Is Casual Dress Day for a High-End Jewelry Store?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.