the text which contains information about them. Write the correct letter in the gap.
Finally, decide if the statements are true (T) or false (F).
Suits or Smart Casual?
The Modern Office Dilemma
A Once, it was easy to know what to wear to the office. For male managers, it was always a
dark suit and white shirt with a tie. With the arrival of dress-Down Friday, all the old rules
went away. Some companies introduced the system in which once a week (on Friday) the
employees were allowed to wear casual clothes of their choice. In recent years, casual dress
days at the office have become widespread in the USA, and employees are starting to push
the policy to extreme limits. Casual Fridays have become so casual that some people are
coming to work in outfits that resemble pyjamas.
B In a recent poll, 82 % of Americans thought that it is OK for businesses to have a dress-
down day, while 12 % thought it is not. Those who opposed the dress-down policy pointed
out that casual dress style might encourage casual or sloppy work. Others commented that
the relaxed atmosphere and comfort of casual clothes leads to increased productivity.
C So what’s appropriate for the office? Experts differ in opinions, but there are a few points
they agree on. Ripped and worn looking jeans, shorts and Hawaiian print shirts are all
unacceptable. Faded denim is also associated with sloppiness. Keep your look smart. For
example, pair up dark jeans with a button-down blazer.
D There are two important factors when discussing dress codes in the workplace. First of
all, it must be clear. Employees need to know what is expected of them; otherwise, a dress
code that is meant to create a relaxed atmosphere might actually increase stress. Second,
employees must always consider their clients. We spoke with a lawyer in a firm with a
casual dress policy who keeps a jacket and tie in his office, and puts it on when expecting a
client who might be offended by a more casual approach.
E And one final thing – no matter what clothes people wear, they must always be clean and
neat. Coffee stains are unacceptable on the front of one’s casual as well as one’s formal
shirt.
1 __ Cleanliness is always important in the workplace. T/F
2 __ Employers should precisely specify what their employees might wear on casual days.
T/F
3 __ Lately, some employees have started wearing unusually informal clothes for the office.
T/F
4 __ Some clients may not accept casual dress code in business situations. T/F
5 __ In the USA, the majority of businesses have introduced casual dress days. T/F
6 __ Experts agree on what should be worn for the office. T/F
7 __ Some people believe that the way employees dress influences the quality of their work.
T/F
8 __ Jeans are considered inappropriate for office casual days. T/F
2. Let’s discuss this very important issue: how to select the right clothes to wear.
Read what some students and the author think about this, and then say what you think.
What Do You Think of Dress Codes for School?
1. I thought that was something that died 20 ears ago. And I thought everybody knew
by now that it’s what inside a person that counts, not how he’s dressed. Our school recently
adopted a dress code. I was sure they couldn’t be serious - just something to appease parents
and the school board. So I ignored it, of course. The upshot was that when I came to school
as usual in my fatigues and T-shirt I was thrown out of class! Can you imagine? In this day
and age!!!

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