SEATTLE – This week Starbucks updated its dress code, offering its baristas a range of shirt colors beyond solid black and white that include gray, navy, dark denim and brown, as well as patterns. The company had announced earlier this month that changes were on the horizon.

Gone are the familiar solid black, white and khaki clothing underneath green aprons. Shorts, skirts, dresses and pants, including dark-wash jeans, are now part of the Starbucks wardrobe, and employees are OK to make a statement with hair color, so long as coloring is permanent or semi-permanent, in keeping with food-safety standards. Beanies, fedoras and other suitable hats are also welcome.

“This new dress code is what partners (Starbucks employees) have in their closets,” said Manhattan store manager Mario Leon. “It just makes it so much easier. It just makes so much sense.”

“I believe these changes work well with our iconic green apron and also complement the passion partners bring to our coffee and their craft,” said Cosimo LaPorta, executive vice president, U.S. Retail Store Operations.

“Our success is rooted in our continual innovation and customization in every aspect of our business, and this also applies to offering the best partner experience we can,” said Rossann Williams, president, Starbucks Canada. “We are responding to what our partners have told us and are confident this will uplift the Starbucks brand, partner and customer experience.”