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Summer In The City… and what NOT to wear @ work!

Submitted by Stephanie on July 28, 2009 at 03:13 PM

Summer in the city…the season for vacationing bosses, happy hours, and summer Fridays. It is also the time of year when people tend to forget the office dress code and foray into questionable attire.

We’ve all been there. It’s 90 degrees and humid and you see that sundress calling your name from the closet. You ask yourself, “Can I get away with this today… my boss isn’t even in.” If you have to stop and ask yourself if it’s office appropriate, it isn’t.

I watched an episode of Mad Men (love it!) recently to which I really related. Joan (the redheaded office manager with the killer hourglass figure) had to confront Mr. Draper’s new secretary about her wardrobe. She marched over and in her most charming voice simply told her to cover up her “decolletage” because she had more to offer than that.

I have been an office manager for four years and part of my role is supervising two receptionists. I have been forced to have this same difficult conversation, but sadly couldn’t put it quite as succinctly as Joan. I had noticed the particular offender, whom is also a friend, wearing leggings one day. The next day she was in capris and flip flops. I wanted to scream, “This is an investment firm, not the beach!”

How could she wear that to work?

Instead, I pulled her into a conference room and reminded her how important her role is at our firm. She is the first face the investors see and the last voice they hear as they walk out the door wondering if they should trust us with their money. I told her it is time to step it up and act like the professional young woman that she really is—and the face of our firm. It was a tough conversation, made all the more difficult by our close friendship.

But she got it. And since that conversation, she has really stood out as the star employee that she is in her new sheath dresses and pumps. She is Mad Men worthy, 2009 style.

For more advice on what works and what doesn’t work in the wardrobe department FOR work, check out Yahoo’s recent article on what not to wear.

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Comments

#1. Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on July 29, 2009

I wholeheartedly agree! I’ve done some consulting in the past around subjects of image and proper dress, and it’s amazing how people seem to throw their accumulated knowledge out the window when the weather gets warmer.

I once had a Bank Vice-President refer to his teller line as “the Bowling Team” because that’s how they dressed. Summer weather brought a flood of string tank tops, midriff-baring tops, capris, and lots of other summer-worthy but not work-appropriate clothing.

My advice to them included dressing in layers (if you are going to wear a sleeveless top, bring a jacket or sweater with you - air conditioning!), making sure the length of your skirt was not TOO short (don’t depend on store displays to help you there), and wearing appropriate fabrics (love Irish linen, but the WRINKLES!).

I love sheath dresses for summer - and they make dressing easy. Add appropriate accessories and a low-heeled or flat shoe, and you’re ready to go with a minimum of fuss and bother.

Great advice!

#2. Posted by Stephanie on July 29, 2009

Thanks, DDaniels. I am glad someone else can empathize! Your dress really does make a difference in how the office appears, and I think also makes you feel more professional when you are dressed the part.

Your points about layering are great. We also ask people to have a jacket (or tie for the guys) at their desks in case an unexpected meeting turns up. It’s always best to be prepared.

#3. Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on August 13, 2009

I work in a software development company where the dress code is very relaxed, but I still dress to represent the company. The sheath dress has been a life-saver in the summer.