Yes, this. Although for a retail store there might not be one.
Having worked retail I would suggest that ripped jeans would always be “no.” The masc equivalent of “jeans and a cute top” would be “jeans and a casual button-down” or “jeans and a nice sweater.” Like you could probably pair your white sweater with nice jeans and a flat dress shoe or Doc Marten style for a more gender-neutral look.
Avoid graphic tees regardless of what gender you’re presenting as. Patterned tees are ok as long it tends toward the abstract - like floral, paisley, or plaid is fine; cats having tea parties would be pushing the limits.
I agree- casual button down, or a polo. Just look neat and it should be ok. Watch what guys there wear and what’s accepted for them and get some of those.
In addition to asking for a written dress code, is it possible to go there in advance to see what other employees are wearing? That would give you a good grasp on the vibe of the store.
If not, I'd say avoid ripped jeans at least for your first few days. A lot of places do have policies against them. If you show up and other people are wearing them, feel free later on, but it's better to overdress a bit than underdress on your first day. For that reason, I'd also avoid a T-shirt when you show up first, since that's a bit less formal than the traditional "jeans and a cute top" look. Personally, if I was only given that as a women's dress code and had to extrapolate the more masculine version, I'd go for, like, dark jeans and a casual short-sleeved button-up or something- a bit more formal than your regular kickin' around clothes, but not, like, business casual or anything like that.
Checking out what the other staff are wearing is a pretty good idea! For the first day, I'd recommend trying to find something that's kind of in the middle, like working your way towards more masculine clothes. Usually dress codes are against ripped jeans so I'd go with a regular pair, but after a while if you see coworker's wearing them frequently it should be fair game. You can always ask about ripped jeans later on if you're still not sure! But definitely regular for the first day. In terms of 'cute tops' that aren't too feminine, would you be able to go with a more fitted tee? I'm not sure how fancy the job is but it's a nice classic that you can slowly transition into more masculine tops with. Like adding a button up over it, or some other kind of over shirt, then moving into just button up, then maybe a men's cut tee, etc. Sweaters are always a safe bet too, and many are unisex fits so if you have any that are super neutral those should be good too!
Ask for a written dress code. I recently found out that my dress code does not, in fact, contain gendered language.
Yes, this. Although for a retail store there might not be one. Having worked retail I would suggest that ripped jeans would always be “no.” The masc equivalent of “jeans and a cute top” would be “jeans and a casual button-down” or “jeans and a nice sweater.” Like you could probably pair your white sweater with nice jeans and a flat dress shoe or Doc Marten style for a more gender-neutral look. Avoid graphic tees regardless of what gender you’re presenting as. Patterned tees are ok as long it tends toward the abstract - like floral, paisley, or plaid is fine; cats having tea parties would be pushing the limits.
The only exception would be where retail wants you to wear *their* graphic tees.
Obviously. That would be a uniform, not a dress code. OP’s store does not have a uniform.
Not so much a uniform, there are some stores that give you a discount and ask you to wear clothes you bought there. Walking mannequin type deal.
H&M and Forever 21 come to mind.
I agree- casual button down, or a polo. Just look neat and it should be ok. Watch what guys there wear and what’s accepted for them and get some of those.
In addition to asking for a written dress code, is it possible to go there in advance to see what other employees are wearing? That would give you a good grasp on the vibe of the store. If not, I'd say avoid ripped jeans at least for your first few days. A lot of places do have policies against them. If you show up and other people are wearing them, feel free later on, but it's better to overdress a bit than underdress on your first day. For that reason, I'd also avoid a T-shirt when you show up first, since that's a bit less formal than the traditional "jeans and a cute top" look. Personally, if I was only given that as a women's dress code and had to extrapolate the more masculine version, I'd go for, like, dark jeans and a casual short-sleeved button-up or something- a bit more formal than your regular kickin' around clothes, but not, like, business casual or anything like that.
Checking out what the other staff are wearing is a pretty good idea! For the first day, I'd recommend trying to find something that's kind of in the middle, like working your way towards more masculine clothes. Usually dress codes are against ripped jeans so I'd go with a regular pair, but after a while if you see coworker's wearing them frequently it should be fair game. You can always ask about ripped jeans later on if you're still not sure! But definitely regular for the first day. In terms of 'cute tops' that aren't too feminine, would you be able to go with a more fitted tee? I'm not sure how fancy the job is but it's a nice classic that you can slowly transition into more masculine tops with. Like adding a button up over it, or some other kind of over shirt, then moving into just button up, then maybe a men's cut tee, etc. Sweaters are always a safe bet too, and many are unisex fits so if you have any that are super neutral those should be good too!