It's All About the Jeans
Picking Designer JeansIs it okay for a man or woman to wear jeans at work?
The first thing to say about wearing jeans at work is never to wear them to an interview. I don't care how casual the workplace may dress. It's never acceptable to wear jeans at a job interview. The same rule also applies to your first week or two at a new job. You should avoid jeans and try to dress a bit nicer than your peers. As the new guy, you need to do everything you can to be accepted as professional and competent. Avoiding jeans is a very simple way to do that. And finally, if you meet with clients on certain days of the week, it's generally a good idea to leave the jeans at home.
After that, answering the jeans question means taking a look around at what your co-workers, subordinates, and people at the level of your boss are wearing. If your coworkers are wearing jeans regularly, that's a good sign that it's acceptable. Of course, if no one at your boss' level wears jeans and you hope to be promoted someday (maybe sooner than later!), I would avoid jeans and invest in a more professional wardrobe. This does not mean, of course, that you can't bring some fabulous designer jeans to change into for post-work going out!
One thing to be particularly careful of when considering wearing jeans is that strangely corporate phenomenon of casual Friday (or casual whatever day of the week). Depending on your workplace's normal attire and attitudes, casual Friday may not mean that jeans are okay. Casual Friday may mean you should be wearing khakis instead of a business suit. Wait at least one or two casual Fridays to see if anyone wears jeans. And if people do wear jeans, make sure they're in the majority.
If jeans do seem to be acceptable attire at your workplace, it's still best to avoid jeans with holes, dirty jeans, or jeans with a lot of whiskering or excessive abrasion. Men or women wearing jeans at work should select well-kept dark wash jeans. These nice jeans should be paired with a professional collared shirt, blouse, or sweater and acceptable shoes. Business casual may allow for jeans, but you should never dress like a bum at work.
