Q: Our company struggles with dress code issues. Most employees dress appropriately, but some dress for a night out, and others dress in flimsy little camisoles (even in cold weather), which I consider an undergarment. We don’t have an HR department or an employee handbook. How do we deal with this as we grow?

A: Many companies have evolved from suits and ties to “business casual.’’ That can be interpreted differently by different people. Business casual can even vary from employer to employer. One might view golf shirts as appropriate, while others consider them too casual for the office.

Guidelines set expectations for what is acceptable and what is not. A written document or policy can also be beneficial because it minimizes confusion. Still, a written policy might not entirely eliminate your concerns.

My son is a student at Hopkinton High School, which has established guidelines based on what it calls the “Six Bs.’’ They summarize what body parts or clothing should be given an extra look before a student walks into school — bellies, butts, breasts, bras, boxers, and backs. Some of our clients have adopted the Six Bs because it doesn’t outlaw one piece of clothing but provides an easy checklist to think about as you plan a workday outfit. A list like the high school’s might be effective at some companies, but others still require professional dress, including suits, ties, dresses, etc. Law firms, in particular, often remain fairly formal. As a general rule, face-to-face client contact dictates more formal business attire.

When I coach candidates and employees on career issues, I suggest that they consider dressing at the level to which they aspire. In short, dress like a manager if you hope to become a manager some day. It matters — you don’t want to be the employee who is best known for inappropriate dress.

Patricia Hunt Sinacole is president of First Beacon Group in Hopkinton.