Luxe Beat Magazine APRIL 2015 | Page 91

Travel most popular. Women wear slacks or a irt in offi any o on quality to express status and it is noticed. Some organizations provide non-professional employees with a uniform that carries out the look and culture of the corporation. Some are going so far as providing “smart casual” that are more comfortable, yet maintain a professional image. For Europe in general, as far as this writer knows, there are no “casual Fridays.” A dark-colored suit and tie with a light shirt for men and a suit or pantsuit for women are the norm. Something less formal may be viewed as not taking the meeting or business seriously; or worse, someone who has too little respect for those being met to spend time on dressing appropriately. Bermuda is unique. During the 1920s, o a tart ttin off a at the knees to stay cool in the summer. Tailors quickly took note and started making Bermuda shorts. They are worn two to four inches above the knee with knee-high socks, a sport coat, shirt and tie. After six p.m. and during the winter, long pants are required. If you are calling on a business, a light suit is suitable if you do not have good Bermuda shorts. The following quote is from Do’s and Taboos Around The World: “Where you can loosen up, it is best to do it in the way the indigenes do. In the Philippines, men wear the barong – a large loose, frilly, usually white or cream-colored shirt with tails out, no jacket or tie. In tropical Latin American countries, the counterpart to the barong is called a guayabera and, except for formal occasions, is acceptable business attire. In Indonesia, they wear batiks – brightly patterned shirts that go tieless and jacketless everywhere... In Japan, dress is at least as formal as in Europe (dark suit and tie for a man, business suit or tailored dress for a woman), except at country inns (called ryokans), where even big-city corporations sometimes hold meetings. Here, you are expected to wear a kimono, not to daytime meetings but to dinner, no matter how formal (Don’t worry – the inn always provides the kimono). “One thing you notice wherever you go is that polyester is the mark of the tourist. The less drip-dry you are, the more you look as if you have come to do serious business, even if it means multiple dry-cleaning bills along the way.” In Thailand, you used to be able to wear a Thai silk shirt. However, they have westernized and now, men are expected to wear suits with long sleeve shirts and ties, and women should wear suits. Due to the extreme heat, it is common to take your jacket off o t i an t it on h n yo o inside. Make sure your suit is pressed and stick to natural fabrics; they will be more comfortable in the heat. A 100% cotton long-sleeve shirt without a t-shirt underneath will help keep you cooler. With your tie, stick to subtle and not loud colors. Women, wear nylons, even though hot; it matters. Shoes should be polished and nails manicured. Tattoos should be covered and body piercing not visible, except for one pair of earrings. n th o th a i th in suit takes on a lesser emphasis. They are used for very important situations, like court dates or formal situations, but in general, dress is more laid back. However, for meetings, men still need khaki or chinos paired with an aloha shirt. Even though this is typical dress, if you are more comfortable in a suit, consider a linen or cotton one. They breathe better in the warm weather. For formal business dress for men in Hawaii, wear a well-tailored suit ith at ront r a hit dress shirt and oxford shoes are called for. During the day, a light gray or tan suit works well. Dressing for business in Arab countries varies from one to another. Some general rules: men will want to wear suits, even though their hosts may not. For women, things get complicated. Arms and legs need to be covered. However, in some countries, women are also required to cover their faces. Generally, this is not enforced for Westerners, but o verall, it will be a challenge. In many of the stricter countries, they may not be willing to meet with a woman. Overall, what I encourage you to do, is check online for the dress code in the country where you are traveling. Shoes can get you in trouble. They are always noticed. In the East, they are forbidden in mosques and temples, as well as Japanese homes or restaurants, unless the owner t yo it i n Th am i tr for Indian or Indonesian homes. If the owner goes shoeless, it is a good idea for you to do the same thin h n yo o ta off yo r shoes, be sure to place them together neatly, facing the door where you came in. This is most important in Japan. In other parts of the world, the cleanliness, shine an r n o n h or ff to matter and are noted. You don’t need shoe polish with you at all times. h n a a i ht att n ant my brother-in-law taught me how to spit shine my shoes like he did in the Navy--it works when all else fails. Dressing for success does matter; I urge you to take it seriously. Please remember, these dress guidelines are for business and not leisure travel. I am always eager to hear your suggestions or encounters. Last month, I received an email on an item I missed, which I posted in my “letters to the editor” in our March 2015 issue. 91