What is in appropriate dress to you?

[susans]

We all have different tastes and shapes, what looks good on one person is a fashion nightmare on another.  What is your idea of inappropriate dress?

How short is short.
How low cut is low cut?
Is sleeveless wrong?
Are shorts a no no?

What are your thoughts...

[flyingfingers]

In my office, the guideline is skirts should be no shorter than 2 inches above the midpoint of the knee.  There's no guideline for low-cut tops, but I think there should be absolutely no cleavage showing.  Our policy allows for walking shorts but nothing sleeveless.  I should also add that this policy is not strictly enforced; it's pretty much at the discretion of the department director.    

[officeguru]

They just relaxed our dress code.... and personally - some staff already had to push the boundaries before, now it's just going to be a free for all with them.

We can now wear jeans any day of the week, as long as we are not dealing with 'customers' (external or interal from other facilities).  

No set rule about cleavage, but it shouldn't be showing.  But there are some women who make it known how much they have - even when it's not showing (they wear button up shirts that are 2 sizes too small for their double d's and wear a dark color bra under a light colored shirt)  Tacky Tacky Tacky in my opinion!!!

I wore a skirt one day that was about 2 1/2 inches above my knee... boss made a comment about it being 'real' short.  I was rather shocked and asked others about it... they didn't feel it was short either; but I haven't worn it again... mostly because it's a knit material and can be clingy - I gained some weight and felt it was too clingy for office attire.

They just did away with mandatory hosiery Mon-Thurs... and have said gauchos, capris are acceptable during the week as well (use to be Fridays only - during the summer months).  

It's going to be very interesting to see how far people push the boundaries now.  And even though I'd really (REALLY) like to wear jeans during the week... I feel that I should dress at the same level my boss does - and she won't be in jeans Mon-Thurs.   You dress for where you want to go (corporately) is the philosophy around here!!

[potofgold]

I think it often depends on what type of business you work in as to what is deemed acceptable/inappropriate.

I generally take the view that "short" is higher than resting at the top of the knee cap when standing (on the theory that once you sit down it generally rides up a fair bit)... which is probably about the 2.5" someone else mentioned.

Low cut - I don't like seeing this in the office, particularly when colleagues lean over each other's desk (even if they don't intend to "give you an eyeful") and think it's unprofessional.

Sleeveless - I never used to really agree with this, until I moved to an aircon office which seems to be extremely warm all the time.  I have now had to switch to sleeveless (generally with a high neck as that's my preference) but I work with my jacket on 95% of the time so most my colleagues aren't aware of this.  I'm not keen on this, but when you're working in a warm environment you need to feel comfortable.

Shorts - I really don't think these are appropriate for an office environment.  I don't actually remember seeing any of my colleagues wear shorts at any time (except for charity days where they pay a donation to wear specific items - eg jeans 4 genes).

I'm not sure office wear is about looking fashionable - it's more about what's appropriate to your line of work.  Looking good is more about shape/style than length/fashion and if someone wears clothes tailored to their shape then the "fashion aspect" is irrelevant.

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[bluefire21]

I work for a cater, and I am the only office employee besides the owner.  The kitchen wears pretty much what they want, but they do make sure they have jeans w/ no holes and shirts that do not have inappropriate things on them if they have to take a delivery.  The drivers wear jeans and T-shirts.  

I wear very office casual Monday through Thursday.  On Fridays, I'll usually wear tan colored jeans and a jeweled T-shirt (3/4 to full sleeve).  If we have a client meeting, then I'll wear a nice floor lenght skirt and fitted shirt.  If we're out getting Pharm reps, I'll wear a 3 piece suit as that is what they wear.  It's much easier to approach them if they think you're one of them.  If I have to work the kitchen, I'll wear a chef's coat.

Shoes are another matter, I love shoes, and as long as they're closed toed, anything goes.  I don't wear 5 inch heels any more as they just won't work in a kitchen.

Now in a more office like setting, I think out-right cleavage is just wrong.  If you want to show off your assests, and approprieate fitted top is just fine.  Now granted, I'm a big girl up top, and sometimes it's just impossible not to show some, but when you have to forgo a bra because it'll show, then you're shirts too low-cut.  I personally don't think of the girls as an asset in an office setting, but more of a distraction.  

As far as skirts and shorts go, I think they must not be shorter than 2 - 3 inches above the knee.  If you're not sure, then sit infron of the mirror.  Cross your legs, uncross and the recross on the other side (think Sharon Stone).  If you see anything at all that shouldn't be seen, then the skirts too short.  As far as shorts are concerned, I don't really approve of them in an office setting.  I do like skorts though.  They make them now so that they look like skirts all the way around.  You have the security of shorts w/ the cuteness of a skirt.  

And that's my..well more than 2 cents.


Ellen (who's wearing a chef's coat right now) in TX

[raindance]

Appropriateness of dress is dependent upon the age of the wearer, culture, religion and the industry in which they work.  

I would never wear shorts to work, not even tailored ones, because they would be most unbecoming.  My hemlines are either just below the knee or mid-calf.  Very occasionally, I have worn a garment that ends just a whisker above the knee.  I don't have sleeveless garments, and tend to wear long sleeves.  I can get away with long sleeves here in Britain even in hot weather, mostly because my hot weather clothes are linen or thin voiles. My necklines never go lower then a couple of inches below the collarbone.

Which all makes me sound rather prim.  

My aim is to look clean, tidy and neat, and present a professional image for my company and maybe look elegant somewhere along the way as well.  

Raindance

[countrigal]

In my office, we're in business casual except for Friday, when we can wear jeans.  And we just got out of our summer "non-nylon" days.  Since I'm in the south (US), it's hot and humid pretty much all summer, so dressing for cool is the only way to go.  Therefore, I wear skirts or slacks without nylons all summer.  I feel more 'professional' in them, but when you sweat, even in your office in the AC, you give up some things for comfort.  And since everyone, including bossie, follows this protocol, I've learned to accept it.  I also wear cap sleeves or sleeveless tops for the coolness factor.  But once October comes, I'm back to nylons (or stockings) and if I wear a sleeveless top I put a long sleeve (or 3/4 sleeve) top under it.

I tend not to wear short skirts - personal preference.  But hubby has talked me into getting some that are knee length (or just above) and I feel good in them.  Probably because he likes me in them.  For the most part my skirts are varied from just below the knee to floor length.

As for cleavage... I'm well endowed, so there is no getting around cleavage unless I wear a shirt buttoned up to the neck (think victorian era).  What I tend to do is wear shirts that are no lower than if I left a button-up shirt open for the top 2 buttons, which tends to be about 3 inches from the hollow in my throat/neck.  This looks like more cleavage when looking down from my angle, but when I look in the mirror, it is respectable and not showing any at all and if someone walks up to me at my desk, they may see a touch of cleavage but my 'girls' aren't out there for all to see.  My shirts are tailored appropriately, so aren't snug and showing everything off.  For me, bras are there to do a job and should not be an 'accessory', and therefore not seen at all, so the color is appropriate under my shirts and don't shine through, as well as designs not showing.  I personally think that a little cleavage (think just a hint) when faced head-on is not unprofessional, but if you are getting more looks at your chest than your eyes, then start re-thinking your top attire.  I am chesty but do not get stares and such at my chest, even with my name badge in that vacinity, so I'm comfortable with my attire.

I do feel you dress for the position you want, and accordingly I pick out ladies in positions of power in my company and try to emulate their style while sticking with what works for me.  Long hair is great, but to me it's more professional to wear it up in some way.  Most of the ladies I see in higher positions with long hair wear their's up, so this adds to my thoughts.  I think the overall impression one gives should be of polished and put-together.  Not stylish, funk, sexy, or whatever some of these younger folks are thinking when dressing for the office.  There's a time and place for various styles, but the toned-down groomed look is best for an office, IMHO.

But that's my thoughts...

CountriGal
Peer Moderator

[diamondlady]

We have a business casual office as well, and I agree that others do push the envelope to the extreme and I draw the lines at black jeans are OK during the week, NOT!  Anyway, that's just me.  We're also allowed to wear blue jeans on Friday's and basically anything goes on Friday.

I like the way CG worded things, and can relate to her issue as well, being um well endowed I guess is the best way to put it.  I agree fully with the bra statement.  It should NOT be seen.  I don't agree with the clevage, and of course this is a personal preference for a couple of reasons.  Number one and foremost, I know the guys in this office, and they would look!  A little too much for my comfort.  I know silly but just the way they are, harmless yes, but I will keep this issue a non-confrontational issue for them and therefore, no problems.  Second, a personal preference for me because I had thyroid surgery a quite a few years ago that left a scar on my neck, it's rather large, but very visible with my light skin.  I have no pigment in some areas and that just enhances the scar even more.  I wore a v-neck t-shirt this summer and I have been here for 9 years, and someone just noticed that I had the scar and had to explain what it was.  So, a bit too much information to divulge to every new employee. But, that's just me and add the size issue, it's just too much to deal with.

But I don't wear skirts as a rule due to the dress code.  I can if I wanted to and did for many years here, but since they changed to casual attire and I wear pants most of the time.  I usually live in polo's in the summer months, and occasionally a sleevless shirt in the July temps due to extreme temperatures here in Upstate, NY.  So, aside from that I have to be extremely careful with my skin condition and no pigment, I burn very easily, and I try very hard not to get sunburned, and watch my exposure time.  We have a pool, and I try to use the highest number of SPF suntan lotion I can find.  Otherwise, off topic a bit, very casual, very conservative attire.  Today it's upper 50's temps and sunny, and I have a long sleeve fleece top that looks like two piece and a pair of black pants, very professional, clean and neat looking, not wrinkled.  That's basically it, for the Summer I lighten up the t-shirts, polo's and dressy shell tops.

Diamondlady
Peer Moderator

Edited by diamondlady on 10/10/06 06:56 PM.

[officeguru]

Diamond...  I can relate to you regarding explaining scars.  I had open heart surgery twice as a child - so I have a significant scar.  I grew up with it...it's part of me - never gave it a second thought.... until at age 16 a boy my age asked if I was ever going to have plastic surgery to cover it up.  I like to think that he didn't mean to be so hurtful... but I became extremely conscious of others seeing it.  Most shirts show the top of the scar (it goes to just about 2 inches above my navel) and I do get asked about the scar and typically don't mind telling them.  However... most everyone wants me to elaborate since I had the surgeries in the mid-late 70s.  I just make it as short and sweet as possible and always be sure to add that medical advancements are happening all the time.  My neice was born with the same defect and when she has it repaired next Spring, they will be able to do without performing open heart surgery - she won't have a 'zipper' scar like Auntie, but I told her that's okay - we'll still 'match' on the inside!  

Edited by officeguru on 11/10/06 04:32 PM.

[catsmeat]

Given my line of work (in a cathedral) I have to cover up!  No deep-cut necklines or short skirts - not that I'd wear the latter anyhow, as it would just scare people :-)  Trousers are absolutely fine, and I do wear them a lot.  

[gee4]

Haven't replied to this one until now.

My personal view is, if it's revealing anything that shouldn't be revealed then don't wear it to work.  Low necklines and short hemlines should be kept for the weekends or social functions - it is too distracting and let's face it, men are easily distracted at the best of times!!

[iqps210510]

I am just coming to terms with a new scar.  I had an accident when I was out sailing the Sunday before last and hit my head on a winch, as a result I now have a large inverted V-shaped scar towards the top of my forehead.  No doubt it will become less obvious as time passes, and my fringe mostly covers it.

With my permission my boss told my colleagues what had happened to me and today, my first day back at work, I have had an endless stream of visitors to see how I am getting on and to check out the scar.  

So it has rapidly become an item of interest and not embarassment and everyone here knows the story, as do most of the members of the sailing club I belong to, and quite a few other people who know our boat who heard my partner call the Coastguard for assistance.  It has made things a lot easier for me.

[jesseastling]

I work in a very casual environment. There is no guideline on dress code except that flip flops are not allowed and you cannot wear anything that would be deemed offensive. Most of the time I wear either a long skirt and nice top or black slacks with a nice top. I only wear jeans on friday.

Too short to me would be anything above the knee. I have been 'blessed' with a large chest and would never wear something that clings or shows cleavage. Our building gets so hot in the summer that management has ok'd sleavess shirts, as long as they are not tank tops but the nice sleavess blouses.

[megsmom85]

We have a 'business casual' policy at our office (South-Side of Chicago), with every Friday being a 'jean' day.  We all tend to wear slacks, basic shirts/pullovers, and whatever shoes feel comfortable to the wearer.

It seems to work out well and as a rule, no one dresses out of line.