Dress Down

By Melissa August, Matthew Cooper, Ellin Martens, Lisa McLaughlin, Julie Rawe, Alain L. Sanders and Josh Tyrangiel

THONG UNDER, PANTS OVER Last week the good people of Morgan Stanley went "business casual" five days a week. They were also offered a 20% discount at J. Crew. If they need that much help, perhaps they could use tips from the soon-to-be-published book Beyond Business Casual:

1 Never wear torn or stained clothing.

2 Whatever you do, avoid wearing jewelry that can make noise during videoconferences.

3 If you have so much in your pockets that it's apparent, take something out.

4 Can't fasten your jacket buttons? Invest in a new jacket.

5 There's a place for rings...in your brow and nose: when your manager shows up for work wearing similar adornments.