What counts as appropriate clothing in the workplace is a matter of debate, and one that must be approached sensitively, given that some clothing, jewellery and other items have religious significance for their wearer.

Dress code rules must also be flexible enough to adapt as the seasons change, especially as we experience periods of hot weather.

For the most part, employers are free to set whatever dress code they choose for their employees. Typically, smart or casual business dress is the norm – although how this is interpreted in any given workplace can vary.

A well-thought-out dress code can be a great boost to your client’s business image and make it stand out from the competition, but employers must take care that their dress code does not discriminate.