SEATTLE (dpa-AFX) - Starbucks (SBUX) baristas are now free to express their personal style at work under a new dress code announced by the world's largest specialty coffee retailer.
Instead of the familiar solid black, white and khaki clothing underneath their iconic green aprons, baristas can now come for work in a range of colors and outfits that reflect their own personal tastes.
Effective immediately, Starbucks employees can wear a range of shirt colors beyond solid black and white. These include gray, navy, dark denim and brown, including patterns.
Shorts, skirts, dresses and pants, including dark-wash jeans, are also now part of the Starbucks wardrobe. In addition, baristas can make a statement with hair color.
However, the hair color must be permanent or semi-permanent, in keeping with food-safety standards. They can also wear beanies, fedoras or other suitable hats to work.
Starbucks employees at the 47th & Broadway store in Manhattan are wearing clothing that fits the new dress code guidelines since last September.
The Broadway coffeehouse and select Reserve stores that spotlight small-batch coffees as well as the Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room in Seattle are forerunners for all company stores in the U.S. and Canada as Starbucks updates its North America dress code beginning now, Starbucks said.
Cosimo LaPorta, executive vice president, U.S. Retail Store Operations, said, 'I believe these changes work well with our iconic green apron and also complement the passion partners bring to our coffee and their craft. We want partners to be as proud of their look as they are when they tie on their green apron.'
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