There was an audible sigh around the world when we started to open back up after the challenging pandemic years. The freedom to go back to work, walk into a shopping mall, or even a simple stroll in the park - was now a possibility. However, even with revoking pandemic "rules," - there are still the old behaviours and norms that don't fit into who we have become now.

In particular, there's the strange case of: 'What do I now wear to work?'

Pre-pandemic, depending on your industry, the norm came with an unspoken rule of "professional" attire. We had the power suits for upper management, the properly starched and ironed shirts on all cubicle-worker-bees, and most definitely - no joggers or flip flops allowed.

'Work From Home' and video calls changed all that. In a way, it reminds me of what uniforms are intended to do for kids in schools. It makes them pay attention to who they are as people and not distracted by their outer representation - it is a great equaliser.

Strip away people of their outer attire, and their personality, titles, and talents still exist.

In my opinion, having no-dress code makes people in the workplace seem more real because we're taking away an outer layer that was previously built on antiquated ways we "must" perceive a person. I, for one, enjoyed all the mishaps that working from home with my bustling farm full of animals entailed.

On more than one occasion, my farm's eight dogs and one mischievous cat chimed in on a work call. And when it comes to outer appearance. Who could forget the famously funny incident where Rod Ponton, Presidio County attorney, accidentally used a cat filter on Zoom and said, "I'm here live. I'm not a cat." To which the judge replied, "I can see that," and then proceeded with the hearing.

After the incident, judge Roy Furguson tweeted, "Everyone involved handled it with dignity, and the filtered lawyer showed incredible grace. True professionalism all around!" The point is - it doesn't matter what people appear to look like. Whether Rod Ponton attended the call in a cat-filter or a suit, he still turned up with his unique skill set.

At the end of the day, professionalism is based on a person's talents, performance, and work etiquette. Dress codes, on the other hand, are, in my opinion, only a 'cat-filter.'

Professional behaviour wins over dress code every time.

Showing up late for a meeting, being unresponsive to emails, swearing too much, or not allowing people to speak - are more significant signals of a person's professional behaviour. And, that should take precedence over what they're wearing.

As a mentor and strengths coach that works with many large and small corporations, I am often judged for my appearance. There have been occasions where my naturally greying hair and sustainable and natural fabric attire have been perceived as out of place for the role of mentoring and coaching working professionals.

However, after interacting with me and attending my workshops, the resounding message is that my authentic and professional behaviour, along with my knowledge and authority in my field, far outweighs any dress code. In many cases, my more casual attire has helped the people I've coached open up easier. That's because I don't remind them of their stiff, utilitarian bosses.

This brings me back to the point - what is the best way to dress for the office… now.

Now that things have changed.

In an article in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, one of Germany's largest newspapers, I found an interesting sentiment that resonates deeply. Vera Strauch, the founder of the Female Leadership Academy, says, "It (dress codes) thwarts the idea of teamwork, where everyone contributes their strengths. In the workplace, it shouldn't always be about maintaining appearances, but about the opposite: not fooling others." Going further, she says, "The old image of professionalism has had its day because it's inhuman, even for those who fulfil it."

Unfortunately, in my 35+ years of working in both corporate and niche industries, appearances play a significant role in first impressions. Yet, I've always maintained that when it comes to teamwork and professionalism - work ethic, respect, and vulnerability are the true testament to a person's ability and representation.

So, now that we're all heading back to the office, there is no firm conclusion on whether or not we need to follow our old dress code. But, there is one thing we have slowly started to adopt, which is:

A person's strengths, talents, and professionalism aren't solely determined by their clothes. But, knowing their strengths, talents and being authentic is the new professional, and it has nothing to do with outer appearances.