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Alison Rayner There's nothing that frustrates me more than out of date dress codes. It seems like a feeble attempt to hold on to the past. For example, when I worked in sales at a hotel, peep toe shoes were held in the same regard as showing up in your pjyamas! I believe that if you're working hard & well and are good at your job, why do organizations need archaic dress codes to try to keep their people in line? Especially in a fashion-forward office.

100 weeks ago from Dress Code Personal Style

Rebecca Thorman: It's interesting that even places that don't have dress codes, still have unwritten dress codes. Like in my office, it's almost weird if you dress ...MoreIt's interesting that even places that don't have dress codes, still have unwritten dress codes. Like in my office, it's almost weird if you dress up above a jeans level. I do anyway, because I like to, but I think there's always a code, and rarely is it a perfect fit for the employee.
100 weeks ago
Vanessa Alvarado: I agree- less time an energy should be expended on the dress code so it can go to other areas of productively. Luckily my work realizes this and ...MoreI agree- less time an energy should be expended on the dress code so it can go to other areas of productively. Luckily my work realizes this and we don't have a very strict dress code.
100 weeks ago
Wilson Usman: Agree that's just stupid, but I think it will all start to change. If you read linchpin by seth godin you will see why. You sound like an artist ...MoreAgree that's just stupid, but I think it will all start to change. If you read linchpin by seth godin you will see why. You sound like an artist in your job not a cog, that's a good thing dont worry.
100 weeks ago
Sarah: I totally agree that most dress codes are totally archaic. At the same time, unfortunately, I think you just can’t trust some people to make the ...MoreI totally agree that most dress codes are totally archaic. At the same time, unfortunately, I think you just can’t trust some people to make the right decision when it comes to dressing themselves before leaving their house. In corporate cube farms, I think it’s probably a necessary evil, but if you’re in an office that touts itself as anything-forward, it’s time for an update! Besides, are we supposed to assume the turtleneck/stretchy pants combo looks more professional or put together than jeans and a sweater? In all seriousness though, in a time when employers are struggling to find ways to give to their employees, maybe you could suggest putting together an updated dress code proposal with a team in an effort to help boost employee morale? Sounds dumb, but it could be a good “spin!”
100 weeks ago
Neeraj Bhushan: Hope the bosses also follow the dress codes a la employees.
100 weeks ago
paulmacp: I have to disagree to a point with your negativism about dress code especially with your example, the Hotel Industry. A dress code sometimes goes ...MoreI have to disagree to a point with your negativism about dress code especially with your example, the Hotel Industry. A dress code sometimes goes deeper than you may think and the fact is someone maybe actually thinking about it a great deal.

The Hotel you worked at is a Brand. And to managements perspective controlling how every employee is perceived (dress code effects customer perception) is part of that Brand.

Some Brands are more hip than others. The "dated" or "archaic" dress code maybe deemed important to the proper display of that particular Hotels Brand. Which has far greater value to the organization than if you do a good job as an individual or not.

Doing a good job is table stakes really. If you don't do a good job you’re gone, do a good job but tarnish the Brand while doing it, you’re gone to.
100 weeks ago
Sarah: Oooh, good point, Paul! I agree that hotels and restaurants are two examples of where the brand image is more important. But if you're sitting in ...MoreOooh, good point, Paul! I agree that hotels and restaurants are two examples of where the brand image is more important. But if you're sitting in a cube all day away from clients and expected to be creative or particularly forward-thinking, I'm sticking to my anti-pantyhose guns! ;)
100 weeks ago
paulmacp: If you are not customer facing, I don't agree with a dress code in any form.
99 weeks ago
: My organisation has gone as far as to announce the only concession made on our official "casual" days is that you're allowed to wear jeans. Why ...MoreMy organisation has gone as far as to announce the only concession made on our official "casual" days is that you're allowed to wear jeans. Why bother? And why move backwards? "Business" attire just generally looks terribly out of place on a large number of the people who are forced to wear it, and it just isn't comfortable.

I can understand places like restaurants and hotels who are entirely customer facing having a uniform for branding purposes (it also makes it easier to identify staff when you need them). I also understand clothing outlets which encourage employees to wear their particular brand of clothing (if you wouldn't wear it, why sell it?). But for "back office" work there's really no excuse for such things. And in the places where there is an excuse, at least make sure there's something to suit everyone (and not "one size fits all" aka "one size fits nobody".
99 weeks ago
: Eeep! Brazen ate my paragraphs!
99 weeks ago
Alison Rayner: paulmacp, I do agree with your point that dress codes are a way to communicate brand to the clients/patrons. I definitely agreed with dressing to ...Morepaulmacp, I do agree with your point that dress codes are a way to communicate brand to the clients/patrons. I definitely agreed with dressing to impress for clients. I found that the people in charge of setting the dress code applied their own experiences, beliefs, and prejudices to evaluating what was appropriate & what wasn't. I'm sure that's ok in some situations, but in mine it was a downer.

Fashion is difficult for any one person to police or set up guidelines on because style can be so personal & evoke such strong responses. For example, I wore a pair of black skinny pants with a shimmer, paired with a cute empire waisted jacket & pumps at a gala event full of people from the advertising industry. I received compliments on my outfit that night, but two weeks later I wore the same thing to a gala for the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise and a lady asked if I was pregnant. Two totally different reactions based on the impression my jacket made on two very different groups of people.
98 weeks ago
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