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.