To tie or not to tie?

[Eeyore]

Yesterday I started working at a new client, where the dress code is business casual. In practice, half of the men wear a tie, and the minority wears a jacket.

Yesterday I stepped in with a casual jacket and a tie. However, it turns out that in my new team, neither the manager, nor any of the team members wear a tie. So today I went to work tie-less, which does feel slightly naked ...

Since about half of the staff wears a tie, that is obviously acceptable here. But I also don't want to stand out in the project team, by being the only "dressed" team member.

What would you do? Go tie-less (my involvement is only 3 weeks), or follow your own idea about dress code? My gut feeling is to go without the tie, but I'm a bit sad about that.

 

[DE85]

I say wear the tie! Somebody has to be the best dressed man in the room.

 

[russhatch]

Hmm, tough call. I say go with your gut. I do think if you wear a tie wear it everyday with the this team and that way it is your norm and doesn't stand out as being unusual for you.

 

[Prince]

I say wear the tie! Somebody has to be the best dressed man in the room.

+1

 

[Doc4]

Alternate.

Unless your team-mates really have a hard time adjusting to one of "their own" wearing a tie, it should be no problem. Start off with more casual ties, too, like a square-end knit tie, or a rough woollen or even tartan tie. Gradually work your way up toward dressier ties.

 

[rushchairman]

the stark reality is that different jobs call for different dress, regardless of our ideas of propriety. if wearing a particular (non-required) item adds an unnecessary element of difficulty to your job, adapt to life without it.

ex - I know 2 young salesmen trying to make their way in separate industries. both love cufflinks but due to the differing "dress codes" of their respective industries, only one can wear them.
the other salesman correctly understands that he would be laughed out of most meetings for wearing them - and complies. fait accompli.

 

[Eeyore]

I decided that, since I am only involved for a few weeks, I go with the etiquette of the team. Most are technical specialists, and I don't want to stand out too much among them. At least not in the way I dress

Thanks for the various thoughts!

 

[DE85]

Good Luck!

 

[Haggises]

Go with what makes you comfortable. I wear sportscoats in an office where the next smartest person is my VP in a shirt. No ties in sight unless we have a VIP visit. I wear the jackets because I like to wear them, not to make a statement or to be different.

 

[SlinkE]

It's my opinion that a tie belongs with a suit, and works with business casual. It is my practice to only wear a tie with a suit.

Pressed slacks and a stiff high collar left unbuttoned with a blazer is my business casual go to. Coupled with a proper demeanour, and you will always be the best dressed in the room.

Quality attire, and quality attitude.

 

[01HDFXD]

Try wearing a suit with a dress shirt and a pocket square, but go without the tie for a bit. See how that plays out for you and them.

 

[rushchairman]

I decided that, since I am only involved for a few weeks, I go with the etiquette of the team. Most are technical specialists, and I don't want to stand out too much among them. At least not in the way I dress

Thanks for the various thoughts!

good luck!

 

[musicman1951]

I agree with your decision. I might have a different opinion if it were a permanent gig.

 

[COHunter]

I'm in a similar situation where I work, if anything it's a bit more toward the casual side of business casual since the company where I work is a combined corporate and manufacturing facility. I've never really been one for ties but have recently gotten some, along with a couple sport coats that I'd like to wear. Most of the time I dress in line with the rest of the office, I've never really been too concerned about "sticking out from the crowd" given that my size already usually paints me in that corner (I'm about 6'5" and ~350 pounds, think NFL offensive lineman build) Do what makes you most comfortable, honestly I don't know that people really focus that much about the way you dress unless it's a real obvious departure from the norm...like showing up in a tux on a construction site.

 

[red zeppelin]

As a person who made his living in consulting for a while I would say its common practice to completely follow the dress practice of the team you are working with. I was taught to not dress 'above' the team I was working on.

 

[p0werslav3]

Jeans and a Zeppelin t-shirt LOL

Seriously though, I think you made the right choice.

I decided that, since I am only involved for a few weeks, I go with the etiquette of the team. Most are technical specialists, and I don't want to stand out too much among them. At least not in the way I dress

Thanks for the various thoughts!