Sofia - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Bulgarians care about how they look. Often times they leave the house with causal but smart looking outfits not like they just rolled out of bed. For eastern Europe, Bulgarians are much more casual than other parts of the region. Those in the Pol/Econ section wear suits daily, but I haven't seen many other departments wear full suits regularly. As for formal dresses for women, that's generally just for marine ball. - Jun 2023
The dress code in public spaces is casual. For example, during sunny weather we saw many people sun bathing in minimal or no clothes in public spaces. Winter usually made people dress more conservatively, but that is more to stay warm. - Mar 2019
Work is suits and business wear, after is anything. People here tend to dress up more to go out than we do in the US, but you'll see all types. - May 2016
Standard. - Dec 2014
Same as every Embassy, public usually casual. - Nov 2014
US employees are usually in nice suits. LES are dressed a bit more revealing. - Aug 2014
Informal and similar to the U.S. Typically slacks and dress shirt for men and dresses for women. Few people -- mostly in banking -- wear suits to work. - Jun 2011
Dressy, just like Europe. Women dress up here. It's the city life. - Oct 2009
Dress tends to be more formal than the U.S. Suit and tie are necessary at most offices. - Feb 2008
