I read an interesting article in the Business section of the Des Moines Register today. The article, "Casual attire causes confusion and some backlash" by Stephanie Armour of USA Today, provided an update on corporate attire and the confusion of employees who attempt to adhere to one's corporate dress code.
It was a timely read because as many of us know companies are reverting back toward more conservative work attire after the dot-com boom inpsired casual dress. According to Armour, younger employees are more likely to push the envelope, rankling more veterans who have worked in offices where suits and skirts were expected. I do agree, employees, particulary younger employees, have his or her own opinion of office appropriate work attire. The article continues to say that the mishmash of conflicting policies has created confusion and a host of fashion faux pas.
Not every work enviroment calls for a suit and tie. I had a similiar conversation with a gentleman last week. I said to him that you have to dress the part. Please do not get me wrong, khakis and polos shirts are great in the appropriate work environment. Ask yourself...what kind of work do you do? What kind of industry? What is the office environment? Do you see clients daily? What kind of clients do you call on?
It is true what they say, how you dress and present yourself does play into your oppporunity for a promotion. Don't come dressed for work ready for the weekend. Please keep your work attire separate from your weekend attire. I think too many people arrive at work on Friday morning already checked out for the weekend. And... my favorite, when in doubt, don't.
Dressing more appropriately in your place of employment and adhereing to company dress code will make you sit up taller in your chair. It has been proven that employees are more productive when dressed appropriately for the workplace. The stairs at the Tippie College of Business in the John Pappajohn Building, at the University of Iowa, are steep and each flight requires a sharp turn. The stairs were purposely constructed this way so students walked with confidence and had no choice but to hold their head up high. Be proud of who you are and what you do. Take pride and present yourself appropriately to your clients and co-workers.
Photo on Flickr by frscspd
My favorite finds came from K-mart...a black pencil skirt and pair of black patent leather ballet flats. Both items great for work. It was difficult to choose only a few pieces for men. I found Wrangler jeans, in a dark wash, paired them with a chocolate brown waffle knit shirt detailed with a screen-printed crest on the front. Layer with an orange plaid shirt and you have a stylish but casual weekend outfit for fall...all for under $40.
Cotton
