Work Dress Code

A very good point in the work-place and in the social life. Is their a difference?...it seems to us things changed and not just dress codes.

We do agree to be professional in your busines or work attaire. Most, have dress codes. And we would think that professional companies that supply uniforms or causual dress could at least listen to their employees and find a way to make them fit. And prepare A creative nice professional worker. Some do and some don't. Some uniforms are are VERY lousy. Who cares...if the companies themselves do not care and help the design of the uniforms! To be proud to wear them. It represents them as a company.

Who is at fault? The causual work dress can be very professional, if done properly with some TLC from the Companies. Most workers just give up. No leadership in the Company to help.

Well said. You can charge higher than market rate if yiou look (and act) like your worth it.

I absolutely agree with Mr. Trump.

I had many discussions in my old working place to try to rise the standard of the dress code.

I always looked, and was, professional, at work.

Lousy clothes, especially in a big and prestigious corporation, is a bad signal to your clients.

Even if I met someone of the company not dressed properly, outside of the company on a working day, I would not even say hello to him / her, not to be related to him / her in any way.

You can keep casual outfit out of the workplace.

In a business environment casual attire is unacceptable and very irritating.

It is bad image for you, for the company and a lack of respect towards others who work with you.

You always have to look professional, I even saw shorts one day at work, while I was in business attire.

I would fire them on the spot.

Thank you for pulling up this issue.

I agree that personal and professional images are important. It speaks volumes as to who you are and the company you represent. Some people take the liberty of dressing to please themselves, not caring about the effect it will have on others. However, I don't agree that certain positions in a company should be labeled by the clothes he or she wears. For instance, a Secretary should not be required to wear short skirts, with her (fake) bosom exposed, and high heels that cause her feet to swell at the end of the work day. I know that most men enjoy "eye candy" when they enter the reception area of a business, but give me a break! Some of these people take it to a level of what should be considered X-rated.

I agree that a professional image should be maintained at all times at work or work related activities. Even when attending galas or other social events where business colleagues, business leaders, and/or employees may attend, you are always on display.

But it is amazing when you find yourself dressed better than the leader....it defies all that we were taught about dressing for success.

Jessica Bond
Medical Careerist
http://jessicabond.blogspot.com

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

I work in the hotel industry. It seems that our operators cannot get their staff into a uniform. The interesting thing about this is that we measure this with a question on the customer service survey. "Had professional appearance." You know, even with the numbers staring them in the face, operators STILL don't put their feet down.

Dress is very important. In our guest's eyes, perception is reality. Dress like a tramp, well....

I continue to work on this. I wish they taught basic working skills in school. But then again, look how parents send their kids in.

Bill

I agree. Business has, in my opinion, gone too casual. How you portray yourself and your business to potential clients is the make or break factor. Dress for success.

Richard Lorenzen, CEO & Chief Strategist
IT Brandy (www.itbrandy.com)
Reputation Management | Media Relations | Marketing

I must say that business has gotten a lot less formal since the "get rich quick from home" surge. Lots of people expect wealth, no matter what they wear. An executive won't give the company he manages a good look in a meeting dressed in (dare I say it) flip-flops and shorts.

The dress code in most businesses have become lax over the years. Even though my current job doesn't require a suit and a tie, I wore a business suit when I applied for it. I guess it was the reason why out of a dozen applicants back then, only myself and another woman were hired (the rest of the applicants wore jeans, sneakers and athletic jerseys).

It's my opinion that every man or woman, business oriented or not, should own at least three suits (I own 20 and refresh my wardrobe every three months). You never know when you may have to go to a business meeting, a social or even a job interview. A man or a woman dressed professionally sends a signal to the rest of the world, and that is they are ready to conduct business. Business casual to me means loosening the tie or taking off the suit jacket.

Leave the flip-flops and sandals for the backyard and the beach. Have you ever tried to run in flip-flops? It's dangerous.

I agree too and specially on the high standard real state business, it is very important to be well dressed to gain the investor confidence.

I am Luiz Martins from G1Brazil Real State (www.g1brazil.com)

I have to disagree to a certain point with this one. Yes its true you should not come to work dressed like a wrinkled sack, but at the same time I feel if your comfortable then you work harder and produce more throughout the day. Wearing a nice pair of slacks and dress shirt should be good enough, because nobody wants to walk around in a hot suit thats tight all day or have to wear a tie. I can see if your in a meeting, but just working around the office relax and get the work done and quit worrying about what someone has on. I'm in the military and have to deal with the same stuff all the time, people who have nothing better to do in a combat zone but worry about the way your uniform fits and whether or not its good and creased. Have a perfect image but at the same time be relaxed and much more will be accomplished.

OOps! I wore flip flops in New York City. I wore hand painted running shoes a few times too.
The running shoes were admired by a lot of people. Some even asked, "Are you an artist?"
The same shoes were photographed at LaGuardia Airport by a curious group of tourists visiting from China. They were fasinated by them.

So if I want to look professional, I had better stay away from the flip flop shoe rack when I go shopping next time. Too many of them are unoriginal and cheap knockoffs. Not a good image for a professional artist and craftswoman. Thank you for the tip!

In my case, I have to disagree. I work in the federal government and all too often I feel the pressures of maintaining a certain image of professionalism; however, i must argue that I can do just as well a job in blue jeans and a dress shirt in contrast to the suit and tie that is worn by my counterparts. While I do not completly object to dressing up, I encourage my staff to dress down as long as it is appropriate for what we do. Why worry so much about how we dress when there are more important issues of performing our job. My staff does a great job at serving the publics interest and when dressing up (or to go a step further, "keeping up with the Jones", as my father would often say, interferes with performance, I would rather have my staff peform a great service rather than trying to maintain a "fashion" image. Isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder?

I actually agree AND disagree. I currently work in the hotel industry also. I find that the uniforms don't usually flatter the individual, making them look dumpy, and in essence sloppy. Or they are impractical. At a previous hotel I had to manage about six flights of stairs several times a day while showing guests around our multi level dining room. They expected me to wear a pencil skirt of the oddest proportions that would trip me every time(I had to switch to nurses shoes just to keep from breaking my neck and being able to catch myself!) I currently work outside, in the florida heat and while I'm still lookig for te perfect make up that won't melt off or the best gel to keep my hair straight, they have yet to make any that could withstand eight hours of it. And don't get me started about the wind and rain! I do try to keep an eye out when I pass a mirror, but I know my awsome service outshines my messy hairdo. If a business is worried they should pony up for the dry cleaning, and tailoring. At least then they won't notice the mussed up mascara as much.

SIMPLE

HOW DID YOU DRESS FOR THE INTERVIEW?
DID YOU GET THE JOB?
IF SO, DRESS EVERYDAY AS IF IT WAS YOUR FIRST INTERVIEW.


THANKS FOR LISTENING, TERESA L. SKINNER
VIRGINIA BEACH, V.A.

Common sense should dictate, among other things, the dress code at each specific company and for each specific position within that company. If you are an executive, in sales or some other position of that nature a business suit works fine. As for other positions a clean, neat appearance or perhaps a company uniform will suffice.
What disturbs me much more than dress codes are the absolute butchering of the spoken and written English language. If you want to give and outward appearance that says "I am qualified" learn proper grammar and how to speak this language. If you are writing, even in a blog response, please take the time to at least spell check as well as learn when to use then or than, your or you're, etc.
It is my experience that my outward appearance as a biker (earrings, tattoos) has never been a problem in either my construction business or my real estate investment career because once I open my mouth and speak I am proving I am knowledgeable about what I speak. Same goes for writing estimates, contracts and offers for purchase. Misspelled words and poor grammatical structure can very well make folks think you are a moron........ Even in a high priced Italian monkey suit.

Maybe someone can start a thread about that topic.

Brandon Buck

Thanks Brandon.

While working in Virginia (Fairfax), I found that there were too many pressures regarding dress, especially from the hard-headed seniors who insisted on maintaining the status quo. What I say, WHO CARES. The world is changing and evolving and if they insist on living in the past, so be it. I for one am all about progress and the intellectual contributions that the new up-incomers are bringing to the table. If you can’t hang with the dogs, then sit (and stay) on the porch.

This is an answer to Brandon Buck.

Good saying Brandon, but I seriously doubt that you would ever get hired by a financial corporation or similar.
I am happy for you, because it means there still is freedom in the States, even though I have seen people wrinkle their nose for much less than tattoos or such.
In some places you even have to worry what kind of music you are listening to these days. (I am taliking about rock obviously, my kind of music, not the new stuff, the 70's and 80's rock)

Yours looks like something from the past, and god knows how much I love that part of our country, but it seems pretty gone to me.
I use to have the same appearance you have, but people think you are a drug addict or something when you are that way, even though it is completely false.
Or they might even take you for a criminal.
I don't like that any more than you do.

But am I the only one who has realized that our country has changed? and for many things for the worst?
I don't feel there is so much freedom anymore, and I know a lot of bikers who think the same way.

May I ask you in what state do you live and how old are you?
Because I have been searching all around the country where there stil is a good sense for freedom, and some things that seem dated are still appreciated, or at least not hated.

I love the old american dream and places with flags outside and a true love for the nation, and freedom.
Values before money.
Not money before values.

I went back to my old neighboorhood, and it looked like a chemical bomb exploded.
Such silence....so sad.
It wasn't like that in the 80's.

For the person who replied to you, (I assume he is a young man), please don't go from one extreme to the other, all the world has a business attire depending on the job.

I am sure construction is good with your look Brandon, but would it be in finance in a glass building in Manhattan? I don't think so.
Doubt you even would like to go there.

Bikers belong to freedom, and that's where it all started from.
Let's put the right things in the right contest.

In response to member 1841706,

You are correct in your assumption that I would not be hired by a financial institution. But understand that it's because I don't want to be. A haircut, removing earrings and a proper suit would be sufficient to secure that job. Entry level of course as I would need some training in the feild.

As music goes I concur. I grew up in a small east Texas town that to this day does not have a rock station and the population is above 80,000. I listened to 70s & 80s rock in the 70s & 80s. Now it is a new century with great new music and I am very much a fan of it all.

I must admit, I do look quite like something from the past but I am a very forward thinker. As far as people thinking I look like a junkie or a criminal I have no way of knowing because I'm not a mind reader. It has been my experience that people think of you what you lead them to from your actions and words. In as much as what those who don't know me think.... I couldn't care less, it's their loss.

To say that things are getting worse in our country might be too general a statement. I agree that some things are but as a whole I see a country growing and maturing. I'm sure you will agree that as we grow and mature we make mistakes and must learn from them. Not to insult you or your biker friends but I see those who dwell on the negative (in any situation) to be closed minded and unwilling to accept the challenges of progress.

I am in Shreveport, LA and am 40 years old. I left Tyler, TX to get away from those "dated" attitudes and have found this area to be full of opportunity and freedom. In my opinion the only dated ideals that should be carried on are that of honesty, integrity and respect.

I see flags quite a lot as I am out and about in this area and sense a general love for our country from most people I meet. About the American Dream... we should stop dreaming and start doing. As for your comment about money and values, I agree. Personally I have found that money is a by-product of values & education put to good use.

I hate that your old neighborhood has deteriorated but please don't let that fact tarnish your faith in this country. Many an area has rebounded due to hard work and caring. None have from sadness.

You are right, construction is good for me. My look doesn't dictate my success though. As for glass buildings in Manhatten... I've been there and loved the visit but to be confined to a job there would be a prison sentence.

Lastly, freedom belongs to all of us who are willing to see the good in change and prosper from it. No one can take my freedom unless I let them.

I hope that I have put things in the right context and that I haven't been to long winded in doing so.

Good luck to you,

Brandon Buck

But, don't you wonder where those kids parents were when the kids were learning how to dress? In my work with youth, I see them come to work outside in shorts and flip flops, in Michigan, in the winter. I'm talking 20 degrees! Our local school system has incorporated a collaboarative program with business leaders. Throughout high school, each youth has to compile and develop a work portfolio. Some teachers require "dress up days" and the kids are actually critiqued and graded on how professionally they present themselves and their work. Prior to graduation, each youth has an interview with a panel of local professional leaders. The youth presents his or her portfolio and explains why they have earned their diploma. They also have numerous requirements such as serving a specific number of volunteer hours in the community. The old African Proverb goes "It takes a village to raise a child"

Once again, you have identified an issue and summarized. To dress appropriately definitely means consideration of the culture, environment, and activity required. Personal taste should be applied with discretion.

Case and Point: Huey Lewis &The News
"I like my bands in business suits, I watch them on TV , I'm working out 'most everyday and watching what I eat , They tell me that it's good for me, but I don't even care ,I know that it's crazy I know that it's nowhere , But there is no denying that It's hip to be square"

Actually I wanted to ask if You could recomend any Ballrooms in NYC. I don't know what I need it for yet then I started thinking maybe the Ballroom iitself chooses. For example in those classic cartoons where the furniture is speaking to each other and then after a long break a simular thing happened in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.... I wish they had a nice big coffee table book like that, full of Ballrooms. I remember I used to have I nice one with Just Castles. Very Good read, mostly pictures though. They used to dress funny then, don't You think? Like that episode of Seinfeld with the Ruffled Shirt. I almost forgot this was titled Work Dress Code... I think You Dress according to the occasion always. And as You mentioned.... that anavoidable topic ....
discussed and explained here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_EFdod4YDo