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IELTS Writing Task 2: Dress codes at work

By ieltsetc on August 20, 2018

Get ideas for the topic of dress codes at work by thinking about your own experience and generalising it. This lesson shows you how.

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Dress Code [IELTS Model Answer]

Posted by David S. Wills | Dec 1, 2023 | Model Essays | 0

Today, I want to show you a model answer for an IELTS writing task 2 question about dress codes . That means what people wear when they’re at work. In this lesson, you will see how to write a good essay and also learn some useful language.

Let’s dive in!

Analysing the Question

First of all, here’s our question for today:

Some people think that employers should not care about the way their employees dress because what matters is the quality of their work. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

What we have is an agree or disagree question and the statement is about whether workplaces should implement some sort of dress code .

The word “dress code” does not appear in the question but that’s still the topic. It is stated in slightly more common language, so that all candidates can understand it. Dress code means:

a set of rules about clothing and appearance in a school or place of work (Source: Cambridge Dictionary )

Ultimately, you need to decide whether you agree or disagree that employers should allow employees to dress as they wish.

Planning Your Answer

In my essay, I am going to argue that some sort of dress code is appropriate. In other words, I disagree with the statement that appeared in the above question.

My essay will look like this:

Introduction	Introduce the topic Give my opinion (disagreement)
Body paragraph #1	Concession paragraph
Body paragraph #2	Give my reasons: 1) safety and hygiene 2) employee recognition 3) adhering to social and cultural norms
Conclusion	Summarise the essay

This is a four-paragraph essay structure, which I typically recommend. You can write five paragraphs if you want, but I find that four is better. You can read a discussion of this issue here .

Also, you may wonder what a concession paragraph is. Basically, it’s a paragraph that admits the opposite of your main argument. I like to occasionally include these as it shows the ability to look at both sides of an issue. Also, I think it’s good to show that an issue is complex.

Note that I have a full introduction that provides my opinion in the outline sentence . This is essential for a good score.

In terms of the reasons supporting my argument, I have picked them carefully in order to be sensible and believable. A lot of IELTS candidates say really outrageous things. Sometimes this is due to a lack of language or sometimes it is due to personal or cultural factors. For example, they might say “A person wearing baggy clothes will die in an accident.” This is not 100% guaranteed to happen, so it’s not correct. You would need to phrase it more carefully: “A person wearing baggy clothes might be at risk of being injured or even killed if they go too near a machine.” Always make sure that your ideas are reasonable. Ask yourself whether someone could easily disprove them and then write 1-2 sentences that make them more believable if needed.

This essay is at the intersection of two common IELTS topics: work and clothing . It would be good to show that you have knowledge of both these areas by using appropriate vocabulary.

Note that there’s no such thing as “advanced IELTS vocabulary” and the examiner does not have a checklist of words they’re waiting to see you use. If an IELTS tutor implies this, you know they are a scammer.

However, you can think of the difference between vague and specific language:


Special company clothes	Uniform
Safety glasses	Safety goggles
Company’s name	Logo/brand
Clothes that are not very tight	Loose-fitting clothes

I don’t mean to suggest that the words on the left are wrong because they’re not. These words are perfectly fine to use. However, if you know a more specific term (and it’s correctly used), it is better.

Here’s some topic-specific language that I will use in my essay:

code of formality
reasonable amount of freedom
express (one’s) individuality
safety and hygiene
easily identified
public morality

Now see if you can find these answers in my essay.

Sample Band 9 Answer

Around the world, employers typically enforce some kind of dress code on their employees, be it a uniform or merely a code of formality. Some people, however, suggest that employers should not have these sorts of rules because it is more important that their staff work effectively. This essay will mostly disagree with that notion.

Admittedly, it is true that the quality of an employee’s work is more important than their appearance and thus it is understandable that some people say workplaces should not have rules concerning workers’ clothing. Indeed, in countries like the United Kingdom, it is normal for certain businesses like bars and music shops to allow their employees a reasonable amount of freedom to choose their own clothes and express their individuality.

However, there are much better reasons to argue that employers should enforce some form of dress code. First of all, there is of course the issue of safety and hygiene. Many workplaces have rules to protect their employees and customers, such as factories or restaurants. Elsewhere, it is important for staff to be easily identified by customers, so a uniform is necessary. For example, supermarkets need their staff to stand out from shoppers so that people can ask them for help. In addition, you have basic public morality, which, although admittedly subjective and constantly in flux, is a genuine concern in all parts of the world. Some types of clothing may be offensive to certain groups of people. It would be reasonable to require an employee to not wear a t-shirt with a swear word on it, for example.

In conclusion, although it does sound reasonable that people should have the right to wear what they want at work, this does not hold up to scrutiny for most workplaces and thus employers should continue to have reasonable rules governing what their employees wear while they work.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Essay on Dress Code

Students are often asked to write an essay on Dress Code in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Dress Code

What is a dress code.

A dress code is a set of rules about what you can wear. Schools, offices, and clubs often have dress codes. They help people look neat and proper for different places. For example, your school might ask you to wear certain colors or types of clothes.

Why Dress Codes Matter

Dress codes are important because they create a sense of unity. When everyone wears similar clothes, it can make people feel like they belong to a group. In jobs, it helps customers know who to ask for help.

Pros and Cons

Having a dress code means everyone knows what to wear without thinking too much. But, some people feel dress codes limit their freedom to express themselves through their clothes.

Dress Code Tips

When you follow a dress code, make sure your clothes are clean and fit well. If you’re not sure what to wear, ask a teacher or a friend. Always try to look your best within the rules.

250 Words Essay on Dress Code

Types of dress codes.

There are many types of dress codes. For example, in school, you might have to wear a uniform. This is a special set of clothes that all students wear. At a party, there might be a fancy dress code, which means you need to wear your best clothes. In offices, the dress code is often formal, which means suits for men and dresses or suits for women.

Dress codes are important because they help people know what is okay to wear. They can make sure that no one’s clothes cause a problem or distract others. In school, a dress code can help students focus on learning instead of what everyone is wearing.

Dress codes have good and bad sides. A good side is that they can make everyone feel equal. A bad side is that sometimes people feel they can’t express themselves with their clothes. It’s important to find a balance so that people can feel comfortable and still follow the rules.

Dress codes are about wearing the right clothes for the right place. They help keep things fair and respectful. It’s good to follow the dress code, but it’s also important to feel good in what you wear.

500 Words Essay on Dress Code

A dress code is a set of rules about what clothes people can wear. Schools, offices, and different events often have dress codes to make sure everyone looks proper and respects the place or event they are at. For example, your school might ask you to wear certain colors or types of clothes so that all students look alike and no one feels left out because of what they wear.

Why Do We Have Dress Codes?

There are many kinds of dress codes. Some are very strict, like a uniform that all students must wear. Others are more relaxed, just asking people to wear smart clothes or avoid certain items like flip-flops or hats. At formal events, you might have to wear a suit or a dress. Each dress code is made to fit the place or event it is for.

Pros of Dress Codes

There are good things about having a dress code. It can make choosing what to wear easier because you know what is expected. It can also make everyone feel like they belong to a group, like their school or company. Dress codes can also teach us about respect and how to dress appropriately for different situations.

Cons of Dress Codes

Following dress codes.

When there is a dress code, it’s important to follow it. If you’re not sure what you can or can’t wear, it’s a good idea to ask a teacher or someone in charge. They can explain the rules to you. Remember, dress codes are not there to make life hard but to make sure everyone is dressed right for the place or event.

Dress codes are all around us and they play a big role in how we dress for different places and events. They have good points, like making everyone feel equal and looking proper, but they can also have downsides if people feel they can’t be themselves. It’s important to understand why dress codes exist and to follow them while also thinking about how they affect everyone. Whether you’re going to school, work, or a special event, knowing about the dress code can help you fit in and feel comfortable.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

First Impression and Professionalism: Why Dress Code is Important

Categories: Clothes Dress Code

About this sample

Words: 1061 |

Published: Oct 2, 2020

Words: 1061 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Introduction, dress code as a symbol of professionalism, dress code in different professional settings, impact on career advancement and workplace culture, works cited.

Matias-Peralta, H. M., et al. (2018). Climate of the Philippines: Current state and vulnerabilities. In Climate Change Adaptation in Pacific Countries (pp. 147-166). Springer, Singapore.
Simms, D. C. (2018). An exploration of dress code policies and perceptions in the modern workplace. (Master's thesis). University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Retrieved from https://minds.wisconsin.edu/handle/1793/79295
Warren, M. A. (2019). The Importance of Dress Code for Professionalism. Walden University ScholarWorks.
Bhatti, M. A. (2017). Impact of workplace dress code on employee performance in service sector of Karachi, Pakistan. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, 6(3), 1-11.
Sproles, G. B. (2014). Historical perspectives on dress, fashion, and the consumer. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, 18(1), 6-31.
Lennard, J., & Penn, L. (2018). Ethical fashion and sustainable production: An examination of the fashion industry's sustainability awareness. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, 22(3), 325-339.
Hill, S. (2018). The meaning of dress codes: Differentiating policy, practice and ritual. The Sociological Review, 66(1), 197-214.
Hines, T., & Bruce, M. (2019). The school uniform movement and discourse on social control. Educational Studies, 55(2), 213-228. DOI: 10.1080/00131946.2018.1536355
Lintern, M. (2018). Introduction to Business Attire. Oxford University Press.
Domenico, D. M. (2018). Dress Codes and the Workplace: Legal Issues and Management Strategies. Business Expert Press. ISBN: 978-1-63157-837-9

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The New Rules of Work Clothes

Allison Shapira

People’s tolerance for discomfort — and conformity — has changed.

After two years of hastily throwing a business jacket over a T-shirt and sweatpants while letting people into our homes during the Covid-19 pandemic, our tolerance for conformity — and discomfort — has changed. The business dress code is evolving. Have you been rethinking your work attire as you transition back into the office, but you’re worried about what others will think? In this piece, the author offers practical steps to try if you’re considering changing things up.

I remember my first keynote speech for a major Fortune 50 financial institution. I wanted to make a powerful first impression, so I went to Nordstrom and spent 10% of my speaking fee on Jimmy Choo shoes that would “demonstrate my business success.” I’ve since worn those black stilettos on stages around the world. And while they do indeed make me feel strong and powerful, they also hurt my feet.

Allison Shapira teaches “The Arts of Communication” at the Harvard Kennedy School and is the Founder/CEO of Global Public Speaking, a training firm that helps emerging and established leaders to speak clearly, concisely, and confidently. She is the author of the new book, Speak with Impact: How to Command the Room and Influence Others (HarperCollins Leadership).

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Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
Sentence 1 - Background statement
Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
Sentence 3 - Thesis
Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
Sentence 2 - Example
Sentence 3 - Discussion
Sentence 4 - Conclusion
Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
Sentence 1 - Summary
Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

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8.Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by very small numbers of people. Some people say that governments should spend public money on saving these languages, while others believe that would be a waste of money. Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it. discuss both these views and give your own opinion., aircraft have been increasingly used to transport fruit and vegetables to some countries where such plants hardly grow or are out of season. some people consider it a good idea, but some people oppose it discuss both views and give your opinion., some children spend hours every day on their smartphones., one of the most pressing problems the world is facing today is overpopulation. what are the causes and effects of this problem.

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GT Reading Test 48 Section 2 - Dress regulations at work & Better work-life balance

Gt reading mock test 48:, section 2: questions 15-27., gt reading sample - "dress regulations at work" & "how to achieve a better work-life balance", dress regulations at work, questions 15-20, how to achieve a better work-life balance, questions 21-27, achieving a better work-life balance.

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August 02, 2021

Dress Codes in the Modern Workplace: An Employer's Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls and Liability

Amid the ever-evolving landscape of workplace discrimination laws, savvy employers must regularly review their personnel policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the most recent legal guidance and developments. For many, it may come as a surprise that company dress codes are among the workplace policies that have been the subject of increased litigation and scrutiny by courts and administrative agencies charged with enforcing anti-discrimination laws. Company dress codes and grooming policies could give rise to a wide variety of legal claims, including employee claims alleging gender discrimination or stereotyping, race or national origin discrimination (e.g., "hairstyle discrimination"), or a failure to provide a religious or medical accommodation or exception to a company policy. Here is what you need to know to assess whether your corporate dress code leaves your company vulnerable to the most common employment claims and, if necessary, some best practice tips to revamp your policy.

Dress Codes Generally

As a general matter, employers have a right to impose reasonable restrictions on employee appearance and attire worn in the workplace. Courts have regularly recognized that employers may have a legitimate business interest in their employees presenting a professional appearance at work, particularly when employees are expected to interact with customers or other third parties. Employers may also have a legitimate interest in imposing certain attire restrictions when the attire could present a safety hazard due to the nature of the employee's work. Dress code and appearance policies may land employers in hot water, however, when they exclude or impose an unequal burden on any class of employees, require adherence to gender stereotypes, do not allow for reasonable religious or medical accommodations, or when the policy is enforced only for certain employees.

Gender-Specific Requirements

Historically, courts have interpreted Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) to permit employer policies that impose reasonable variations in dress and appearance requirements for male and female employees, as long as the policy is applied uniformly to all employees and does not impose an unequal burden on one sex over the other. For example, courts have historically upheld policies that impose different hair length restrictions for male and female employees. While such gender-specific requirements may be generally permissible under federal law, at least for the time being, employers with gender-specific policies still risk liability under a Title VII "gender stereotyping" theory, alleging that a company requires employees to conform to traditional gender stereotypes by requiring employees to wear attire traditionally "expected" of the employee's gender (e.g., requiring female employees to wear dresses or skirts instead of pants).

In addition, a number of states and local jurisdictions have enacted laws that impose stricter requirements than Title VII. New York City, for example, expressly prohibits employers from adopting any dress code, grooming, or appearance standards that impose different requirements for workers based on gender . In California, it is unlawful for an employer to refuse to permit an employee to wear pants on account of the sex of the employee. In Washington, DC, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees on the basis of an employee's appearance, which expressly includes an employee's manner or style of dress and personal grooming.

Gender Identity and Expression

Gender-specific policies can also give rise to claims alleging discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression. The Supreme Court held last year in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia and R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. EEOC that Title VII's prohibition against discrimination on the basis of "sex" extended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of an employee's sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Similarly, many state and local jurisdictions specifically prohibit discrimination on the basis of an employee's gender identity or expression, and some states expressly require that employers permit an employee to appear or dress consistently with the employee's gender identity or gender expression. Enforcing a gender-specific dress code or appearance policy on a transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming employee may therefore run afoul of both Title VII and applicable state or local law.

Hairstyle Discrimination

A growing number of state and local jurisdictions have recently passed laws or issued guidance prohibiting employers from adopting policies that ban or limit hairstyles or grooming practices associated with racial characteristics. For example, both Maryland and Virginia recently expanded the definition of "race" in their state anti-discrimination laws to expressly encompass traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and type, afro hairstyles, and protective hairstyles, which specifically include braids, twists, and locks. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has also taken the position that Title VII prohibits employer policies that do not permit African American employees to wear their hair in a natural hairstyle.

Religious and Medical Accommodations

Title VII prohibits discrimination on the basis of an employee's religion and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees whose sincerely held religious beliefs conflict with a work requirement, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship on the company. The EEOC has issued guidance advising that employers must make exceptions to their company dress code and grooming policies for employees who seek to wear religious clothing or articles (e.g., Muslim hijab), who observe a religious prohibition against wearing certain garments (e.g., an Orthodox Jewish woman's practice of not wearing pants), or who adhere to certain religious grooming practices (e.g., a Sikh man's practice of not cutting his hair and beard). The Americans with Disabilities Act further requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with a disability, unless doing so would impose an undue burden on the employer's business. This includes making exceptions for employees whose disability makes it difficult to comply with the company dress code or grooming policy. For example, an employer with a grooming policy that generally prohibits employees from wearing facial hair may need to make an exception for an employee with a medical condition that makes it difficult to shave (e.g., pseudofolliculitis barbae).

Union and Concerted Activity

Certain dress code and appearance standards may also violate employees' rights under the National Labor Relation Act (NLRA). The NLRA protects employees' rights to express their support for or opposition to a union (e.g., to wear union insignia) and to engage in other concerted activities, such as discussing terms and conditions of employment. For example, the National Labor Relations Board has historically ruled that a company dress code prohibiting clothing displaying words or images that are "derogatory to the Company" is overbroad and impermissibly restricts employees' rights under the NLRA. A company dress code that prohibits or restricts employees from wearing union insignia or engaging in other protected activities must be based on a legitimate business need (e.g., safety concerns) and must be narrowly tailored to the special circumstances justifying the rule (e.g., restriction applies only to certain work areas).

Best Practices for Dress Codes in a Modern Workplace

Employers looking to update their company dress code to conform with recent legal trends may consider removing any unnecessary details and restrictions. For instance, the policy should avoid specifying hairstyles that are permitted or prohibited in the workplace. Companies can often achieve their objectives through simple, neutral directives, like a requirement that employees always present "a professional appearance" or a requirement that employees wear "professional business attire" on days that they interact with clients. This gives employees the flexibility to choose their own clothing and present an appearance that conforms with their gender identity and expression, cultural and racial heritage, and religious beliefs. Employers that have a legitimate business reason for specifying types of required or prohibited clothing or standards of appearance should ensure that all such requirements are reasonable and tailored to the needs of the specific position. Any dress, grooming, or appearance policy should generally be gender-neutral and applicable to all employees, except in limited circumstances where the company has some specific, work-related reason for a gender-specific requirement. Employers should also be ready to engage with employees about and make exceptions to their policies when needed to accommodate an employee with a religious practice or medical condition that makes it difficult to comply with the policy.

Legal guidance is likely to evolve over time as courts and administrative agencies apply recently enacted laws and interpret recently decided court decisions bearing on these issues. If you have questions about your company's dress code or any issues discussed in this article, please contact the authors or any other attorney in Venable's Labor and Employment Group .

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Home / Essay Samples / Business / HR Management / Dress Code

Dress Code Essay Examples

The case for school uniforms.

The debate over school uniforms has been ongoing for years, with proponents and opponents presenting their arguments on whether uniforms should be a requirement in educational institutions. In this essay, we will make a persuasive case for the implementation of school uniforms by examining the...

The Battle Over School Dress Codes: a Never-ending Debate

Throughout the years, school dress codes have been a contentious topic among students, parents, and educators. The debate over what students should and shouldn't be allowed to wear in schools has sparked numerous discussions and controversies. This essay aims to explore the different aspects of...

The Dress Code Debate in the Workplace

Workplace attire has been a subject of debate for years, sparking discussions about professionalism, comfort, and personal expression. This argumentative essay delves into the various facets of dress code in the workplace. While some argue that dress codes are essential for maintaining a professional environment,...

The Dress Code Debate in Educational Institutions

The issue of dress codes in educational institutions has been a topic of debate for many years. While proponents argue that dress codes promote discipline, create a conducive learning environment, and teach students about professionalism, opponents claim that they infringe on students' freedom of expression,...

It’s My Body, not Yours: Dress Code Issues

The school’s sexist dress code has an impact on young women today, it sets a burden at such a young age in which affects the way they think and how they feel about their body. Men, however, are not disciplined at all and they do...

Clothing Standards: Benefits of Dress Code in School

Clothing standard is a set of rules to make it simple for any people to wear to work or school. It can likewise assist associations with being certain workers are introducing themselves well in gatherings and communications. Clothing standard is something other than wearing a...

The Significance of the Dress Code at the Workplace

There is an incentive of how generally we dress on different occasions. How you dress at work portrays how you will be perceived and how well your company is organized. It, not all cloth we wear to the workplace. Some rules and regulations guide the...

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