{
  "id": 19320712,
  "title": "No one knows how to dress for work anymore—even executives",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/no-one-knows-how-to-dress-for-work-anymore-even-executives",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-10T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91638687/no-one-knows-how-to-dress-for-work-anymore-even-executives"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The confusion surrounding appropriate business attire has persisted even as companies have returned to in-person work, according to experts. Grant Alexander, founder of Grant Alexander Studio, a consultancy that focuses on executive image and styling, has noted that even senior executives sometimes ask their COOs for advice on what to wear to events. This lack of guidance has extended to junior employees as well, with a recent survey finding that seven times per month, hybrid workers in the U.S. feel stressed or anxious about their work attire. Nearly half of respondents reported this issue at least weekly, and 14% experienced it daily. Samantha Harman, a former newspaper editor turned personal stylist, explains that the return-to-office (RTO) has exacerbated the issue, leaving many people unsure of what to wear. She mentions that some of her clients are now reconsidering their wardrobes after receiving RTO mandates, realizing they haven't updated their style in years. The problem is compounded by the fact that many companies' dress codes are vague and don't clearly define what \"business casual\" means in practice. Clarity around dress codes is particularly important for younger workers, who may have limited experience observing traditional workplace style. Francesca O'Connor, co-founder of the workplace culture and communications consultancy HappyHQ, advises leaders to explicitly explain what dressing appropriately means for their specific organization and distinguish between regular office days and more formal events. Survey data shows that 94% of Gen Z respondents desire guidance on work attire, compared to 84% of millennials, 70% of Gen X, and 61% of baby boomers. Experts suggest that providing clear expectations can help employees feel more confident and comfortable at work.",
  "summary": "Companies spent years dragging employees back to the office, but forgot to tell them what to wear. The result is confusion stretching from junior employees to the executive suite. One of Grant Alexander’s longtime clients is the COO of a big private company. He recently lamented that a few of his vice presidents had asked him what they should wear to an event. “He looked at me, and he’s like,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}