Ties vs. Trends: Workplace Dress Codes Clash with Relaxed Fashion in Heatwave

A tension is emerging between relaxed fashion trends showcased at Paris and Pitti Uomo and the rigid dress codes still enforced in many workplaces, especially amid scorching summer heatwaves. While creative industries embrace informality, sectors like auditing, law, and insurance maintain strict rules.

Fashion vs. Workplace Rules

A high-ranking tech employee at an international auditing firm says: 'Bermudas and jeans are prohibited,' and even t-shirts and polos are frowned upon, though the heat 'loosens the rules a bit.' Source: Infobae Another insurance executive describes 'business casual,' but notes that 'jeans or bermudas are unthinkable; nor sports shoes.' Source: Diario Libre

Political Rebellion

Politicians have also challenged the tie. Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez and several ministers appeared without ties in Congress, causing a stir during the first heatwave. Source: Infobae In France, some deputies attended the National Assembly without ties, and one even wore bermudas, drawing reproval. Source: Infobae In 2015, Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis met his UK counterpart without a tie, quipping: 'I'm the finance minister of a bankrupt country.' Source: Diario Libre

Gender Disparity

Workplace codes are notably stricter for men. The same tech employee notes that the dress code is more lax for women: 'It's hard to draw a line, nobody dares.' Women commonly wear straps, shorts, skirts, and sandals in summer, while men must stick to chinos and shirts. Source: Infobae