Starbucks Gets a New Look – for Its Workers
Business + Economy

Starbucks Gets a New Look – for Its Workers

It may be harder today to distinguish between the hipsters getting some work done at Starbucks from the ones working behind the counter.

That’s because Starbucks just announced a newly relaxed dress code that gives workers permission to show a little bit more personality at work.

Related: Angry Customers Sue Starbucks for Failing to Fill Their Lattes

While baristas were formerly required to wear only black, white and khaki underneath their green aprons, they can now incorporate navy, gray and brown into their wardrobes, as well as dark jeans. They’re also allowed to dye their hair unnatural colors (which was previously banned) and wear beanies or fedoras, according to a new company Look Book released today.

In 2014, the chain relaxed its restrictions on visible tattoos and nose piercings.

The specific changes to the dress code were revealed today, but CEO Howard Schultz mentioned in a July 11 letter to employees that they were coming. “We have long prided ourselves on welcoming and respecting diversity, and we’ve heard your requests for more freedom when it comes to bringing your “whole self” to work,” he wrote. “We believe that more variety, flexibility, and personalization will further elevate the Starbucks Experience—for partners and customers alike.”

A petition posted on Coworkers.org about a year supporting the lift on ban on unnatural hair colors garnered about 15,000 signatures. Employees immediately took to Twitter to tout the new change.

Tweet

The new policy isn’t a total free-for-all, though. Bright colors, nail polish, leggings and bucket hats are all still banned.

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