Many companies require their employees to abide by strict dress codes and there are consequences for not doing so. In this sense, a shirt in the office is essential if specified by company policy. If company policy is unclear, the employee should speak to their superiors before arriving to work in untraditional attire.

Wearing a shirt at work can help distinguish the workplace from the home and therefore encourage a work ethic in the office. However, wearing a shirt and cuff links is not always essential. Some employees may feel that dressing casually when arriving to work would allow them to feel more relaxed.

If after consulting with your supervisor they are happy for you to dress more casually when at work then by all means it may be worth doing so. You may feel more confident wearing clothes of your choice and find that what you wear has no effect on the way in which you carry out your work.