Change, yes, but no revolution

THE dress code at one of Britain’s oldest business organisations has been relaxed to allow members to put aside their suits in favour of shorts, T-shirts and takkies.

The Institute for Directors, which is based on Pall Mall in central London, has for 100 years required members to wear “business attire” when visiting its headquarters.

The institute has now introduced a “smart casual” dress code as part of a three-month trial to appeal to entrepreneurs and the directors of new technology companies.

A spokesman said the relaxed approach was likely to receive a mixed reception. But he believed it would broaden the organisation’s appeal to modern directors.

The new rules state: “Members will be permitted to wear jeans, Tshirts, shorts and all variants of footwear.”

The spokesman said the institute recognised that fashion had changed along with society. “We are doing a lot more work with tech companies and start-ups,” he said.

“We have been the home of British business for over 100 years and we have always been a forwardlooking organisation. Reflecting social changes and adapting to the needs of our membership is part of that philosophy.”

However, the rules still ban members from wearing anything that would be considered indecent. “So no Che Guevara T-shirts,” the spokesman said. — © The Daily Telegraph, London