A professional appearance is expected of employees in the retail environment, reflecting directly on the brand’s image and customer experience. Macy’s maintains a dress code that balances a polished aesthetic with a modern allowance for personal style. Understanding these requirements is necessary for employees to project competence and professionalism while on the job. This guide details the specific apparel, grooming, and identification standards Macy’s employees must follow while working on the sales floor.
Establishing the Professional Appearance Standard
The Macy’s dress code has evolved to focus on “smart casual” and self-expression, often referred to internally as “Own Your Style.” This standard requires employees to act as style ambassadors for the brand. Clothing must always be clean, neat, properly fitted, and in good condition. The goal is to present a sophisticated, well-groomed look that inspires customers and reinforces Macy’s position as a fashion authority. The dress code helps maintain a professional environment where colleagues are easily identifiable.
Detailed Guide to Apparel: Tops, Bottoms, and Footwear
Employees are encouraged to embrace a broad color palette, moving past the previous mandate for all-black attire and incorporating color into their daily outfits. Acceptable tops include tailored blouses, button-down shirts, professional knits, sweaters, and blazers. These can be mixed with basic wardrobe elements like black or navy. Layering pieces, such as jackets or cardigans, are recommended to complete an ensemble and transition a look toward a more formal appearance when needed.
For bottoms, the expectation leans toward tailored options like slacks, dress pants, and professional trousers. Non-distressed, dark-colored denim may be permitted in general selling areas, but it must be in excellent condition, without holes or fraying. Skirts and dresses are acceptable, provided the length is appropriate for a professional setting, generally avoiding cuts that are considered too short.
Footwear must prioritize both comfort and a professional aesthetic, given the amount of time spent on the sales floor. Closed-toe shoes are the general requirement to maintain safety and a polished look. Professional footwear with a rubber sole is acceptable, and the policy allows “fashion sneakers,” which are distinct from heavy-duty athletic shoes. Open-toed shoes, such as casual sandals or flip-flops, are prohibited from the sales floor.
Required Identification and Accessories
Mandatory identification ensures customers can quickly and easily identify a colleague for assistance. All employees must wear their Macy’s-issued name badge at all times while working on the selling floor. The badge should be placed prominently on the upper portion of the clothing, such as a lapel or shirt front, to maximize visibility.
Certain roles may require the use of specific work-related accessories, such as communication devices or lanyards. Personal accessories like jewelry are permitted, but they should complement the overall professional look. Accessories must not be distracting or interfere with job functions.
Guidelines for Personal Grooming and Hygiene
Personal presentation standards focus on a clean and well-maintained appearance. Hair should be neat and styled; long hair may be required to be tied back for certain roles or safety reasons. The “Own Your Style” policy is flexible regarding hair color, allowing for a range of shades as long as the overall look is polished.
Visible tattoos and piercings should not contain vulgar, inappropriate, or offensive content. While discreet facial piercings and visible tattoos are accepted, the company retains the right to ask that any distracting body art be covered. Employees must maintain a high level of personal hygiene. Makeup and fragrance are not mandated, but they should be subtle and conservative.
Dress Code Variations by Role and Season
The dress code is not uniformly applied across all departments and roles, reflecting the varied needs of the business. Colleagues in special selling areas, such as Fine Jewelry or the Beauty department, must maintain a more elevated style, which may include a dress, suit, or blazer. Beauty advisors often wear specific uniforms or color schemes provided by their respective brands to distinguish them to the customer.
Employees in non-selling roles, such as stockroom or receiving dock associates, have a more relaxed standard due to the nature of their physical work. They are often the only staff permitted to wear denim and may have allowances for shorts during the summer months. While there are no formal seasonal mandates, employees are encouraged to use the full spectrum of color, incorporating lighter fabrics or brighter shades during warmer months.
Clothing Items Strictly Prohibited on the Sales Floor
A strict list of items is prohibited to maintain the store’s professional image and ensure employee safety and comfort. Employees are not permitted to wear athletic wear, including yoga pants, sweatpants, or heavy-duty athletic tops. Loungewear and slippers are also banned, as they detract from the required professional demeanor.
The dress code restricts overly casual or revealing clothing, such as cropped tops, halter tops, or anything strapless. Denim or other clothing with excessive rips, distressing, or holes is not allowed on the sales floor. Furthermore, any apparel or accessory featuring large, distracting graphics, unauthorized logos, or political affiliations must be avoided.
Conclusion
Adherence to the Macy’s dress code directly impacts the customer’s perception of the brand. By embracing a polished, smart casual look, employees position themselves as competent style experts. Employees should consult with their immediate supervisor or Human Resources department for the most current, location-specific policy details.