A common question for anyone stepping into the esteemed halls of Goldman Sachs, whether for an interview, an internship, or a full-time role, is: What do I wear? For decades, the answer was a straightforward, almost rigid, "suit and tie." However, in a significant shift in 2019, Goldman Sachs, like many other financial institutions, relaxed its firm-wide dress code. This doesn't mean you should show up in flip-flops and a t-shirt, but it does introduce a nuanced approach to professional attire. The key now is "flexible dress code" and "exercising good judgment".
So, how do you navigate this new landscape? Let's break it down, step by step, to ensure you present yourself confidently and appropriately at Goldman Sachs.
How to Dress at Goldman Sachs: A Comprehensive Guide
Step 1: Understand the Evolving Landscape and Your Role
Before you even think about picking out an outfit, let's engage with the core principle: Goldman Sachs' dress code is no longer about strict rules, but about situational appropriateness and professional judgment.
Did you know that Goldman Sachs officially announced a "firm-wide flexible dress code" in 2019? This was a major departure from their historically formal stance. They acknowledged "the changing nature of workplaces generally in favor of a more casual environment." This means the old "suit and tie every day" mantra is largely a thing of the past for internal day-to-day work.
However, this flexibility comes with a crucial caveat: employees are expected to dress "in a manner that is consistent with your clients' expectations." This is where the "good judgment" comes in.
Your role matters: Are you in a client-facing role in Investment Banking or Private Wealth Management? Or are you in Engineering, Operations, or a more internal function? The expectations, while still professional, can differ subtly. Engineers, for example, often have a more relaxed daily dress code than those meeting with high-net-worth individuals.
Take a moment to consider: What is your primary function within Goldman Sachs, or what is the nature of the meeting/interview you're attending? This initial reflection will be your compass for the rest of this guide.
Step 2: Deciphering the "Flexible Dress Code" – What It Means in Practice
The term "flexible" can be a bit ambiguous. It doesn't mean anything goes. Instead, think "business casual with a professional edge," with the ability to easily elevate your attire when needed.
Sub-heading: The Foundation: Business Casual with Polish
For your daily office attire, think polished business casual. This generally includes:
For Men:
Tops: Collared shirts (button-downs, polos) in solid colors or subtle patterns. A neat, well-fitting sweater or a tailored blazer can be excellent additions.
Bottoms: Chinos or tailored trousers. Dark wash, well-fitting jeans might be acceptable for some internal teams, especially in tech, but it's always safer to start with chinos/trousers and observe.
Footwear: Loafers, oxfords, or other polished leather shoes. Clean, smart sneakers may be acceptable for certain roles or floors, but avoid athletic sneakers.
For Women:
Tops: Blouses, professional knit tops, or sweaters.
Bottoms: Tailored trousers, skirts (knee-length or longer), or professional dresses. Dark wash, well-fitting jeans might also be acceptable for internal teams.
Footwear: Professional flats, low heels, or polished boots. Again, observe what others in your specific department are wearing for sneakers.
Dresses/Skirts: Opt for classic silhouettes and professional lengths. Avoid anything too short, tight, or revealing.
Sub-heading: When to Elevate: Client Meetings, Important Presentations, and First Impressions
This is where the "good judgment" and "client expectations" clauses come into play. If you're meeting with clients, attending a significant internal presentation, or in an interview, you should always step up your attire.
For Men:
Suit: A well-tailored dark suit (navy or charcoal grey) is the safest and most professional option. Black suits are generally considered too formal or funereal for daily business in banking, but might be acceptable for very specific, formal events.
Shirt: A crisp white or light blue dress shirt.
Tie: While ties are no longer mandatory for daily wear, wearing one for client meetings or interviews is highly recommended. Choose a classic silk tie with a subtle pattern or solid color.
Shoes: Polished leather dress shoes (oxfords or loafers).
For Women:
Suit: A tailored pantsuit or skirt suit in a dark, neutral color (navy, charcoal, black).
Blouse: A professional blouse or shell top that complements the suit.
Dress: A conservative, tailored professional dress with a blazer can also be a strong option.
Footwear: Closed-toe heels (2-3 inches are generally appropriate) or sophisticated flats. Avoid open-toed shoes for formal settings.
Accessories: Keep jewelry subtle and professional. A classic watch is always a good touch.
Step 3: The Importance of Fit and Quality
No matter the specific items you choose, how your clothes fit and their overall condition are paramount.
Tailoring is your best friend: Even an inexpensive suit or pair of trousers can look incredibly sharp if it's properly tailored to your body. Clothes that are too baggy or too tight can instantly detract from a professional image. Invest in alterations!
Quality over Quantity: It's better to have a few well-made, versatile pieces than a closet full of ill-fitting, cheap items. Look for good fabrics and construction.
Immaculate Condition: Ensure your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and well-maintained. Shoes should be polished, and clothes should be free of stains, rips, or frayed edges. A creased shirt or scuffed shoes can undermine an otherwise perfect outfit.
Step 4: Pay Attention to Details
The small things can make a big difference in projecting a polished image.
Sub-heading: Hair and Grooming
Hair: Keep your hair neat, clean, and styled professionally. For men, this might mean a clean shave or a well-trimmed beard. For women, hair should be out of your face or neatly tied back if long.
Nails: Ensure your nails are clean and well-manicured. For women, neutral nail polish is generally preferred.
Fragrance: Go light on cologne or perfume. A subtle scent is fine, but overpowering fragrances can be distracting and unprofessional.
Sub-heading: Accessories
Bags: Opt for a professional briefcase, satchel, or tote bag. It should be clean and in good condition. Avoid overly casual bags like backpacks for formal settings.
Jewelry: Keep it minimal and understated. A watch is a classic professional accessory.
Ties (for men): If wearing one, ensure it's a good quality silk tie, appropriately knotted (Half-Windsor or Four-in-Hand are classic choices), and the correct length (the tip should just touch your belt buckle).
Socks/Hosiery: For men, wear dark dress socks that match your trousers or shoes. For women, if wearing a skirt or dress in a formal setting, hosiery/stockings might still be expected by some, though this is becoming less common. Observe the prevailing norms.
Step 5: Observe and Adapt
Especially in your first few days or weeks, pay close attention to what your colleagues and superiors are wearing.
Departmental Norms: As mentioned, different departments might have slightly varying interpretations of the "flexible" dress code. Observe your immediate team.
Senior Leadership: Look at how senior leaders dress, particularly those in roles you aspire to. They often set the tone.
"Dress for the job you want, not the job you have": While this adage has limits, it encourages you to always present yourself in a way that shows respect for the environment and your aspirations within the firm. When in doubt, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Remember, while the dress code is flexible, Goldman Sachs remains a prestigious global financial institution. Your appearance should always convey competence, professionalism, and respect for the firm and its clients.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to dress for a Goldman Sachs interview?
Quick Answer: For an interview at Goldman Sachs, always opt for business formal. This means a well-tailored dark suit (navy or charcoal), a crisp white or light blue dress shirt, and a tie for men. For women, a tailored pantsuit or skirt suit, or a professional dress with a blazer, is appropriate. It's always better to overdress than underdress for an interview.
How to dress for a Goldman Sachs internship?
Quick Answer: For an internship, follow the "business formal" guideline for your first few days. After observing your team and department, you can likely transition to polished business casual for daily wear, but always have a suit ready for client meetings or important presentations.
How to dress for a Goldman Sachs client meeting?
Quick Answer: When meeting with clients, always revert to business formal attire. This demonstrates respect for the client and the importance of the interaction.
How to choose appropriate colors for Goldman Sachs attire?
Quick Answer: Stick to conservative and neutral colors like navy, charcoal grey, black, white, and light blue for your primary garments. You can add subtle pops of color or muted patterns through ties, blouses, or accessories.
How to wear accessories at Goldman Sachs?
Quick Answer: Keep accessories minimal, professional, and understated. For men, a classic watch and a simple belt are sufficient. For women, subtle jewelry and a professional handbag are appropriate. Avoid anything flashy or overly trendy.
How to wear shoes at Goldman Sachs?
Quick Answer: For men, polished leather oxfords or loafers are standard. For women, closed-toe heels (low to moderate height) or professional flats are recommended. Ensure shoes are clean and well-maintained. Avoid sandals, open-toed shoes (for formal settings), or overly casual sneakers unless explicitly observed as acceptable for your specific role/team.
How to dress if you are in a Goldman Sachs technology role?
Quick Answer: While the overall firm-wide policy is flexible, technology divisions often have a slightly more relaxed business casual environment. Dark, well-fitting jeans might be more common, paired with collared shirts or neat sweaters. However, always err on the side of slightly more formal for your initial days and when interacting with non-tech teams or senior leadership.
How to maintain your professional appearance at Goldman Sachs?
Quick Answer: Ensure all your clothes are clean, ironed, and well-fitting. Regular dry cleaning for suits and professional laundering for shirts are advisable. Keep your shoes polished, and pay attention to personal grooming (hair, nails, subtle fragrance).
How to understand the "good judgment" aspect of the Goldman Sachs dress code?
Quick Answer: "Good judgment" means understanding the context of your day. Are you in your cubicle coding? Business casual is fine. Are you meeting with a potential multi-million dollar client? Suit up. It's about showing respect for the firm, its clients, and the occasion.
How to tell if you are dressed appropriately at Goldman Sachs?
Quick Answer: The best way to tell is to observe your colleagues and superiors, especially those in similar roles or at higher levels. If you're consistently dressed more formally or informally than the general unspoken consensus, adjust accordingly. When in doubt, lean towards more conservative and polished attire.