https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:55:01 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277175 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 01:13:43 +0000 Sal 2277175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you put that well StagF and Jenava - that coaching or guidelines can be helpful to people wanting to progress or learn, but rules can be too prescriptive and discriminatory at times.</p> <p>Anchie - I too have some self imposed rules, more so in my voluntary work that in my paid work.</p> <p>I am lucky in our workplace it hasn't been needed - but I remember a very early job I had when I had to advise an office temp (who the client liked) that she had body odour and that she needed to address that as it was impacting on colleagues at close quarters.&nbsp; I was the temp consultant.&nbsp; It didn't go well - she resigned in offence, and the client was sad to lose someone they liked and respected.&nbsp; But it was too sensitive a topic to address and whilst I thought I handled it okay - but the result was not great.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277134 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 18:45:18 +0000 Jenava 2277134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stag, that's what I was sort of trying to get at, in a roundabout way. I think it's perfectly fine to coach dressing for a role (because, biases, impressions, etc. are powerful elements that anyone, cerebral or not, needs to understand to make their way in the world). I get a bit squidgy about mandating dress, personally, although I may be in the minority there. I am seriously curious what we think would happen if we didn't implement a dress code.</p> <p>And an aside; at my husband's work, they mandate a dress code/uniform for the "techs" but not the PMs or sales folks. The message sent to the techs was that they were not trusted to be able to dress presentably and therefore were "lesser than" the other office-based roles. So dress code can be a weapon, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277096 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 13:07:05 +0000 anchie 2277096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting conversation. I never worked in an office that had a dress code. My whole career I have been working for UN and it is tricky to establish dress code in a place where people come from all over the world and imposing western standards would not seem fair. But western style of outfits is the norm, and only sometimes on Fridays some would wear their national clothes even though there is no casual Friday as such here.<br /> Most of the people do dress professionally, especially male colleagues that usually wear shirts and dress pants or even suits, but I have also seen some very inappropriate outfits among younger females that look like they are dressed for going clubbing or to the beach instead of office.<br /> In absence of established dress code, I have my own rules. I could wear jeans to work if I want to, for example, but I chose not to. Same for the open toed shoes. But on the other hand my outfits are much more colorful than the norm and I stick out in the sea of black, navy and gray. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277081 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 08:11:26 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2277081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those “cerebral” folks are my people! </p> <p>You guys are describing another interesting nuance: when is dress code an HR issue, and when is sartorial advice part of mentoring? I see “dress code” as mandatory, and all advice as suggestion/up to the receiver to decide. </p> <p>As far as engineers ignoring their appearance, could it be that clients prefer the engineer looks that way, that they are signaling a focus on the work, and a single-mindedness that will be appreciated? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277077 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 05:44:04 +0000 Sal 2277077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Some of our engineers can be almost celebral.&nbsp; The one that turned up with two different shoes unknowingly, the one that has worn the same sweater every winter day for about five years.&nbsp; They mostly love the free shirts and jackets we provide - because it saves them money and time.</p> <p>I probably think if you have expectations they should be spelled out at the start (at interview time) and if they are unusually prescriptive then you should be providing a uniform.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277076 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 05:29:33 +0000 Jenava 2277076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get that the more cerebral among us tend to not realize when their physical presentation is making others, who don't know them well, uncomfortable (clients, for example, who need to trust them). In my somewhat limited experience, most women have been coached from a young age to be hyper aware of this, sadly. I've definitely seen the male version of inappropriate work attire. Too small or dirty is probably not something you'd think you need an HR policy about...and these are very well paid folks... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277063 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 00:13:21 +0000 Sal 2277063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is baggage I agree StagF and Jenava - same with school uniforms etc...&nbsp; That's the reason why I have steered away from all but the most basic one covering off health and safety and client meeting expectations.</p> <p>Things are changing - and we should be judging people on their work rather than their clothes....but we don't.&nbsp; How you dress is a part of you - and we are all making impressions all the time.&nbsp; So many nuances about the whole situation that do make it challenging.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277062 Sun, 14 Aug 2022 23:50:15 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2277062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenava, I absolutely agree! It starts in middle school, with girls being told that their changing bodies are indeed a problem, and that their learning is less important than boys’. I recall waiting in the school library once, while my mother brought something to cover a sundress that had been ok the previous year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277060 Sun, 14 Aug 2022 23:21:14 +0000 Jenava 2277060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The thing that makes me most uncomfortable about dress codes is when they mainly target women, specifically getting women to cover up parts of their bodies that hetero males are attracted to. </p> <p>For me, I try to be comfortable, physically and emotionally, with what I'm wearing, and I try to let the people around me be the same. There is so much nuance and baggage with what people wear. It makes me wonder why we have dress codes at all, and what we're afraid will happen if we got rid of them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277058 Sun, 14 Aug 2022 23:15:23 +0000 CarolS 2277058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you hit the nail on the head Sal -- and the reason dress codes just end up eliminating whole categories of clothing is that it's too hard to explain the nuances. </p> <p>Take "no denim" for example. Applies the same to an ill fitting pair of basic jeans as to a lovely denim shirt dress styled with dressy loafers and elevated accessories. Or a beautiful women's shorts suit being off limits because of a no-shorts policy -- even though the shorts are the same length that would be acceptable for a skirt.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2277046 Sun, 14 Aug 2022 21:51:26 +0000 Sal 2277046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - I think that's the key is to mix the more casual pieces with more elevated ones.</p> <p>Flat/strappy sandals are fine in our workplace&nbsp; - but I would wear them with trousers or a midi skirt, not with shorts (at work- outside work definitely).&nbsp; If I wore tailored shorts, I would wear loafers or dressier shoes.&nbsp; But it does make it a bit confusing to articulate!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2276992 Sun, 14 Aug 2022 15:28:12 +0000 Angie 2276992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sal</b>, I forgot to mention that I had my own rule - NEVER wear fashion sneakers at client appointments, unless I was at the NAS doing 23,000 steps a day.&nbsp;</p> <p>THAT has changed the last few years. I now wear very clean, crisp and polished fashion sneakers to client meetings if I need to. But always with a dressy outfit. Not jeans, IYKWIM.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world/page/2#post-2276875 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 20:23:32 +0000 Sal 2276875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is such a variance isn't there in what is allowed in a workplace.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>StagF- I wasn't offended, I just was putting some context on why conforming was important.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Donna - haha!!</p> <p>I agree that the ambiguity can be hard and that maybe a clear set of guidelines makes it better for people to know.&nbsp; Most workplaces are diverse and some things are not obvious.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276856 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 17:40:58 +0000 CarolS 2276856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They wouldn't fly in a business formal environment, but would be acceptable in any business casual environment I've worked in FWIW - and I've mostly worked in relatively stodgy industries related to insurance. I am in a pretty casual small city, too.</p> <p>The only pair I'd consider a bit iffy would be the white pair -- maybe a bit strappy. They would probably still be passable under the "letter of the law" in my workplace. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276852 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 17:23:04 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2276852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Carol, as a prof, I would’ve worn them all (except I wasn’t as dressy as the red ones in those days). But for a professional dress code, I’m less certain they’d all work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276849 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 16:09:37 +0000 CarolS 2276849@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>FWIW, Stag, both the red and the multi-coloured sandals would be perfectly acceptable in my workplace, anyway.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276848 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 16:07:26 +0000 kellygirl 2276848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been an interesting read! I can't really relate as my industry has a dress code related to safety. I have noticed that our new office hires (millennials and one get Z intern) definitely have a different understanding of our unwritten dress code. The Bay Area in general has a pretty relaxed casual style for work. I rarely see people dressed up - even DH who is in sales, looks like he's headed to the golf course most of the time--unless he's wearing jeans.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276844 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 15:50:10 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2276844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hope my earlier comment didn’t offend. Was not intended to. </p> <p>With changing attitudes towards leggings, a clarifying note sounds like a good idea. Good luck encapsulating the nuances of what’s ok &amp; what isn’t. </p> <p>I think sandals are tricky too. Of the three here, the only ones I think might be worn clubbing are the red ones, but I think they could be work-appropriate. The multi-colored ones, otoh, don’t seem to me like they are appropriate for work or the club. But what do I know—clubbing is not my thing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276841 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 15:01:09 +0000 DonnaF 2276841@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>DD’s BF (age 33/34) got reprimanded twice for wearing shorts to client meetings. In Chicago. Where he was born and raised and not in a barn. Where has he been all these years not to know you don’t do that. DD is in HR; forgot if she was appalled or ROFL. She took him shopping that weekend. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276794 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 03:24:54 +0000 Zaeobi 2276794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@cat2 Totally agree with <i> "Expecting folks to just understand the code when they come from a range of backgrounds really isn’t fair" </i> -<br /> Having worked &amp; volunteered in the UK, Brazil, Pakistan &amp; now Hong Kong, there's no way I could just *assume* that what I wore in one area would translate to another - I've seen many of the items in @Suntiger's 'obvious' no no list worn in these workplaces - &amp; have even worn some of them myself! (Leggings, trainers etc). </p> <p> If companies really want a strict dress code, they should build in 1-2 weeks of buffer time before writing up folk for any infractions - since, even *with* a written dress code, it usually takes at least that long to observe what others are *actually* wearing (i.e. the implicit subversions you can 'get away' with) &amp; then to have the time to buy accordingly. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276792 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 03:01:33 +0000 Zaeobi 2276792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting question - it's tempting to say that 'anything goes' but you're right that that isn't actually the case. It's just become a lot more implicit/ unspoken, which can make it that much harder for newbies trying to integrate because often people's disapproval can be subjective (based on generational guidelines etc). </p> <p>In fact, I remember at my last workplace, a new colleague asked me whether jeans were acceptable &amp; I genuinely didn't know how to respond - I've seen people wear lighter wash denim around the office, but I have no idea whether they had students that day (I suppose a similar distinction in other workplaces would be client-facing VS non client-facing days). I've never worn denim myself to the office - except for the one Saturday I came in to clear out my office, so I needed jeans for durability not teaching. </p> <p>That said though, I have seen the older American men in my office literally stroll in wearing gym shorts (I'm talking the typical grey sweatpants kind with the drawstring elasticated waistband), &amp; at least 2 of them hold coordinator/ senior roles. One of them I know keeps a suit hanging in his office just in case (though I usually see him in collared shirts on our meeting days). On the other hand, I had another American colleague who came in wearing a blazer on the first day, but then I never saw him wear one again after that </p> <p>But as a woman, I regularly wear sandals to work (usually May-October) whereas I don't see that on my male colleagues (except for one guy from Cali who favours flip flops ) I see women wearing sleeveless tops &amp; even shorts to the office (admin lady) but don't really see that on the men, hmm... </p> <p>I guess all of this is to say that our ideas of 'dress code' seem to be heavily influenced by our home culture (I never saw Japanese colleagues in denim, for example), gender, age &amp; planned activities for the day ('client' facing or 'backend' office work). That last one is the most practical consideration imo, but I feel it's always safer to err on the side of caution in very formal events (e.g. I just wore a blazer for a Zoom interview, &amp; said 'casual' colleagues will wear suits to conferences). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276784 Sat, 13 Aug 2022 00:32:15 +0000 Carla 2276784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Early in my career I loved visiting the regional office (I was in a small area office) because there was a woman’s professional wear store that had racks and racks of the most beautiful suits! &nbsp;I still remember a lovely steel blue herringbone Louben skirt suit and a greyish lilac suit from that shop. &nbsp;The lilac suit was my magic suit! &nbsp;Whenever I wore it,&nbsp;I got the job/promotion/funding! &nbsp;I even had a navy blue maternity suit, and would wear the jacket over maternity dresses. &nbsp;Trousers (with a jacket) was reserved for site visits when steel toes and hard hats were also required. &nbsp;</p> <p><div><br /></div><div>When the dress code became casual, I really struggled, and don’t feel that I dressed my best. &nbsp;I would have benefitted from having someone like Angie take me in hand &nbsp;</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276761 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 20:35:54 +0000 Sal 2276761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>And I do wonder if I should add to the dress code in our company handbook where it’s about health and safety - and a line about at times you will be asked to dress smartly when meeting clients. I can see that spelling out rules re leggings might help. Not sure- worthy of thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276759 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 20:33:33 +0000 Sal 2276759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lots of good comments here and I think we are all feeling the same way. </p> <p>I best get up and going with my day but a couple of quick comments.</p> <p>StagF - yes I was 25 and in my dream job at the time. There were these smart sharp intelligent stylish women and I wanted to fit in with them. I had very little money and was trying to dress to fit in. </p> <p>ChewyS - I think jackets are really key. I have a variety of tailored jackets that make me feel professional - over a dress skirt or even more casual pants. The good thing is they last well. I have only 3-4 really smart options that I wear for meetings and lunches and presentations. Many days I can be much more casual. I had to laugh when I handed over our company brochure to a client and I was wearing the same clothing as in the brochure- and I am also wearing the same in a company video….. Haha!!</p> <p>Thanks Angie and SlimCat - interesting to hear your observations from your work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276739 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 17:40:54 +0000 Anonymous 2276739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Years ago after I graduated college, my “helpful” aunt told me that she would never hire me at the bank because I wore dangle earrings and makeup. Of course, in my cheeky way I told her that it’s a good thing then that I am a social worker and not a banker </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276733 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 17:21:05 +0000 Angie 2276733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting,<b> Sal</b>! I'm nodding along with familiarity.&nbsp;</p> <p>Nodding along with <b>Slim Cat </b>too.</p> <p>I've had my style consulting biz for 16 years, and have seen a MAJOR swing in dress codes. Business formal is rare, but wearing suits with fashion sneakers is not. Business casual is very broad. Jackets are not a requirement. Dark uniform wash jeans are allowed, and so are dressy open toe shoes. White jeans are fine. Casual dresses are fine. Sheaths are not as popular. LOTS of dressy flats. LOTS of item dressy blouses and knitwear that do not need a jacket, but dressed up jewellery, are popular. Tees under a blazer are fine. Slogan tees are tricky, though.&nbsp;</p> <p>Tattoos and piercings are fine. All visible is not an issue. If that became an issue, most of Seattle would not have a job!&nbsp;</p> <p>Most people prefer to cover their arms, and not wear short skirts and dresses. Sleeveless is okay if the wearer is comfy with the style. Strappy tops and dresses are usually topped with a topper. Mini skirts are not worn.</p> <p>For my own work dress code, I err on the side of dressy - always. That is authentic! I am also a naturally modest dresser. I wear what makes my clients comfortable too. For example, I was working with a casual client who loves colours and the '70s yesterday. So I wore my '70s dress, a denim blazer with French cuffs, citron bag, polished fashion sneakers, and pearls. She much appreciated the outfit, and ordered the same bag to match her citron sneakers!&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276720 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 16:08:17 +0000 slim cat 2276720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Currently I'm seeing customers who are looking for professional clothes - but with a preference for lightweight jackets that can go anywhere and pants that not necessary traditional trousers. Since pandemic put a stop on some suiting needs ( like - no pants needed ) the offerings became less than before. The traditional suit from Theory is not for everyone and the Back to school ( or office ) collections have not arrived yet.&nbsp;<br />Dark jeans in skinny or bootcut/flare style, soft unstructured jackets, solid tops ( could be knit fabrics with interesting details ) in black, white or navy, blouses with less loud patterns seems to be the best.</p> <p>I like to blend my workwear and off duty clothes but it's easier in summer time ( more relaxed dress code, established formula ) and more challenging in fall/winter time. New hires are often wear "whatever" &nbsp;- jeans without the structured jacket ( including torn jeans with holes ), Birkenstocks, plaid jackets/shirts, denim jackets - all of those are specifically mentioned as a "no-no" in our employee hand book. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276719 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 16:00:25 +0000 Cardiff girl 2276719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think that there has been a general drift in all areas of life towards casual attire.Whilst l think that what people wear generally should be their own decision,l do think that it’s a shame when l look at photos of my family from years ago.All the women looked so glamorous and the men so dashing.,sandals and socks don’t quite emit the same vibe!</p> <p>Ihave &nbsp;never worked in a corporate environment .From my healthcare background ,always wearing a uniform,the rules &nbsp;of no jewellry etc were obviously &nbsp;health and safety not corporate image .Even so l have noticed a drift towards more casual attire even in hospitals some of which is driven by practicality.For example when l started work 20 odd years ago we wore formal trousers,tunics with various badges denoting our qualifications,name badge and flat but formal black shoes .Hair had to be off your collar .When l left l was wearing track suit bottoms,trainers ,polo shirt with title embroidered on and a lanyard clipped &nbsp;onto my pocket for I.D..My tutors would have had forty fits if we had had tattoos and they would have to be covered at all times but now not.<br />&nbsp; l do think that Office wear should avoid being overly tight and overly skimpy.Office is different to beach or off duty in my book .l can totally understand however how the pandemic has further casualised peoples attire paticularly if they do some working from home as well as going into the office. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276718 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:52:32 +0000 cat2 2276718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Over my career we went from business to business casual to just casual. Each time HR generated a dress code, so there was no confusion. No flip flops, distressed jeans or logo tees, etc., is the current code. Expecting folks to just understand the code when they come from a range of backgrounds really isn’t fair. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/professional-and-work-attire-in-a-changing-world#post-2276708 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:41:16 +0000 JAileen 2276708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back in the 80s I started my career at one of the big accounting firms. &nbsp;We were expected to wear skirt suits, blouses, stockings, and pumps. &nbsp;This was in Houston, and summers were torture. &nbsp;Anyway, we moved to Lake Tahoe and my wardrobe changed completely in the ski resort area. &nbsp;In my husband’s job, he interacted with professionals from another big accounting firm, and I met them periodically. &nbsp;I noticed what the women wore. &nbsp;It was not at all how I had dressed so many years before. &nbsp;Maybe it was because they had travelled out of town, but they wore black jackets and pants. &nbsp;No dresses, no skirts, no blouses, no color.&nbsp; </p>