Target employees now have a fresh stylish option to comply with the company’s dress code.
The retailer announced on Tuesday that it will provide staff with a new apparel collection in its signature red hue, designed by renowned style icon Isaac Mizrahi.
Target tightened its dress code for store employees earlier this summer as part of CEO Michael Fiddelke’s broader initiative to enhance the shopping experience and restore company growth. The updated guidelines mandate blue or beige pants, with tops predominantly in Target’s signature red shade. The policy shift sparked mixed reactions on social media.
Adrienne Costanzo, chief stores officer, emphasized the importance of the dress code: ‘We want our team members to be recognizable to our guests. A level of professionalism and how we show up for our guests matters.’ She shared these insights with Themoneytimes in a pre-announcement interview.
The new clothing line revives Target’s ‘cheap chic’ aesthetic — originally created by Mizrahi — which earned the brand its ‘Tar-zhay’ nickname.
Store team members are the heart and soul of Target, and I was thrilled to contribute to their experience in the way I know best,” Mizrahi said in a statement to Themoneytimes.
Priced from $10 before employee discounts, the 16-piece collection is part of Target’s exclusive employee workwear line called Collection 186, named after Pantone 186, the brand’s signature red. The limited-edition items will launch on October 5, with some styles not restocked once sold out.
Target reports that the collection features performance fabric shirts and layering pieces like track jackets, cardigans, blazers, and vests. Stores currently offer basic vests that staff can borrow if they are not wearing an approved red shade.
The company clarifies that all items in the 186 assortment are optional for employees, and dress code-compliant clothing can be purchased at any location.
Costanzo noted that the collection caters to both performance-focused staff and those with a stronger fashion sense.
She added, ‘It’s also about creating that feeling of a little swagger. This collection’s for us, the Target team. And, by the way, someone as great as Isaac has helped influence it.’
Costanzo credited Mizrahi for inspiring her to join Target over two decades ago.
She explained, ‘Part of the reason I thought Target was cool enough to join after earning a fashion design degree is because of Isaac Mizrahi.’
Mizrahi rejoined Target this summer as a senior creative director, where he advises on product design and works to enhance the company’s cultural relevance. He believes that good design should be accessible to everyone.
Costanzo stated, ‘If we’re asking our team to elevate the experience, we need to support them in doing so.’ She added, ‘I’m really excited about it. I have my eye on a couple pieces.’