Starbucks is updating its dress code to limit the amount of colors that staff can wear as part of effort to enhance its signature green apron look.
Starting on May 12, baristas will be required to wear a solid black top, whether it’s a crewneck, collared or button-up shirt, the coffee chain announced Monday. Meanwhile their bottoms must be a shade of black, khaki or blue denim.
The chain said it will also provide employees with two free black T-shirts as the “more defined color palette” is launched.
“We’re evolving our dress code in all stores to focus on simplified color options that allow our iconic green apron to shine and create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America,” Starbucks said in a news release.
The company said the dress code change will maintain the green apron’s status as the symbol for Starbucks since they were introduced in 1987.
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Chain previously encouraged more diversified wardrobe
In 2016, Starbucks unveiled a dress code that allowed baristas to embrace some more diversified personal styles from pink hair to fedoras.
At the time the policy was meant to embrace looks that go beyond classic “black/white tops with khaki pants under a green apron,” allowing color patterns like charcoal, gray, navy and brown.
Ahead of the May 12 change, current dress code allows staff to wear bottoms with the colors gray, brown or navy. Meanwhile, tops must feature subdued and muted color patterns or solid colors.
Starbucks CEO wants stores to ‘have the right vibe’
The uniform update comes as the chain continues to emphasize a specific aesthetic at its locations.
At a shareholder meeting last month, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol discussed the company’s “Back to Starbucks” strategy, which includes testing new store designs at “select locations across the U.S.”
Niccol said these store designs include bringing back condiment bars, serving in-store coffee in ceramic mugs and having baristas write on cups with Sharpies.
“We’re working hard to ensure our coffeehouses have the right vibe,” Niccol said at the meeting. “We want to invite customers in, showcase our great coffee, provide a comfortable place to stay, and make them feel like their visit was time well spent.”
Contributing: Rui Ellie Miao, USA TODAY
