• Starbucks is updating its dress code for baristas effective May 12, requiring simple color palettes.
• Employees will wear solid black tops with khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms.
• The new dress code aims to highlight the iconic green apron of baristas.
• Some employees express concerns over the impact on their finances and ongoing labor negotiations.
• The change aligns with Starbucks' "Back to Starbucks" strategy under CEO Brian Niccol.

Starbucks has announced a new dress code for its baristas, effective May 12, which aims to create a more consistent and recognizable image in its stores. Employees will be required to wear solid black short or long-sleeved crewneck, collared, or button-up shirts, paired with khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms. This change intends to allow the iconic green apron to “shine and create a sense of familiarity” for customers visiting any store, according to LA Times.

Alongside the updated dress code, Starbucks will provide two branded T-shirts to employees free of charge. The company stated that such simplifications help employees focus on crafting great beverages and fostering customer connections, reflecting its ongoing strategy to enhance the coffeehouse experience, as noted in their public statement reported by Salon.

However, the alteration has sparked criticism from some workers and the labor union Starbucks Workers United. They argue that changing the dress code amid ongoing union negotiations is inappropriate. Jasmine Leli, a barista and union representative, emphasized that instead of focusing on issues like staffing shortages and guaranteed hours, Starbucks is prioritizing cosmetic changes to the uniform. "They're forcing baristas to pay for new clothes when we're struggling as it is on Starbucks wages," Leli stated, highlighting concerns about employee finances, according to India Times.

This dress code change aligns with Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol’s efforts to streamline operations and enhance customer experience, part of a broader initiative to return to the brand’s community coffeehouse roots. The modifications reflect a significant shift from prior lax policies that allowed greater flexibility in employee attire, as reported by SFGate.