(Source: http://magomed.ateamblogs.com/pochemu-agel/biznes-s-agel/imidzh-delovogo-cheloveka/delovoj-dress-kod)

There is one old Russian proverb meaning: first you judge “how nice”, then you judge “how wise”. Most of Russian businesspeople pay a lot of attention to how they are dressed. Here are some helpful tips on how to prepare for a formal meeting with the Russian partners.

Some statistics show that the Russian people in general probably spend more money from their family budget on clothing than any other nation in the world. Russians tend to dress as well as their salaries allow. Men prefer to put on either a dark suit or a jacket with a tie, and trousers, while women mainly wear business suits, formal dresses or blouses and skirts at work. If there is no formal dress-code, many people prefer to wear jeans. Some companies have a dress-down Friday, when everyone is allowed to come to work in jeans and sweaters. The employees put on casual blouses or T-shirts, hoodies, track jackets, and sneakers/running shoes or even stocking feet, but some organizations require business casual or smart casual dress. Several offices allow a themed dress-down day.

Legal advice on Russian legislation

Business Looks

Businessmen in Russia usually wear dark (with the exception of the hot summer season) well tailored suits along with the expensive shoes. A businessman’s wardrobe demonstrates the individual’s image as a professional. Top businessmen sometimes have their personal image makers who create business looks for them.

Women dress rather conservatively, avoiding overly flashy or gaudy outfits. However, this rule can’t be applied to the sphere of fashion, design, and other creative industries.

Attending informal dinner in a citizen’s home, casual dress of slacks and a nice shirt without a tie are appropriate if the details of dress-code are not mentioned in the invitation.

In fact, there are two main types of "business dress", Professional Dress and Business Casual, depending on the type of the company.

Professional Dress is the most conservative type of business wear, mostly often met in accounting, finance, etc. For women, this means a business suit or a pants suit, or a dress and a jacket.  For men, professional dress means a business suit or a blazer, dress pants and a tie. 

Business Casual is a more relaxed version of "Professional Dress", but it doesn’t mean that the employees are allowed to be absolutely “casual”, and some meetings and events still require “Professional Dress”.  Basically, business casual is a shirt with a collar and/or a sweater, dress pants and nice shoes for women.  Women can also sometimes wear a moderate length dress or skirt (knee-length or longer).  For men, business casual is a polo shirt or shirt with a collar and/or sweater, dress pants and dress shoes.  No tie is required.

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During negotiations

Men often do not take off their jackets in negotiations in Russia.
Standing with the hands in your pockets may be considered to be inpolite. But very often Russian businessmen don’t pay much attention to following this rule.

Business trip

Planning a business trip to Russia, mind that the winters here can be extremely cold, so ensure suitable clothing to meet whatever the prevailing conditions. Be sure to take a hat, gloves and a warm scarf in winter.
It is recommended to have several formal and informal suits for attending business meetings, having lunch, and going to the theatres and museums.

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