Three from one

I recall wearing a shortsleeve Polo in the winter one time (after no doubt six or seven days straight and late nights, with no opportunity to pick up the dry cleaning.) Does anyone tell me they have a problem with it?

They did in the memo that circulated to everyone in the office the next day, saying that sleeveless Polo shirts in the wintertime were not appropriate.

Nice that they'd . . . spare my feelings like that.

I had a coworker who came to work with her butt crack hanging out of her pants because they were riding so low. I pointed out to her that her butt was hanging out, and got fired for "sexual harrassment." It was HER behavior, in coming to work dressed that way, which was inappropriate.

I worked at an assisted living facility on the South Shore and my boss (who dressed much younger than she was) told me that she only wore thongs (TMI). But worse than telling me that, I can't count the number of times that she'd bend down to pick something up, and ALL the senior citizens knew that she wore thongs. So tacky!

Bravo! I have been teaching audiences from college campuses to the Fortune 100 firms to dress "business ready" at work and when traveling on business.
Whenever you link your name with your organization, you become the standard by which the company is judged.

Dress codes are ridiculous. This is not AMWAY. I should not have to take the money I earn to purchase clothes just to go to work. This is the old men in suits mentality. They need control over everything. And their little attack dogs in HR enforce it.

The last few companies I've worked for, the whole senior management wore T-shirts, jeans and sneakers virtually any day they weren't meeting a top-five customer (aka most days). I was dressed better than them, and finally came to my senses.

Now that I've seen companies can employ people without all the rules and without the world falling, I would never again work for any company with these ridiculous workplace rules, including dress codes. I'll move on to the next employer thank you. You can keep your pathetic old-world work rules, all of them, not just the dress codes....

p.s. Has your HR dept failed to forward to you the best resume, simply because of the dreaded 'gap'? You may need a more modern HR group...

Are old-world hang-ups slowing down your company?

I remember being spoken to about a skirt I had worn that my supervisor said was showing a little skin... I was pretty upset about the talk but not why you would think...

The problem I had with that conversation is that
1) I was wearing a skirt that was all the way down to the floor
2) The shirt I had on was long sleeved and not low cut by any means.

The supervisor had an issue with a 1inch x 1 inch piece of skin on my hip that would show when I had to reach to grab something from a high shelf, which was not often at all mind you. To top it off, I happened to be the most professionally dressed person at t the entire facility!!! I was working at a non-profit education institution - I still am confused as to why that conversation even took place! Needless to say, I left that job after only 9 months... it was terrible.

Clothes are simple -- do not dress more casually than your boss or his/her boss.
Work is not about being comfortable, you need to make a professional impression at all times, including during casual days.
As for someone who stares at you, I recommend that you silently stare back. Few people can tolerate silence for long. As soon as he/she becomes uncomfortable, he/she will leave and will be less likely to stare at you in the future.

One should always try to look her best at work. Chances are best that a rich man will notice you, take you out, fall in love and marry you so that you won't have to work any more.

pity party for one

In a software company I used to work. jeans were worn every day and shorts, I would say under shorts, and t-shirts and sandals were on Friday.

Business casual has been taken too far and unfortunately it's often the female workers who dress inappropriately. At no time in an office environment should I see any portion of your lingerie (the occasional slip of a bra strap is understandable), your midriff, the tattoo you sport on your lower back or abdomen. Nor should your skirt be so short that when you cross your legs one has to wonder if you auditioned for a role in "Basic Instinct". Flip-flops are not acceptable shoes to get you through the work day; commute in them but change into something more appropriate once you've reached the office. And by all means make sure your clothes are neat, clean and pressed (this goes for you men too!).

Well, what are you wearing that is actually causing someone to "continue to stare at you"? Are you dressing casual for comfort, or for the opportunity to wear an outfit that you thought makes you look hot? Seriously, people dress a certain way for attention, then they pretend to be horrified when someone actually pays attention. Silly question really . . . .since you probably already knew the answer . . .

All the time - My coworkers wear everything from capris (totally against dress code) to blue jeans (faded, ugly). It's awful! On casual Fridays you should still have to look professional so if you have a customer or meeting you look presentable - not like you're off to the mall or a day at the beach. I see nothing wrong with wearing blue jeans if they are tailored and not faded. Nothing wrong with wearing capris if they are dressy, you wear them with appropriate shoes and wear them as a suit. Well tailored capris look a lot better than jeans any day.
I think people believe that dress codes are very outdated, but when you work in a professional environment they are absolutely necessary. Without a dress code it would probably be even worse.

Back when I had a real job, I used to have to wear a suit every day. Now, not so much. You know you are a consultant when you're wearing Dockers and a polo shirt and your wife asks why you are "dressed up."

In general, when you are applying for a job, you should research the company and find out what kind of business they are. When you are interviewing for a professional position, you should dress as professionally as possible.
After the interview has concluded and has reached the point where you've discussed salary, ask the interviewer "What is the dress code for this position?"

As far as in the workplace, if you are not given a clear dress code, observe how others are dressed. If the majority of your gender are dressed one way, then dress that way. You're only required to follow protocol when you're at the office.

The thing I was taught growing up: If you over-dress for work and your employer doesn't say anything, then keep it up. You can't over-dress for a job and your employer may tell you "You don't need to wear a tie to work", then follow that instruction.

Having started my career in a business suit environment and switched over, as many have, to a business casual environment, I have noticed that business casual is much more difficult to define. I finally figured out why. At least for men, business attire is defined by what you DO wear, whereas business casual is defined by what you DO NOT wear.

Simply put, for business, you DO wear a suit, a tie, dress shoes, dark socks, dark belt. For business casual, it can vary, but is usually, you DO NOT wear jeans, sneakers, shorts, open toe shoes, etc etc. The really difficult thing is getting that list correct.

As a VP in a big company I try to coach people that it is not in their best interests to approach the arbitrary line in the sand. There are plenty of comfortable clothes for men and women that are professional, but casual.

Finally, one big personnal gripe is bare/exposed midrifts on women. I am a believer that clothing should be worn such that under no normal situations should a midrift get exposed, even reaching over your head.

There was a discussion at my workplace (a software company) revolving around the acceptability of bare feet and socks at work. I like getting coffee in my socks.

my old boss, emphasis on the word old , wouldn't wear a bra and it was not a pretty sight to see them drooping down and swinging low.
When she ran it was horrendous......

I am currently wearing cargo shorts and a t-shirt with sneakers (and a hoodie because my co-workers keep the AC too cold). If I have to leave my cubicle, I will pull some blue jeans over my shorts and possibly put a polo shirt on in between my hoodie and t-shirt.

Dress codes are bogus. Comfort is all that matters and if someone doesn't like the way you dress, that is their problem.

Same. Couldn't pick up my dry cleaning for like a week, ended up coming to work in a sweater and dockers. Next day, everyone in the office got "the memo"

@1 : Its not about sparing your feelings. Its about letting everyone in the office know that its not appropriate (whom otherwise might have other ideas after seeing you do it.) Its better for you personally that it be done this way, than to be spoken to (i.e. disciplined) directly.

"Some things to be wary of even when dressing casually include flip-flops, spaghetti straps, spandex, short skirts, shorts and bare midriffs."
Unless the job is tending bar or at the beach, I can't think of anyplace where any of these would be appropriate work attire - even in a business casual workplace.

1) CEOs and other senior execs don't always observe the rules they put in for the advantage of their associates. If your CEO or senior exec always wears a suit and tie if male, or business suit if female you should always do the same. If the exec tells you it's not neccessary you might drop one step (tie for instance for men, jacket for women) but still err on the professional side.

2) I believe this is a clear case where gender neutrality should rule. If you wouldn't want a male colleague to show up with a sleeveless shirt or sandals neither should a female employee. Flip flops should never be permitted in the workplace - unless it's a beach shack or you're a shower attendant.

3) Staring or making someone uncomfortable is never the right path. If you are uncomfortable with a peer or colleague's dress you should speak to your supervisor - who can then either address it with the associate directly or with the associate's manager if not within their span of control. If it's your boss or supervisor and you really feel the need to go there you must work with HR.

I worked as a consultant in various different Not-For-Profits in and around the Boston area. Most were fairly conservative, low key. Jeans on Friday's, the "tonier" companies were kahki's and a shirt with loafers.
I would play it by ear, see what everyone else wore and when and take my que from them.
I have never had anyone say anything about my attire, but then my wardrobe consists of trousers and blouses, or trousers and sweaters, and suits.
I don't wear flip-flops except in a public shower or at the beach.
There are no low cut, midriff bearing work outfits. - Ever! Unless you work at a strip club.!

It's a simple rule: Default to a more dressy style the first day, and adjust accordingly the following days. This is not rocket surgery. (intentional) If you cannot learn the dress code style in one day, you probably don't deserve the job.

Harry (DUDE!)--I recall wearing the same undergarments in the winter one time

After six or seven days straight I was KICKIN...
Does anyone tell me they have a problem with it?

Working on an organic hog farm has its advantages!!

Appropriate dress code has gone out the window, much to my dismay. I'm amazed at what people deem 'appropriate' for the office--particularly women. Some women dress as if they want to be noticed for their looks; as if they're going to a night club---and then they wonder why they get no respect?! I moved here from Washington, DC and was surprised at how slovenly people showed up to work in Boston. It's pretty dismal--but when you see what parents are allowing kids to where to school....and clearly it's only going to get worst.

Re Harry staring...Maybe he has a seizure disorder which could cause that

. or maybe Harry is taking some antidepressant medication which might make him respond that way

I'm just gonna go ahead and say that toe shows and sleeveless tops are never appropriate at work unless you are working at an ice cream stand. My office is casual for the summer but I wish they would lay down some stricter guidelines - I don't need to see all that underarm jiggle. Also, men could never get away with wearing a sleeveless shirt to work - have you ever seen a guy in a tank top in the office? Why is it OK for women? I'm a girl and I don't get it.

Having lived and worked in Boston for 10 years, it would take a very big pay increase for me to come back. Boston is very uptight with their dress codes. I can't wait to hear all the infractions, while I sit comfortably in my sandals and jeans doing the same work. :) And yes, I've been promoted and received frequent raises.

We don't really have a code, unless someone is coming to visit. We never have people in our office that don't work here, so no harm, no foul. What is the difference if you are hidden behind an office door and no one sees what you look like

I'm really, really glad I don't work somewhere that has a defined dress code. What a load of bull. Summer has already lost a month, I want to see some sundresses, spaghetti straps and shorter skirts. I hope the ladies like seeing the men who take care of themselves wear shorts and short-sleeved shirts. Soon enough we'll all be formless lumps under sweaters again. I swear, some women have been 8 months pregnant and you can't tell because of the winter clothes.

I need to move somewhere warmer where people are less tightly wound up about dressing. Life's too short.

The one day I dressed "business casually," my biggest prospect, a large bank, agreed to meet with me to discuss advertising... immediately. I ran home and changed. Now I am prepared everyday with at least a jacket and stockings in the car.

I believe in making it your business not to be too casual.

who cares what business casual is.... no one has jobs.

Dress codes are intrinsically arbitrary, culture driven and subjective as they vary from one situation, time period and one culture to the next. That said I don't agree that dress codes are never useful. In fact clothing can be very strategic no matter what it is. It depends on what you're doing, what sort of tone you need to set for the clients you serve. Clothing is very powerful. It affects how you feel about yourself and what you project. And that affects people who you are doing business with. They're going to respond to you based on your self projection. It's naive to think that your clothing has no effect on the people who work with you. After all, why would you bother to be having this conversation? Especially those of you who swear clothing shouldn't matter....you know it does or you wouldn't worry so much about what your bosses and coworkers say about it. If you must deny that clothing plays any part in how the rest of the world reacts to you then it can be assumed that you think you live in a vacuum. You'll figure it out eventually.

I went on an interview once where I was told on a couple occasions (both in an email confirmation and a phone call to confirm) NOT to wear a suit. I was told khakis and a oxford (no tie) would be suitable. I did get the job, and needless to say it was a very lax dress code environment. It was a small consulting firm, and 'dressed up' was wearing what I wore to the interview. Most days jeans, a presentable shirt (no t-shirts,..until summer fridays), and clean sneakers were acceptable.
My current job is a complete 180. Business casual means nice pants and an oxford, at the very least. Jeans on Friday in the summer.

The managing partner in our law firm had to send an email a few weeks ago concerning casual Fridays. Apparently some took it too casually. It's truly amazing what some people have to be told.

An organization is made not just of employers and higher-ups, but of employees lower in the totem pole. So we can't talk about the rights of the employer - the right to a productive, competent, team-player - without talking about the rights of the employee - the right to a good quality of life while at work. You *can* get away with pretending the employee doesn't matter, but it'll be a simple matter of time before you're training someone else for the same job - people will only hang around a pit of shit until they find something more promising.

If you find yourself in meetings or with clients, sure you want to dress appropriately, and hopefully you're compensated accordingly. But if there is absolutely no point to the dress code other than to fill the capricious demands of an overzealous employer, than we're playing by the old-world rules where the employer's expectations matter and the employees' don't. Again, it's not that you *can't* ignore your employees quality of life within the organization, it's just that you're more likely to lose your good workers, perhaps at a time of great pressure where you need them the most, and be left wondering how in the hell you're going to make deadlines, get the work done, salvage the contracts, and keep the organization intact.

Even in the best scenario - where the worker is inconsequential to the company - you'll lose resources (money, time, employee morale and team cohesion, patience) training subsequent hires for the same job.

"Casual dress day" tells your workers that it's not just about how much they produce, and it's not just about your capricious and seemingly nonsense demands - it's also about their quality of life as a part of the organization and it's about them as people. Truth is, like or not, recognize it or not, people is what we are. You don't have to admit it, but if you want to keep your best workers, you have to recognize they are not machines of production, but people with both a stake in the company's success, their own personal success, and their own individuality - you'll *never* find a single person who doesn't value having his/her own sense of identity and individuality, so it's only in your best interest to recognize it and to encourage it within the constraints of their jobs.