Dress code in Toronto downtown offices?

[SFA]

So I start work at a downtown accounting firm soon, and I know the obvious answer to this question would be to call the contact person at the firm to ask.. but I know it is a question that is open to personal preference and opinion.

So what sort of wardrobe or clothing you think I should stock up on? I currently just have 1 suit, and I am contemplating whether I should get another suit to have a well rounded closet (or do I need to have 3 suits total?). The couple of times I was at the office for the info sessions and interviews, I didn’t really get to see a lot of employees walking around (so I couldn’t tell what the dress code at the office is).

I know I will be stocking up on plenty of dress shirts and pants, but I am wondering whether it will be enough and will I look out of place? I don't want to walk into the office on the 1st day of work with only a shirt and tie, but I also don’t want to over do it and come in wearing suits everyday (especially in 30+ degree weather) or when/if I do work outside the office. I know each office is a little different, but I have a feeling that most downtown firms will prefer their employees dress a tad bit more formal then other offices (outside the GTA)?

[Dash]

I don't see the need to stock up before your first day of work. Rule of thumb is if you deal with clients, you'll need the tie and the jacket. if you don't then just wear dress pants and a tie for the first day, and you'll see whether or not you even need the tie. In the summer, it's usually business casual at most places. Then you just keep a tie in the drawer and a jacket at your desk or in the closet for when you need them. You'll find out on the first day what the typical dress code is.

[monty613]

Show up on the first day with a shirt, tie, and jacket. Then you can gauge what is appropriate by seeing what your coworkers are wearing. My guess is a shirt/tie would be sufficient unless you're in a client facing role.

[SFA]

Great. Thanks for the advice guys. I will still probably end up getting another suit and a whole bunch of dress shirts and pants before September time when I start. I can wait until the first few days of work to decide whether I should spend more $ (something I am lacking in right now!) to get more suits.

[Sylvestre]

what were people wearing when you went for the interview?

[krazo]

Also, don't cheap out on the wardrobe, managers, co-workers, and clients can see it a mile away!

[teknoluv]

It really depends on your capacity (senior management or entry level associate), but take a walk in the downtown PATH (esp. food courts) during lunch hour, and you'll probably get a good idea.

[matkun]

I don't see what's wrong with asking about dress code. When I worked at a financial firm at Bay + Richmond, I was e-mailed the office dress code before starting. Only executives and people dealing with clients wore suits. Everyone else wore dress pants + shirts, with the occasional tie (on the rare side).

Call or email and ask. That way you know what is expected of you.

[Dash]

Also, don't cheap out on the wardrobe, managers, co-workers, and clients can see it a mile away!

Only superficial people who think the clothes make the man will really notice. Don't buy cheap shirts that will fade or start coming apart, but don't think that because you buy your clothes at Holt or Harry that people will really take notice and respect you. Don't be one of those people who spends all their money on nice clothes, but still lives at home with their parents, and borrows their car to go everywhere. think long term.


It really depends on your capacity (senior management or entry level associate), but take a walk in the downtown PATH (esp. food courts) during lunch hour, and you'll probably get a good idea.

you can't get an idea of it in the PATH. You see everything from jeans and a golf shirt, to full suits. and for lunch, people don't (at least I don't) wear the jacket to the food court. You'll pretty much just find out on the first day whether your over or under dressed. Different companies and different departments have different styles.

[Muncher]

I'd wear my suit on the 1st day (you may get taken around to meet more execs), then bring a smart jacket and tie and keep this in the office for sudden meetings, etc.

If you're client-facing, start off with a suit until you see what the clients wear and then always one step smarter than them.

[krazo]

Only superficial people who think the clothes make the man will really notice. Don't buy cheap shirts that will fade or start coming apart, but don't think that because you buy your clothes at Holt or Harry that people will really take notice and respect you. Don't be one of those people who spends all their money on nice clothes, but still lives at home with their parents, and borrows their car to go everywhere. think long term.



you can't get an idea of it in the PATH. You see everything from jeans and a golf shirt, to full suits. and for lunch, people don't (at least I don't) wear the jacket to the food court. You'll pretty much just find out on the first day whether your over or under dressed. Different companies and different departments have different styles.

Did I say buying clothing from Harry or Holt's was what he should do? I agree that spending all your money on clothing is stupid, but spending little is also noticeable. Coming to work in a $20 dress shirt+tie combo that you got at Winners isn't acceptable.

[rothjer]

Did I say buying clothing from Harry or Holt's was what he should do? I agree that spending all your money on clothing is stupid, but spending little is also noticeable. Coming to work in a $20 dress shirt+tie combo that you got at Winners isn't acceptable.



Winners doesnt sell shirt and tie combos, and FYI if OP is looking for good quality dress shirts at decent prices, he SHOULD check out winners, dress shirts in the 20-50 dollar range (depending on brand name- most of which are acceptable) and VERY resonable prices. I wouldnt suggest however buying a shirt and tie combo from international clothiers or something like that.

[krazo]

Winners doesnt sell shirt and tie combos, and FYI if OP is looking for good quality dress shirts at decent prices, he SHOULD check out winners, dress shirts in the 20-50 dollar range (depending on brand name- most of which are acceptable) and VERY resonable prices. I wouldnt suggest however buying a shirt and tie combo from international clothiers or something like that.

From what I've seen the shirts at Winners leave much to be desired. Winners is a good place for belts though, if you can find your size and style. I would make a trip to Tom's Place for the best selection and good quality. $60/shirt isn't unreasonable.

[KelvinK]

i go to mexx for msot of my shirts..

[maniacshopper]

Wear the suit for your first day, get a gauge.
Make sure it's not casual friday, since it will not give you a proper feel for what the normal environment is.

After first pay cheq, you can splash on clothes if you want. But don't be one of those flashy broke guys you see on the street.

[Dash]

Did I say buying clothing from Harry or Holt's was what he should do? I agree that spending all your money on clothing is stupid, but spending little is also noticeable. Coming to work in a $20 dress shirt+tie combo that you got at Winners isn't acceptable.

Well, I was embelishing a little to make a point. I'm just saying that the clothes won't define you.


From what I've seen the shirts at Winners leave much to be desired. Winners is a good place for belts though, if you can find your size and style. I would make a trip to Tom's Place for the best selection and good quality. $60/shirt isn't unreasonable.

I agree on the belts. You can usually get a decent belt from Winners. If you go to the Winners on Bloor, you might even find other stuff as well. I went there once to buy a t-shirt, and it still cost $20.


i go to mexx for msot of my shirts..

I used to by Mexx shirts too, but I find that they fade pretty quickly compared to other similar stores like banana.


Wear the suit for your first day, get a gauge.
Make sure it's not casual friday, since it will not give you a proper feel for what the normal environment is.

After first pay cheq, you can splash on clothes if you want. But don't be one of those flashy broke guys you see on the street.

Do you guys get casual Fridays? I've worked downtown for two different companies, and neither had Casual Fridays. I'm guessing he isn't starting on a Friday anyways.

Anyways, the best tip for clothes that I can give is to go to the States. Not only is the exchange rate favourable at the moment, but things are dirt cheap there compared to here. Even for the brand name stuff. If you're job involves travel or you go down there for a weekend, that's the best time to stock up.

[Jucius Maximus]

I used to work on Bay Street in Toronto and at that company it was business casual. For men, a nice shirt (long or short sleeve, often colourful) with dress pants, a belt, dress shoes was the norm.

I suggest you walk into the building's lobby and get a feel for it. That's what I did.

[krazo]

Well, I was embelishing a little to make a point. I'm just saying that the clothes won't define you.



I agree on the belts. You can usually get a decent belt from Winners. If you go to the Winners on Bloor, you might even find other stuff as well. I went there once to buy a t-shirt, and it still cost $20.



I used to by Mexx shirts too, but I find that they fade pretty quickly compared to other similar stores like banana.



Do you guys get casual Fridays? I've worked downtown for two different companies, and neither had Casual Fridays. I'm guessing he isn't starting on a Friday anyways.

Anyways, the best tip for clothes that I can give is to go to the States. Not only is the exchange rate favourable at the moment, but things are dirt cheap there compared to here. Even for the brand name stuff. If you're job involves travel or you go down there for a weekend, that's the best time to stock up.

Yup, States is the best place hands down! I bought a lot of nice stuff in an outlet mall outside of Vegas.. man I couldn't believe the prices compared to Harry and Holts!

Check out http://www.premiumoutlets.com/ I went to Desert Hills as well. Woodbury is also a good place I hear, and I'll be making a trek down there next month when I'm in NY.

[Dash]

Yup, States is the best place hands down! I bought a lot of nice stuff in an outlet mall outside of Vegas.. man I couldn't believe the prices compared to Harry and Holts!

Check out http://www.premiumoutlets.com/ I went to Desert Hills as well. Woodbury is also a good place I hear, and I'll be making a trek down there next month when I'm in NY.

I've been to Woodbury many times, and it's just a really high end outlet. If you need the brand names, then that's the outlet for you. It's got all them. It's still not cheap though. Otherwise, if you want the best value, definitely go to Jersey Gardens. It's tax free, and the prices are perfect for those on a budget. Perry Ellis, Guess, Kenneth Cole, BR, Nautica, etc...at a fraction of what you'd pay here in canada

Oh, also, get one pair of brown shoes, one pair of black shoes, and black, grey, and brown socks. nothing looks odder than white socks with dress shoes.

[krazo]

I've been to Woodbury many times, and it's just a really high end outlet. If you need the brand names, then that's the outlet for you. It's got all them. It's still not cheap though. Otherwise, if you want the best value, definitely go to Jersey Gardens. It's tax free, and the prices are perfect for those on a budget. Perry Ellis, Guess, Kenneth Cole, BR, Nautica, etc...at a fraction of what you'd pay here in canada

Oh, also, get one pair of brown shoes, one pair of black shoes, and black, grey, and brown socks. nothing looks odder than white socks with dress shoes.

I found this site (http://www.mens-fashion-tips.com/) to be quite useful in helping me understand a lot of the terms that salespeople throw around.

[Dash]

I can't believe we're getting so deep into men's fashion when such a simple question was posed. :lol:

all in all, style is what you make it, and you really shouldn't dress for anyone but yourself. There are general do's and don'ts, but whatever. I think that half of style is the confidence you have with what you're wearing, and not giving a damn what other's think. You could have everything right, but if you're self conscious, and wondering what other's think about what you're wearing, then you won't pull it off right.

oh...shoes should match your belt. so reversible belts are good if you're on a budget.

[trusoulja2g]

Wear a suit on the first day. You'll most likely notice that most of the junior staff do not wear suits, but some do. It's mostly personal preference - I wear a suit most days just because I think it looks better. Also, don't expect to have casual Fridays.

[RonyPal]

I agree with most people here. Dress pants and dress shirt. When dealing with clients I would say tie. Suit i'm not a fan of, dont think it looks good, unless your an executive.

[SFA]

Holy crap! I didn’t expect my thread to get this much advice, opinion (and a little argument :) ). But thanks to everyone above for the suggestions!

Since my work wardrobe is basically non-existent right now, I went to Korry’s yesterday and spent quite a bit of coin on 2 suits, shirts, ties and pants. I was lucky enough to get a really helpful individual (the sales manager) who wasn’t trying to push me into buying expensive stuff. If anything, he was trying to persuade me more and more to just keep it basic and build my wardrobe with essential stuff and not splurge on designer suits on the first purchase.

If it wasn’t for the fact that I am moving out to Toronto and will be paying rent and other expenses, this decision would have been probably easier. But my finances are really (really!) tight coming into the next month when I get out of my parents house and move, so I had to carefully budget myself.

[Dash]

Holy crap! I didn’t expect my thread to get this much advice, opinion (and a little argument :) ). But thanks to everyone above for the suggestions!

Since my work wardrobe is basically non-existent right now, I went to Korry’s yesterday and spent quite a bit of coin on 2 suits, shirts, ties and pants. I was lucky enough to get a really helpful individual (the sales manager) who wasn’t trying to push me into buying expensive stuff. If anything, he was trying to persuade me more and more to just keep it basic and build my wardrobe with essential stuff and not splurge on designer suits on the first purchase.

If it wasn’t for the fact that I am moving out to Toronto and will be paying rent and other expenses, this decision would have been probably easier. But my finances are really (really!) tight coming into the next month when I get out of my parents house and move, so I had to carefully budget myself.

what condo are you going to be at?

[krazo]

Holy crap! I didn’t expect my thread to get this much advice, opinion (and a little argument :) ). But thanks to everyone above for the suggestions!

Since my work wardrobe is basically non-existent right now, I went to Korry’s yesterday and spent quite a bit of coin on 2 suits, shirts, ties and pants. I was lucky enough to get a really helpful individual (the sales manager) who wasn’t trying to push me into buying expensive stuff. If anything, he was trying to persuade me more and more to just keep it basic and build my wardrobe with essential stuff and not splurge on designer suits on the first purchase.

If it wasn’t for the fact that I am moving out to Toronto and will be paying rent and other expenses, this decision would have been probably easier. But my finances are really (really!) tight coming into the next month when I get out of my parents house and move, so I had to carefully budget myself.

I know the feeling. I was overwhelmed first because there are so many things to consider, but you will get used to it. Good luck!

[GroceryBagHead]

I work in downtown office. I dress like a hobo and walk around the office in socks. Those socks oftentimes have holes in them.

[commie]

Holy crap! I didn’t expect my thread to get this much advice, opinion (and a little argument :) ). But thanks to everyone above for the suggestions!

Since my work wardrobe is basically non-existent right now, I went to Korry’s yesterday and spent quite a bit of coin on 2 suits, shirts, ties and pants. I was lucky enough to get a really helpful individual (the sales manager) who wasn’t trying to push me into buying expensive stuff. If anything, he was trying to persuade me more and more to just keep it basic and build my wardrobe with essential stuff and not splurge on designer suits on the first purchase.

If it wasn’t for the fact that I am moving out to Toronto and will be paying rent and other expenses, this decision would have been probably easier. But my finances are really (really!) tight coming into the next month when I get out of my parents house and move, so I had to carefully budget myself.

Good choice...Korry's is a great store to built up your work wardrobe...Their 2for1 Roberto suits are good quality for the price.

With regard to dresscode for work...I am assuming you're going to work in those of those big 4 CA firms downtown?
Most of those firms are pretty much business casual in the office. Which is like walking into a Banana Republic store...

For you though, hopefully you will not be at the firm's office too often...You will want to be billable at a client site. So the big question is the dress code of the client.....And that really depends on the industry group you belong to...If you are in the Financial services sector, then the dress code might be higher, with suits not uncommon....minimal dress shirt and pants....
If you are auditing manufacturing companies, then the dress code is more relaxed....funny story...I was at this auto parts manufacturing company once, and they had a bunch of junior auditors come in to do an inventory count...So poor soul had on his best suit and tie.....and someone else had on 3 inch pumps and knee-high skirt suit. it was funny seeing them trying to move around the warehouse doing the inventory count...The 2nd day of the count, you bet they were in more casual outfits..lol

First day of work, go in with a suit...then access where you stand...And don't be afraid to ask the Senior on your project what the dress code is for the client when you are first assigned to the client. they're only couple years older, and will know what you are going through...

Back at your 'home' office, you will see the junior accountants are mainly business casual...and as you move higher up,...the partners will be in suits, when they are in a sales situation.