No, no, and no. If you think a first impression matters enough to have a dress code, why on earth would you have one day when the dress code goes out the window? Look at it from the customer's point of view. The day he or she is in your store is the day they get an impression of it. At the moment they are greeted by an inappropriately-dressed employee, they don't know that that very employee usually wears a suit. All they see is that moment. Your store is considered friendly and inviting because of the way you have trained your employees to treat the customers. Professional dress won't make it seem unfriendly. It will make your personnel look like they know what they're talking about and that they care about their jobs and their business.

What about a uniform? Something cool like navy suits and crisp white shirts for everyone? Either give employees a suit or let them buy their own, but try to keep everyone modern looking...kind of the "new luxury" look you see at places like the W Hotels...

Company shirts reminds me of McDonald's...uniforms reminds me of the airlines. It is possible to be fashionable, creative, and professional. Having fashion-savvy salespeople also lets you really promote fashion-forward designers, color, and more couture diamond fashion pieces.

No casual day. Companies with casual days often stipulate that it applies only when the employee is not in contact with customers or other non-company people that day. Please keep to what's working for you. Your customers will appreciate it.

Casual attire is not permitted. I also insist that the women wear stockings, without them it is not a finished look. I guess I'm from the old school.

A professional dress code shows professionalism. These days looking professional does not mean that you need to be uncomfortable. The company I work for (which is a very high end retailer)requires professional dress with the exception of one day per year; Lee National Denim Day. On that day we post signage to let customers know that those associates wearing jeans have made a financial contribution to breast cancer research. Even on that day, associates are expected to maintain a neat and fashionable look. (Nice blouses, sport coats and sweaters are acceptable, no sweat or t-shirts, or tennis shoes are allowed.

I think it depends on your store's image, location, and customers. To Laurie C's point, I don't agree about stockings, especially in a climate like NC where Shanu's store is. It's possible to look very chic and very professional and very elegant without stockings. Most European women don't bother with them and they're all beautifully turned out. I've also seen many a store in LA where associates are as chic and fashionable as can be--in designer jeans. I like Greenpoint Guy's idea. Hermes and other high-end luxury stores require a uniform of sorts; really it's everyone wearing the same kind of suit. It doesn't look like flight attendants, as MJB fears it might. The wrong uniform would, he's correct, but the right one won't. It can be as simple as "black suit with white shirt or T-shirt." In any case, what's most important is that the staff wear QUALITY CLOTHES THAT FIT. I've seen many a jewelry-store associate wearing an outfit that is technically correct within dress code regulations, but it's ill-fitting, cheaply made, or they're wearing incorrect undergarments. I'd rather see an associate wearing top-quality designer denim than poor-quality dress pants. One advantage to the "uniform" idea is that you can buy fewer, but better, clothes and have them tailored to fit you correctly. And you don't have to think about what to wear!

I think it depends on your store's image, location, and customers. To Laurie C's point, I don't agree about stockings, especially in a climate like NC where Shanu's store is. It's possible to look very chic and very professional and very elegant without stockings. Most European women don't bother with them and they're all beautifully turned out. I've also seen many a store in LA where associates are as chic and fashionable as can be--in designer jeans. I like Greenpoint Guy's idea. Hermes and other high-end luxury stores require a uniform of sorts; really it's everyone wearing the same kind of suit. It doesn't look like flight attendants, as MJB fears it might. The wrong uniform would, he's correct, but the right one won't. It can be as simple as "black suit with white shirt or T-shirt." In any case, what's most important is that the staff wear QUALITY CLOTHES THAT FIT. I've seen many a jewelry-store associate wearing an outfit that is technically correct within dress code regulations, but it's ill-fitting, cheaply made, or they're wearing incorrect undergarments. I'd rather see an associate wearing top-quality designer denim than poor-quality dress pants. One advantage to the "uniform" idea is that you can buy fewer, but better, clothes and have them tailored to fit you correctly. And you don't have to think about what to wear!