The marketplace continues to evolve, both technologically and with the emergence of social media, business models are indeed changing. The iPhone, the iPad, Google+, Kindle are daily gadgets in our lives. We have autos that give you turn-by-turn directions, cars that will parallel park for you, and hands-free vacuum cleaners. Yet the standardized dress code that seems to have originated in the 1950’s is literally still 60 years behind.
When it comes to dress code in the workplace, there should be guidelines. Sloppiness and being disheveled is certainly unacceptable. But as the marketplace has expanded to where a skateboarding Gen Y-er is now the boss, what is “acceptable” workplace dress should be re-evaluated. Requiring a stuffy suit and tie, or a restrictive pair of pantyhose make not a Fortune 500 company, nor does it necessarily demonstrate professionalism. These days, where clothing and style are becoming an important lifestyle facet, it pays to relax the “code” a little bit and let employees dress according to the times.
Flexibility is the key. Women should be able to wear slacks or a skirt, open-toed shoes or boots. The guidelines should make sense for that organization. Obviously, I am not advocating dressing like you are going to the dance-club or vacationing at the Sandals Resort.
In the past, I got in trouble for wearing denim in the workplace. Never mind that it was dark denim, and that I had on a killer pair of heels, a silk top and a blazer. My boss was fixated on the company manual, and deemed my attire “unacceptable” and “inappropriate”. In fact, he even exclaimed “A-ha!” when he saw my (unsightly) jeans! Never mind that I did exceptional work for him and ran the office while he was traveling. I was not wearing what headquarters thought was correct attire, so I was reprimanded.
These days, employees are more mobile. With flex schedules, rigorous work-travel, running from meeting-to-meeting, and catching cabs or the subway, it seems nonsensical to demand a suit and tie outfit that will constantly be mussed, ruffled, and sweated in. Not to mention costly to clean. Companies will argue that the suit and tie is important when meeting clients and customers. True, and it makes sense to dress up a bit when meeting a new client or prospective customer. First impressions are the most lasting, and demonstrate a level of respect. But once you’ve established that relationship, and business is underway, is your attire at all relevant to your client?
With women quickly moving up the ranks, and young people running start-ups, it pays for companies to re-examine their dress policy. Companies are no longer just the banks and inaccessible monster conglomerates. Organizations that are creative and playful in their products and services, will probably feel stifled wearing stuffy suits. Workplace attire should be enjoyable to wear, and not feel like prison garb, that you can’t wait to shed. The current dress code is outmoded and should be revamped to make way for today’s savvy businesses and entrepreneurs.
What do you think? Should neckties and hosiery be an option?
Image above: Polyvore
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Thank you for the feedback. I love that you said that it would give the business more color. So true! After all, we want to enjoy what we do, and also enjoy the environment. Stiff and stuffy = boring! @b.nijhoff
@onhighheelzPR@b.nijhoff Yup agree with both of you. You feel better in your own dress and if you feel good that means you are more productive. I vote for the update, too!
Thanks, Morgan. It was always odd to me that men could wear Dockers, but women were not allowed to wear slack-type denims in some places that I’ve worked. True, a certain professionalism should be represented, but the point of a dress code should be so that employees look neat and presentable. Dockers are not “neat” workplace pants, to me. Go figure. LOL! @MorganBarnhart
I totally agree with you I really think they need to update the dress code, because first of all people feel way more comfortable and second it might give the business a little color. Keep on posting good articles this one.
@onhighheelzPR That’s true. I have seen some major hose issues. It’s about being polished, like you said, as well as looking comfortable with what you’re wearing!
Hi Donina! Completely agree with you! I think the dress code definitely needs to reflect the organization. Like you, I used to work for a company that HATED denim. Even though, like you, they were a beautiful pair of jeans and were baggy, not tight. They looked more like slacks than jeans. But I got reamed for it, simply because it was denim.
I think the standards definitely need to change. A while ago I worked at an organization where I could wear anything – just as long as I looked good. I could wear jeans, a nice top and some ballet slippers and it was acceptable. I LOVED IT! I felt comfortable and still looked nice. That’s a great comprimise for the workplace.
I worked at a call center once and they required us to wear business attire. …Business attire! For a call center! Where we sat around all day in front of a computer talking to people on the phone! Crazy! I didn’t last long at that job. The job was stressful enough, I didn’t want my clothes to be an added stressor! lolAnyway, you’re absolutely right. Dress codes need to reflect the environment a bit better and realize that people can still be fashionable, while being comfortable.
@Tia Peterson Thanks, Tia. I dunno… LOL! Maybe because I really look at style and fashion, but I’ve seen unsightly hosiery with the wrong types of shoes. As I mentioned to Kari above, I think dress codes should have guidelines, and they should make sense. Just because it was appropriate for women to wear skirts only during the 50′s shouldn’t be a carry-over to the 21st century. Yes, I agree – looking polished is a must.
Hi Kari: Absolutely dress to impress, and for the job you want. You are right – trying to balance the dress code where there are different departments with varying work cultures. I think common sense is makes sense, and guidelines should be the rule of thumb. Thanks for the comment.
I fully believe first impressions mean everything, however with job descriptions constantly changing and evolving and the number of employees working from home are increasing–dress codes should change accordingly. The line gets even more fuzzy when you have several departments under one roof–all with different dress codes. This can create confusion and anomosity among coworkers. I have always said–dress for the job you WANT…
You know what’s funny? At my new job, hosiery is required. Now, all of the managers are guys and I don’t think they enforce it (or even realize it’s required) but it’s still amazing to me that it is.
One of the new girls doesn’t wear hose, and I honestly think it makes a big difference in appearance. I prefer not wearing hose but in a dressy sales environment, I really think it’s a must.
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