Suit on day 1 if firm dresses pretty casually?
Firm I'm joining at end of the month dresses pretty casually. Sometimes they wear t-shirts and quarter zips, usually sneakers, polo, and chinos.
Should I just wear a dress shirt and pants on day 1, or a full suit? Or maybe dress pants, dress shirt, and sportscoat/blazer?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's always better to overdress slightly on your first day. Even if the firm dresses casually, wearing a suit or at least dress pants, a dress shirt, and a blazer/sports coat is a safe bet. This approach shows professionalism and respect for the workplace, especially when you're new and haven't yet gauged the exact dress code nuances.
A full suit might be overkill if the firm is very casual, but pairing dress pants and a dress shirt with a blazer strikes a good balance. You can always remove the blazer if you feel overdressed once you assess the environment. As one WSO thread suggests, "Whatever they tell you about dress code, go up a level for the first day."
Sources: Casualisation of Office Dress Codes, New To Formal Fashion? Start Here. PT1, First day tips, Summer 2016 Shopping Guide for a Business Wardrobe, IB women - Where do you get your clothes?
I like the sports coat option
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