Help! Mexed missages...

Maya

I FINALLY got everything sorted for the new job, except the dress code. I asked about it and the response was really confusing. At first she said "business casual," then promptly followed it up by saying "we usually wear jeans." Then she said no one usually wears dresses unless giving a presentation.

I don't know how to interpret this. Does that mean I shouldn't wear dresses?

15 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from Beth

Anonymous

I think wearing dresses would be fine.

15 years ago

Rosie

Veteran

Sounds like this is coming from a non-dress-wearer. She probably just meant that it is a pretty informal office. Wearing what is comfortable yet smart to you will be just fine, and that might mean dresses.

15 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I think people have no clue what the dress codes actually mean. Business anything would not include jeans and dresses can go for anything from the beach to red carpet, so I say wear your dresses and look fab! It doesn't sound like there is a terribly rigid standard to me.

15 years ago

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

Remember that people interpret dress codes differently - a lot of people would class Angie's MOTG formulas as business casual - especially when jackets or shirts are worn.

I agree with Rosie that her comment about dresses is coming from a non-dress wearer. I think that your dresses with flats will be great, and more importantly you will be comfortable. If you are feeling too dressed up on your first day then you can dress down for your second.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Ok, phew, I'd be so disappointed if I couldn't wear my new frocks now that it's hitting the 90's...

I agree, people have no clue about dress codes. It makes it so hard to interpret. The only things she gave a definitive "no" to were bare midriffs and tattered or stained jeans. Not a very high standard...

I'll go with a casual frock and flat sandals tomorrow and see how it goes. It will be a little cooler on Friday so I might throw on some leggings and that should keep it form looking too dressy.

15 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

I think dresses are fine as long as they're somewhat casual. I think I recall this is a temporary job? So use your clothing to show you fit in with the culture and are approachable. I don't know the nature of your position, but dressy outfits could also give the impression you're not willing to crawl around in exhibits, unload art or work with school kids.

When you land the permanent position all bets are off!

15 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

In my experience, people tend to assume that dresses are uncomfortable. I think this is her way of saying "no pressure, jeans are cool here, no need to get swanked up." But since you prefer dresses, I think you're perfectly at liberty to apply this "anything goes" attitude to your own wardrobe choices. At least it gives you leeway to funk things up a little and bring your usual sass to the office!

15 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wear your frocks! Otherwise I'm withholding cupcakes again.

Wear smart casual and biz casual. You'll get a better sense of what to wear when you start working there. And remember that you ALWAYS have the choice to rise above the environmental dressing style norm.

So glad the job is sorted :0)

Now go show em what brilliant Maya is about.

15 years ago