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Do you dress to portray your professionalism?
I would like your opinion on this topic.
I try to dress professionally at work suit, stockings, heels or flats everyday because I feel it portrays a professinal image. However, sometimes I just want to dress casual, it is soo hot here and suits are hot. Alot of my co-workers dress down (a little too down). Do we consciously or sub-consciously view people according to the way they dress at work or other places? |
I live in Texas, and many offices in the city in which I live have adopted a "casual dress" policy. Really, it's super duper hot and humid during the summer months, and I don't know if we could all hang in suits and jackets.
I also think it depends on your profession. If you're working in a law office, you'll likely dress professionally. If you're working for a large industry (computers, for example), there's room for adjustment. |
This is a really good topic...
Since I'm still in school, and good suits are so expensive. I dress pretty casual yet conservatively at work. I hate to see everyone wearing such drab colors like black, blue and brown. I love wearing floral dresses and skirts that offer a more feminine touch to my office. (I work with attorneys and they are sooooo conservative) I think regardless of my dress, the work that I do and the efficiency by which i complete it means more to them. Of course, I'd never come in in hoochie wear. but since I don't draw too much attention to myself (i.e. gossip, personal phone calls, leaving the office for extended periods), my clothes are not an issue. My bottom line is: Your work ethic should be adequately complemented by your clothes. Professional dress does not come at the risk of looking nice in something less business formal. Just don't wear club clothes to work the next day. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif |
Fortunately where I work we have "Business Casual" everyday. Now if I have a meeting out of town, then a suit is what I where. We also have dress down day on Fridays if there are no meetings. If there is a meeting, then it has to be back to business casual, which basically means no jeans on a Friday.
------------------ ...and like that I'm gone!! KL |
Dressing appropriately for work differs from location to location, industry from industry, business from business. Up north, I would never wear sandals to work. However, in Florida sandals are acceptable where I work. My view on how to dress at work, is to dress conservatively until you get a feel of what is appropriate and what is not. Also, most companies have a dress code which states what is not acceptable. |
Some folks, especially US, confuse business casual with bummy/hoochie/unprofessional.
My prior employer (health insurance) was very conservative. All were required to wear hose (even in 100 degree heat) and men were required to wear ties. The company instituted a business casual during the summer and every friday the rest of the year. Some of the folks were so off the hook that the company had to publlish pictures (like Glamour's DOs and Don'ts column). Ladies should not wear midriff-baring tops, tanks w/o a jacket, or shorts to the office, regardless of the dress code! Jeans were acceptable as long as there were no holes/rips/writing and white tennis shoes were okay as long as they were clean. In my current company (phone company), the policy is casual dress all the time but there are still some folks that forget that they are coming to work. The other day, I saw a manager in flip flops and shorts and I just shook my head. In my old employer's policy and procedures they summed it up well: If you would wear it to the beach, the gym or to clean your garage, DO NOT WEAR IT TO WORK!! To answer another part of the original question, yes, we view people based on how they are dressed. The key is to dress appropriately for whatever occaision. Inappropriate dress means poor planning, time management or just poor taste; none of these qualities are professional. ------------------ MCCOYRED Mu Psi '86 BaltCo Alumnae Dynamic...Salient...Temperate...Since 1913 |
Good Topic.
Well, I dress professionally when I have an interview. I think it's a little different for me since I try to keep upscale retail jobs. I want my own Fashion Consulting/Personal Shopping business so I learn a lot working in department stores. In my job now I have noticed that they like you to have your own flair as long as it's not too much. I mean no, backless shirts, tube tops (without a shrug), and supermini skirts. Other than that it's all good. I once went to work in a 70's print wrap dress, knee high boots, and afro and the General Manager told me I looked cute. *lol* Now if you want to be a lawyer, government official, CEO, or something huge like that, then yes, you are going to have to be very 'professional.' Lovely: What about business casual? Some nice slacks and a blouse would look ok. |
Thanks for the advice. However, I know I could never wear jeans to work or even just a pair of pants and a blouse and feel good. I've tried it and I felt horrible. I guess I'll just to have to keep cooking. I feel my best in suits.
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I was just thinking abouth this today...I work for my university, and I see all types. Since I'm a student, I can basically wear anything I want. As for the professionals in my office, I've seen the director wear very casual clothes..like..not even matching (well at least to me!! lastpoetinsite would probably now what I'm talking about!!!).
However, my boss is quite young, and dresses very fashionably and professional. She is definitely "movin' on up", compared to her peers, and subordinates, whom are older, and dress..well..not so professionaly. I think that the way she dreses, helps with her keeping a work attitude. I have applied for a professional job here in my office, and I was just pondering this question. There's a good chance I'll get the job, (and 6 free credit hours!) and I'm not sure of how to dress, esp. because I am still a student. I think I'll do better with the "dress-wear" when fall comes around, and get more dresses when summer rolls around again... And, yes, EVERY organization is different. Working for a school is different than working in a "traditional organization". ------------------ "I am not yet the author of my life; I am still it's unenlightened protagonist" ---Unknown |
I have 2 jobs--one during the school year and one at home. During the school year, at Foot Locker I have a uniform (shirt, pants, and gym shoes--I love it!!) so I don't really have to worry. During breaks and the summer when I come home, I work in my dad's clothing store. It's a men's store and the merchandise is mostly suits and the like. We cater mostly to professionals and ministers so everyone is dressed professionally. We can wear jeans only on Sundays. Every other day its business casual. For example, today I'm wearing a sleeveless shirt and black dress pants from The Limited and black sandals. I usually wear stuff from The Limited, Lerner, J. Crew, and Banana Republic, so my style is "cute conservative." As for shoes--anything I don't have to wear stockings with (but nothing to flashy)--it's too hot!!!
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I work in the sales department of a financial management firm (basically we sell mutual funds and annuities to stock brokers). Our dress code is "business casual" which means something different everywhere you go. Basically, we can wear anything except jeans, sweats and sneaks. Other than that, pretty much everything goes.
But, I tend to dress more conservatively and professionally than the rest of the people in my department. I am the only Black female on the ENTIRE floor who is not an administrative assistant. So, I try not to give anyone any reason to hold me back, including my dress. Generally, I wear nice slacks, button up shirts, and loafers. Some of the white people in my office come in there looking like they haven't even bathed. Marie, I totally agree with you. At a professional seminar once, someone told me that you should dress the way your boss' boss dresses. |
Well, I also live in Houston, Texas where it the weather plays a significant part in how we dress. I work for a computer company and it is a casual atmosphere. I usually wear jeans and a summer top. It can get extreemly cold in my office, so I wear a sweater around the building. But you see most people her in very casual clothes.
Since I like winter wear better, I usually dress more business casual in the colder months. |
My mother recently told me, "Do not dress for the job that you have. Dress for the job that you hope to obtain." Now I understand that you live in a warm climate, and we don't want you passing out in the streets. However, it might be beneficial to observe the dress of your boss and other high level employees. If you plan to advance from your current position you might want to follow suit with those who have already advanced, since it is those people who you will need to impress. Now I intern at a Stock Exchange, so when I'm on the floor it is perfectly acceptable to wear capris or gym shoes(as that is what the brokers and traders wear) http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/cool.gif. However, when I'm in the office(w/the Pres. and CEO of the company) I'm professionally dressed. You might want to check out all of the comfortable yet professional business attire that is offered these days. I think you will find that it is very possible to be in professional dress and still not be over heated. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif Best of luck to ya Girl!
Marie [This message has been edited by Marie (edited July 31, 2001).] |
I am an intern for a National Laboratory...the dress code here is basically no dress code. I ususally wear jeans and a tee shirt everyday with tennis shoes. My boss wears these faded jeans and sometimes he even wears the same shirt two days or three days in a row. Now these people make big money b/c they are scientists. I'm talkin 100,000 + a year.
As someone mentioned earlier it depends on the industry. I work in a laboratory with many chemicals so wearing the business stuff is definitely out. Some of the people hear wear outfits like wifebeaters with bball shorts etc.. It tends to get a bit ridiculous. Now when I was an intern at the State senate in Alabama I dressed in my little business casual wear. It just depends on the job u have and what is acceptable at that particular company. |
i just wanted to share with you all a something my sister said when i asked her why she dressed up so much to go to her job. she replied, "you dress for the job you want, not the job you have." i thought that was so profound
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Great topic!!! Keep in mind that there are only a few Blacks in my company and we all are conscience of our dress b/c of that:
The majority of the time I wear suits to work. I try to keep with the basic black, blue or grey suit. I specifically shop looking for these same colored suits that are made differently. So one can tell that I am not wearing the same suit. Recently I have purchased spring colored suits. Nothing flashy but colors like powder blue, tan, pastel yellow and pink. These suits I made sure were tailored to the traditional business suit form because of the color. I wear hose everyday. I especially love the new hose with the toes out so I can wear sandals. Yes, sandals. Generally the sandals I wear to work are very classy & expensive. They add a lil flair to my suits to reflect my youth and style. All of them are heels about 3 inches or higher. Not too trendy but chic. I mostly wear Enzo's, Nine West or small boutique sandals and shoes to work. When I plan an outfit for work I am sure that nothing glitters, is tattered, is too short or long, I don't clack down the halls b/c I need a lift, minimal(sp?) jewelry, and small stud or hoop earrings. Ironically I wear make-up to work (MAC) but not outside of work. I think it makes my look more polished. I also don't do anything too flashy to my hair, such as colors. Sometimes I have highlights but that's it. On Fridays we have casual dress. On these days I try to wear a more comfortable skirt and blouse b/c I rarely wear slacks or jeans even socially. Maybe a linen skirt and with a nice top but still in the basic colors. Generally on fridays I look like I stepped out of a Banana Republic or GAP catalogue. Ughhh, how boring!!!!!!!!! Also I keep my nails maincured and polished in light colors.... On fridays after work I pay to have the more trendy colors applied and then on Sunday its back to the neutral colors. Its costly but it keeps my image in line. ------------------ "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful" When da EAST is in da house....Oh my GOD!!!! DANGER! [This message has been edited by OhSoPrettyNikki (edited August 01, 2001).] |
Oh yeah...dress better than your boss, but not your boss' boss. My question is, what if you already dress better than your boss?
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What are "wifebeaters"?
OhSopretty - I would love to dress like you, but alas I don't have the pesos. |
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Anyway you'd be surprised at what you might find in the clearance rack. It might not be for this season but the season is sure to come. Honestly I order alot from catalogues! I use their credit cards and pay the bills over time. Plus by wearing such classic and traditional items, they never go out of style and that's a good thing. My wardrobe is the main reason I can't furnish my apartment the way I'd like. I keep buying a little at a time. I'll get there one day. Oh and wife beaters are little sleevless white undershirts that men wear (Ja-rule). I think that term comes from the image of the traditionally abusive husband always being arrested wearing one. I think the term helps to glorify spousal abuse. go figure! ------------------ "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful" When da EAST is in da house....Oh my GOD!!!! DANGER! [This message has been edited by OhSoPrettyNikki (edited August 01, 2001).] |
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Exactly!! I usually dress in suits everyday, however, I am trying to find more comfortable business casual attire, especially since our upper upper management do not wear suits that often. So far, I've only been comfortable woth my suits ~ that way, I don't have to second guess my attire. [This message has been edited by tickledpink (edited August 04, 2001).] |
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Yes, I have to. Most of my career, I've been the only black person in the entire office. It's imperative to me to project professionalism and polish, and clothing is part of that.
Also, my line of work brings me in contact with other professionals, e.g. doctors, hospital administrators and health insurance executives. Most of those folks are professional, and it just would not do for me to show up looking slack. |
Okay, why is the new trend at my office is totally disgusting? All of the guys now wear their shirts unbuttoned one button too far. You can see their chest hairs and it's repulsive.
First, it was just one or two guys, and now it's like the whole office. I think it's developed into some type of macho contest to see who is the manliest and has the most chest hair? Has chest hair become the measure of how much of a man one is? |
Ha ha and much respect to all you suit and tie-ers and people who actually spend time getting dressed in the morning... I work in a clean room and i have to wear a big baggy white bunny suit im coverd from head to toe i wear pajamas to work every single day and were not allowed to wear makeup and we wear hoods and hairnets so the hair doesnt get done till the weekend...:P
------------------ Kellogs @}~~`~~,~~ |
Like the Sprite commercial states: Image is everything. Your appearance moreso than your words dictate the way a person will perceive you. I would encourage every working person to consider you environment and dress accordingly. The workplace is becoming somewhat lax in how persons dress. As corporate casual becomes the norm of the day, it is critical that professional Black women understand how to dress professionally casual. And, if your work environment is still traditionally corporate in attire, then match what you see in your office. Know and study your environment and work within the "lines".
I know that I don't like to judge people, but inadvertedly, it happens. Persons whom don't know the standard dress, stick out like that sore thumb. But, upon meeting the inappropriately dressed person, it may be their personality above all that will win me over. But, guess what? Even if we became chummy later on, what was my first impression? So, image is everything. But beyond your image, what are you presenting? Because you can dress in the finest Jones New York suit with Ferragamo shoes, etc. and your language or personality may just be disgusting. I'm going to push the envelope and say that its not just about your outward image, but your projection of your inner person is also important. The image you project in your dress and person speaks volumes. I call this completely packaged individual "polished". Some people aren't polished, and that's okay too. I'm still going to treat you as if your golden because you are a child of God. And that's what is truly important. I've come to learn that its not what you wear, but who you are in your wearing. |
related article
just wanted to follow up on what everyone was saying. An interesting article from MSN Careers
The Business Casual Dress Code by Mary Lou Andre The American workplace is much different than it was five years ago: Everything from corporate structure and hiring practices to work schedules and compensation has been affected. But these important areas are not the only marked differences in today’s changing workplace. The appearance of the American worker has changed as well. Not long ago, everyone from the most seasoned professionals to entry-level employees had a common understanding of appropriate business attire. Thanks to the creation of the "khaki culture" and increasing popularity of business casual dress, it’s no longer that simple. So how do you dress down for work without looking like you’re headed to the beach? Here are a few easy rules to live -- and dress -- by: 1. Consider Your Work Environment If you’re meeting with clients or having business lunches, err on the conservative side. It’s a sign of professional respect, and you can save the khakis for a time when you’ll be in the office all day. 2. Strive for Consistency If you wear tailored and conservative outfits Monday through Thursday, Friday isn’t the day to show up like you just rolled out of bed. No matter what industry you’re in, consistency goes a long way in establishing trust and credibility with all your internal and external contacts. 3. Ask First, Dress Later Show respect for both yourself and management by avoiding things like jeans, sneakers, hats and T-shirts. Some companies do take a more lenient approach to casual dressing, so be sure to check with your HR department or manager before showing up dressed for a barbecue. 4. Look Inside Your Closet Finally, you shouldn't have to run out and buy an entire new wardrobe just for business casual days. Chances are you already own many of the items you need. So now that you’ve figured out the rules and banished your suits to the back of the closet, here are a few ideas to bring you into the New Economy corporate culture. For Women: If your company's idea of casual isn't quite jeans and sweaters, pantsuits are the answer. Not only are they trendy, but they can be dressed up or down. Choose a dark neutral shade like black, navy, brown or gray and opt for pants with a bootleg cut. Pair them with a light sweater, and you'll be ready to go from your desk to a client meeting without a second thought. The most current dress style to own for work is a classic sheath, which is fitted to flatter the body's natural curves without being too tight or revealing. Pair it up with a cardigan or a blazer in the same fabric and color. Stock up on different tops to give your wardrobe a bit of versatility. Crisp, cotton shirts in white and hues like chambray and chartreuse instantly add a casual element to your dress pants or khakis. Cardigan twin sets are also an easy way to present a softer look while still looking professional. Jewelry, scarves and other accessories will add a polished touch to any outfit. Remember: Less is more. For Men: A sport coat instantly creates a pulled together look, especially in a business casual environment. It's also an ideal choice for client meetings or presentations. Pair up a black, navy blue or dark gray blazer with khakis or dark wool pants. In addition to traditional dress slacks, khakis, Dockers, corduroys, wool flannel and linen slacks are also appropriate for the office, either with or without a blazer. Just because it's casual day, it doesn't mean you can turn up in wrinkled pants. Be sure to iron them beforehand. Casual button-down oxford shirts are a great alternative to dress shirts, with or without a tie. Skip the loud prints like plaid, and opt for basic white, chambray or pinstripe. Shoes are an afterthought for many men, but unkempt footwear can ruin an otherwise polished look. Oxfords and loafers in brown or black are a good match for khakis or corduroys, but save the sneakers and hiking boots for the weekend. |
Dress code
At my job a "business casual" code of dress is implemented. However, the attorneys are required to keep a suit in their office just in case they might have to go to court. There are some, however that tend to dress as if they are going to the nightclub.
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TTT/advice
This is a very old thread, but this story relates well.
Summer Stylin' on the Job By Stacy Gilliam, BET.com Staff Writer Updated April 29, 2003 -- When temperatures rise, out come the toes and arms, and even some bellies and cleavage, ready to be kissed by the summer sun. Such exposure is fine for picnics, hot summer dates and favorite nightspots, but when it comes to the office some things are best left covered up. Picking appropriate summer threads for the office can be trying, particularly for women. You want to be stylish with sleeveless little wrap dresses, tank tops and high-heeled sandals. But business and career experts say you should keep in mind the culture of your work environment and the expectations of those you work for and with. You don't want to offend the "higher-ups" or your peers. More importantly, you want to keep your serious professional image intact, no matter how hot it is. Harriet Cole, author of "How to Be: Contemporary Etiquette for African Americans," suggests taking your dress cues from your boss and other higher-ups at your place of work. "Don't let the weather make you lose your mind," she says. " Be conscious about what you're doing." While today's fashion trends might dictate that wearing less is best, here's how not to cross that fine line between displaying hot style and a look that is "too hot to trot": Follow suit. Ask for a copy of your company's dress code policy. If there isn't one, ask someone your trust and whose taste and opinion you respect about appropriate wear. Look like you mean business. You want people to be impressed with your appearance, not put off or turned on by your attire. Save provocative clothing for evenings and weekends. If it's see-through sheer, clings in all the right places, or shows off a decorative belly button ring, it's not for working in. Keep cleavage out of the workplace. If you have to ask someone if you're displaying too much, you probably are. Low-cut tops and snug little shirts belong in the closet during working hours. Bare your toes. More companies are relaxing their footwear rules. If you choose to wear open-toe shoes on the job, make sure your feet are clean with trim nails and aren't ashy. Nail polish shouldn't be chipped. Try a professional look with your sandal not too strappy, heels not too high and definitely no flip flops. Layer, layer, layer. It's okay to sport a tasteful, sleeveless dress that shows off all the weight training you've been doing. But bring along a matching cardigan or scarf. Either will keep you comfortable inside an air-conditioned office. When you head outside to lunch, peel off your layers to stay cool. Check yourself on casual days. "Dress-down Fridays" are days employers allow you to loosen up, not let it ALL hang out. Here's what human resources expert, Tonya Brinkley, had to say about appropriate casual dress rules. Shorts: "Definitely not." Capris: "Dressier types, like a linen pair with wider legs, are suitable." Tattoos: "When possible, cover them up in the office." Bandanas: "Never appropriate." Short skirts and dresses: "Do the catholic school test," Brinkley says. "Stretch your arms out downward, and your skirt length should be no shorter than the tip of your middle finger." __________________________________________________ _______________ MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*. |
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I agree with the above quote, that you can dress in Ferragamo (sp?), etc., and fail to command respect. Whereas, you can dress in gap and be extremely impressive. I am thinking I need to buy new clothes for Leadership, though. Hmmm. |
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I've already got some of my Leadership stuff. :p |
Thanks for the tip, Steeltrap. I'll have to find a Talbots here in Northern California.
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