Altar’d State & Arula Store Associate Personal Appearance Standards
Stand Out for Good, Inc.
April 2023
Purpose
A stylish groomed appearance reflects both personal pride and a commitment to providing world class guest experience at Altar’d State and Arula. That’s why it’s important for you to not only take pride in delivering a world class guest experience, but in your appearance, including your hair and makeup. Style, grooming and personal hygiene affect the image we project to our guests. In other words, associates bring the brand to life, so you want to make a great first impression! Therefore, all associates are to adhere to the following dress guidelines:
Scope
This Dress Code Policy applies to all Altar’d State and Arula store associates. Associates will be responsible for their attire to meet the expectations outlined in the policy. Specific positions include District Leader, Visual District Leader, Store Leader, all Assistant Store Leader roles, Guest Leads and Brand Reps.
Policy
As with all work-related duties and responsibilities, associates are expected to demonstrate professionalism and exercise sound judgment in all matters related to attire and appearance. Please keep in mind that anything that could be considered distracting or not in the best interest of the organization will not be permitted. Final decisions regarding the application of this policy are always at the discretion of the appropriate leader.
A. Attire
1. White button up and jeans do not need to be purchased from Altar’d State or Arula specifically, however no other visible brand names or logos are permitted. Conversely all product sold in stores may not be appropriate for our workplace.
2. Attire must be clean, wrinkle-free and intact. No torn or damaged attire is permitted, outside of intentional design, i.e. ripped jeans.
3. Athletic wear and athletic shoes are not permitted.
4. Approved footwear include examples such as booties, boots, mules, ballet flats, clogs, and wedge sandals. Clean fashion sneakers are also approved to be worn.
5. Midriffs, crop tops and tube tops are not permitted.
6. Layering pieces such as tank tops can be worn but must be white. No layering pieces such as jackets or sweaters are permitted over the white button up.
7. Appropriate nude or white colored undergarments must be worn to avoid distracting from the guest experience.
8. Brand appropriate accessories such as hats, with the exception of ball caps, necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, scarfs, hair clips and bows are permitted when worn as intended. Sunglasses, bandanas, slippers, rubber or soft style shoes (Crocs) and flip flops are not permitted.
9. Associates must wear their name tag while working on the sales floor, with their name legibly printed. No other badges, stickers or buttons should be worn.
10. Store associate identifiers provided during peaks seasons must be worn as directed ie. Christmas apron, flower crown, tee shirt, etc.…
B. Appearance
1. Hygiene
a. Associates are expected to maintain proper hygiene, reporting to work clean and free of any offensive odors.
2. Grooming
a. Hair needs to be a naturally occurring color. No bright or unnatural colors are permitted, ie. A full head of hair that is pink, blue, purple…etc.
b. Hair must be brushed, clean, dry and/or styled when you arrive for work.
c. Fingernails and toenails must be clean, and if polished, free of chips.
d. Facial hair must be trimmed short and neatly groomed.
e. Makeup should be natural and simple.
3. Tattoos & Piercings
a. Associates are permitted to display a limited amount of appropriate body art, or tattoos. No tattoos or body art of any kind are permitted on the face, neck or throat. Tattoos or body art that can be reasonably perceived as offensive, hostile or that in any other way diminishes the effectiveness of the associate’s professionalism will not be permitted.
b. Traditional piercings are permitted. These should be limited to two reasonably sized piercings per ear, and one subtle nose stud. Gauges, nose rings and other visible piercings are not permitted.
C. Miscellaneous
1. Gum chewing is not permitted.
2. Cell phones are not permitted on the sales floor.
3. No food or drinks are permitted on the sales floor during open hours.
Reasonable Accommodation of Religious Beliefs
Stand Out for Good, Inc. recognizes the importance of individually held religious beliefs and will reasonably accommodate an associate’s religious beliefs in terms of workplace appearance and attire unless the accommodation creates an undue hardship. Those requesting a workplace appearance and attire accommodation based on religious beliefs should reach out to peopledevelopment@altardstate.com.
Process
If an associate reports to work with attire or appearance that does not meet the requirements of this policy, the associate will be required to leave work and return to work in compliance within a reasonable amount of time. Hourly associate’s will not be paid for this time, and they will be considered reporting to work tardy for that shift. Multiple violations of this policy may lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Leadership reserves the right to make changes to or modify the dress code guidelines at any time.
As with all other polices, Altar’d State and Arula Leaders are expected to monitor and maintain compliance to this policy amongst their teams.
Associates with any questions regarding the application of this policy should contact their Store or District Leader, or reach out to peopledevelopment@altardstate.com.