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Clothes Make the Employee

samantha t Avatarsamantha t
July 3, 2006


I think the wardrobe debate is an important one, especially to me as I hold my first “real” and professional job and notice that I don’t own a lot of clothes that are truly business-worthy—including shoes. I’m lucky because my office rules dictate a business casual atmosphere. So I don’t have to walk in everyday in a suit, and I couldn’t, as I don’t even own one. It seems to be common knowledge that after graduation we are all supposed to buy that one “boring suit” so that we have it for this precise situation, but I ignored the memo I guess.
I was just reading this article debate on how flip-flops might ruin the careers of women because it “conveys the mood that you are relaxed and on vacation,” in the workplace. Forgive me if reading that statement caused me to roll my eyes. I can’t wear flip-flops or sneakers either to work, although, actually, my supervisors distinguish between rubber soled flip-slops that are restricted, and all the rest as…acceptable?
I guess I respect the fact that there is a dress code. Yet secretly loathe it since not only do I have to go shopping with my first paycheck, I know that in jeans and a t-shirt I could do my work just as professionally. In truth, I feel like as long as employees are well groomed and wear clean clothing everyday, where is the problem?
There are studies, and apparently books, which “prove” certain clothes, portray certain images and this is transmitted to consumers, clients and customers. I bet if every company instituted a casual dress code, consumers, clients, and customers would not think us any less competent. I know, it’s a nice little fantasy; one I’ve been thinking about frequently as I bemoan the day I have to get boring professional clothes to wear to work. It’s all just so unnecessary yet so required.

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