The dress code itself I feel is pretty standard and as a rule I have no problem with it-- However, I am very frustrated because just 2 months ago I asked the Director of our organization if it was ok if I wore fitted, solid, dark, crew-neck tees to work during the summer. Today the room I am working in hit 86 degrees, I get dirty enough at work during the course of normal job duties that my medium wash denim looks grubby after one day, I am moderately chesty so I like crew necks since I have male interns from the college who are only a few years my junior, and because I handle artifacts most jewelry, buttons, zippers, and embellishments on the front of my top are a no-no. I am one of only two staff working in these conditions. In contrast, my winter work environment can swing from about 59 degrees to in the low 80s, so layers and wash-ability are important. I ordered 15 tops this year and kept 1 because of various work-related issues, so the tees were a last resort. If I had know it was coming and looked all spring and summer I might have been able to find more than the 3 tops I'm cycling through.
As far a velour jogging suits go, there isn't anything explicit in the dress code but were were given several staff members as examples -- all who mostly wear chambray shirts with kittens embroidered on them with loose cropped pants or thick 90s-style turtlenecks under embroidered fleece vests. Several of the older (but not necessarily more senior) staff members have worn t-shirts, sleeveless, conservative but still short skorts, and open toe shoes since implementation and haven't been spoken to, but I was told explicitly that my tees and winter stored-on-my-chair fleece were no longer appropriate. Another staff member wears tees and when I asked about it was told it was ok because she was wearing lace camis and jewelry with them and another staff member wears tees with beading, neither of which are options because of my job duties. There are certain items in the dress code that seem targeted at me and our younger staff, which makes me feel cruddy since I explicitly asked about dress code when starting the job and as a whole we dress very appropriately for a non-public position.
Below is the DRESS CODE:
To
ensure the professional appearance of the Museum staff and their comfort and
safety the following dress code is to be followed.
Dress Code Guidelines
Because all casual clothing is not
suitable for the office, these guidelines will help you determine what is
appropriate to wear to work. Clothing that works well for the beach, yard work,
dance clubs, exercise sessions, and sports contests may not be appropriate for
a professional, casual appearance at work.
Clothing that reveals too much cleavage,
your back, your chest, your stomach or your underwear is not appropriate for a
place of business. In the work
environment, clothing should be neat and tidy. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing
is unacceptable.
Employees should wear clothing that is
comfortable and practical for work, but not distracting or offensive to others.
Any clothing that has words, terms, or pictures that may be offensive to others
is unacceptable. Sports team, university, and fashion brand names on clothing
are generally acceptable.
Slacks & Pants
Slacks
that are similar to Dockers and other makers of cotton or synthetic material
pants, wool pants, flannel pants, dressy capris, and nice looking synthetic dress
pants are acceptable. Jeans are acceptable; however they should not be torn or
dirty. “Distressed” jeans may be inappropriate. Inappropriate slacks or pants include
sweatpants, exercise pants, Bermuda shorts, short shorts, shorts, bib overalls,
leggings, and any spandex or other form-fitting pants such as people wear for
biking.
Skirts & Dresses
Casual
dresses and skirts, and skirts that are split at or below the knee are
acceptable. Dress and skirt length should be at a length at which you can sit
comfortably in public. Short, tight skirts that ride halfway up the thigh are
inappropriate for work. Mini-skirts, skorts, sun dresses, beach dresses, and
spaghetti-strap dresses are inappropriate for the office.
Shirts & Tops
Casual
shirts, dress shirts, sweaters, tops, golf-type shirts, and turtlenecks are
acceptable attire for work. Most suit jackets or sport jackets are also
acceptable attire for the office, if they violate none of the listed
guidelines. Inappropriate attire for work includes; tank tops, midriff tops,
shirts with potentially offensive words, terms, logos, pictures, cartoons, or
slogans, halter-tops, spaghetti tops, tops with bare shoulders, sweatshirts,
and t-shirts unless worn under another blouse, shirt, jacket, or dress.
Shoes & Footwear
Conservative
athletic or walking shoes, loafers, clogs, sneakers, boots, flats, dress heels,
and leather deck-type shoes are acceptable for work. Thongs/ flip-flops,
slippers, and any shoe with an open toe are not acceptable. Closed toe/closed
heel shoes must be worn.
Make-up, Perfume & Cologne
Remember
that some employees are allergic to the chemicals in perfumes and makeup, so
wear these substances with restraint.
Conclusion
No dress code
can cover all contingencies so employees must exert a certain amount of
judgment in their choice of clothing to wear to work. If you experience
uncertainty about acceptable casual attire for work, please ask your supervisor.
If clothing fails to meet these standards, as determined
by the employee’s supervisor, the employee will be asked not to wear the
inappropriate item to work again. If the problem persists, the employee may be
sent home to change clothes and will receive a verbal warning. All other
policies about personal time use will apply. Progressive disciplinary action
will be applied if dress code violations continue.
