And professional doesn't have to mean boring - from the orange and green jumpsuit clad cashiers in Spain's Repsol gas stations and waiters in local cafes, to sales assistants in the fashion floor of Spanish department store El Corte Ingles - chic black skirt suits, tailored, elegant and classic.

Uniforms reflect a hotel's vibe as well. Barcelona's Granados 83 hotel, the polo and sneaker clad bell hops, dressed in all black, with bandannas around their neck cry out hip and trendy. The Hollywood Roosevelt decks its staff in the season's latest Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress for women or a Michael Kors ensemble for men. The message to guests is American chic. And last but not least, style conscious Air France teamed up with Christian Lacroix to design uniforms for its employees. The airline, which has a history of couture with Dior and Balenciaga, is keeping its tradition of working with famous French fashion houses.