Recently, I touched on the topic of how my company was going back to the business professional look with the post-Labor Day weekend passing us. Some people really do resent the whole idea of looking good in the world place. I am all for looking professional, my problem is the process of putting together the final product every day when I am used to the summer dress of throwing on some khakis and polo shirt and calling that fashion (I refuse to use the word Swag if you were expecting it).
But what do you do when you see people just turning this whole business professional dress code upside down like Ghengis Khan in 1200 A.D. (And yes, Mongolian BBQ does exist)? I have the luxury of sitting on a floor that is shared with other departments there is a specific manager that is pushing this dress code to new limits. I may start attracting some fashion bloggers and readers with some of this content but I’ll do anything for new readers!
I actually used to work for this woman as a software tester in her group and we had an interesting relationship, mainly because I felt like I was used like cheap labor to get things done and I did not receive due credit, but hey, that’s the American way! This one breaks all of the rules for females in the work place.
Imagine a group of college girls going out on a Friday night and you have the tip of the iceberg with this lady. Wearing tank tops and sleeveless shirts are definitely against company dress code and so are the gaudy boots that I am sure I will be seeing in Las Vegas next month! Now while there are no rules against wearing extremely loud colors to work, you should know better when you come to work wearing a teal blue power suit minus the power.
Now you have a general picture of what I am working with here. While I do not directly work with her, I do see everything on a daily basis and I do kick myself for not having camera phone to snag some evidence. I thought I saw Nicole Richie the other day when I saw this lady roll in with over sized sun glasses (on a cloudy day mind you) and a shiny handbag big enough to fit Beethoven, let alone the Taco Bell dog.
While it does sound like I am just totally ripping this person with no regards for human respect, I do have a point I am attempting to drive home. For a person who is in charge of providing leadership to a team, it is imperative to convey to everyone the right message. Dressing up like you are going to be partying at Club Tryst after work is not the image you want to convey. How can provide your clients with confidence when they have to squint because your outfit is so bright?
I rest my case. Dress for the job that you want, if it doesn’t look right in the mirror in the morning, then do not step out of the house. It is a good thing I am living at home, my mom and dad give me the stamp of approval every morning!
2 Comments
The problem is you're assuming people have a sense of proper dress and style
No one has common sense!!!
I saw a woman show up in a tight leopard print top with a BLACK leather mini skirt and knee-high, super high heels. And fishnets.
For real.
While I love me a pair of knee-high boots, they are inappropriate for work unless they're a low heel or no heel at all.
And even then, the dress has to be pretty conservative to go with those boots.
That all goes out the window if you work in fashion or advertising btw. You're expected (from what I've learned from shows & films) to dress up in the weirdest things ever
If she is good looking, let her dress the way she wants. If she isn't good looking, let her dress the way she wants. I dont see nothing wrong with it. Esp if it looks good. I'll give it up to someone who brings some color/flavor into the workplace. Such a mundane environment, it can use some juicing up.
Hats off to all the attention whores out there!!