Wearing flip flops to work, why not…
OK everyone, look in the mirror. Get up from your desk and head over to a mirror in the bathroom, full length preferably.
What are you wearing? A pant suit? Sweats? Khakis with a tie? Jeans and a t-shirt?
Whether you think it or not, everyone is watching you, and everyone else. What you wear to work reflects upon how people perceive you. At least that’s the findings of a “Fashion in the Workplace” survey conducted by an online job search company called TheLadders.com.
You can dress casual, but make sure it’s put together and hip. If you can pull that off without looking schlumpy then people will think you’re creative. But if you’re looking to climb the Corporate ladder then a suit might be your best option.
Here’s a sampling from the survey:
“Business casual attire is currently the standard dress code, and a trend that will continue to grow at the majority of U.S. companies, according to 65 percent of executives surveyed. Employees who are dressed casually are perceived to be creative (36 percent) and more fun (31 percent), yet run the risk of being taken less seriously (49 percent).
For the employees who like to suit up, dressing more traditionally - in business suits and skirts - has benefits. More than 70 percent of executives surveyed said that employees dressed in suits are perceived to be more senior level, while 60 percent say those in suits are taken more seriously. The downside of being buttoned-up is that employees wearing suits are seen as less creative (27 percent) and rigid (16 percent).”
And forget about the following dress faux pas — revealing clothing, flip-flops, jeans, sleeveless shirts, sneakers and visible tattoos.
BTW, I’m wearing a sophisticated brown cotton slack with a yellow shirt and brown button-down sweater over it, with a wedge-heeled brown penny loafer. I look quite presentable. But alas, working for myself, no one will see me but the FedEx guy.
What are you wearing?
September 20th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
Jeans and a green button-down; or as i like to say, “Executive Slacker.”
September 20th, 2006 at 2:45 pm
funny…
September 20th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
Interesting post, Eve. I’m dressed pretty casual today, but that is because I knew I’d be doing a lot of walking…khakis, a knit shirt, and loafers. I’ve noticed that my current work wardrobe is much more business-like than my wardrobe at my previous job. I think it has to do with the environment that I work in. My current job is in a building full of suited-up lawyers - I always feel like a slacker in comparison, even when I’m in a blouse and pencil skirt. In my old job, if I’d worn the same outift, folks would have been asking me if I was going to a funeral or had a job interview.
September 23rd, 2006 at 10:59 am
Speaking for those of us with tattoos - I don’t see why it’s such a faux-pas if your tattoo shows. (Especially if it’s not in poor taste)
As for what I’m wearing? Jeans and a t-shirt because it’s Saturday, and I’m at home
Usually my outfit to work consists of some type of slacks and a button down shirt.
September 23rd, 2006 at 6:11 pm
I think we are more focused when we are more professionally dressed! It’s a mental thing. If our dress attire is more casual, then we are more laid back. Less focused.
September 24th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
Great advice in this column, Eve. And, I must say, I am impressed that you dress up in business attire while working at home. I’m curious to know why. Surely, it isn’t to impress the FedEx guy! My guess is that it puts you in the mood to hunker down and work. I’ve known people who work at home and boast about spending their days in their PJ’s. But doesn’t doing that encourage sloth? Since I’ve retired, I’ve worn mostly Bermuda shorts or jeans, even while slaving away at some paying project that I have landed. I am betting that if I put on dress slacks and a shirt and tie, my productivity would shoot up. (It sure needs to). What do you think?
September 25th, 2006 at 9:43 am
I really think there is something to pulling yourself together every morning. Eating a good breakfast and putting out a somewhat pulled together outfit. When I first started working from home i thought “how great. Now I can wear my pajamas to my desk. No one will know.” Well, I quickly realized that PJs and work don’t mix. I felt like I never really started my day, and I have to admit, it was really odd interviewing CEOs, or talking to editors with my teddy on. Even though I knew they couldn’t see me I felt like they could tell by my voice that I was wearing skimpy sleepwear. It was hard to ask those hard hitting questions with fluffy slippers on.
And no, there’s nothing wrong with tasteful tatoos showing. I have no program with that. Given the success of Miami Ink, I think it might even help your credibility these days.
September 26th, 2006 at 5:31 pm
i hate business casual. as it is compromise.. i work in the investment world , and we have business casual.. collared shirts, no sneakers , n o jeans no hlater tops.. i almost like get dressed in a business suit ,as at least i do not have to worry about what to wear . i know it is shirt tie and jacket. i woudl rather no dress code where i can roll out of bed throw on jeans and a t shirt and worry about being creative and making money . business casual takes the worst of both worls .
October 10th, 2006 at 1:18 pm
I love this subject. I’ve always been fascinated by what people choose to wear to work and what it says about them. (I cover fashion). Eve, it sounds like you are getting more dressed up for working at home than some reporters who are facing the public every day. Sports reporters, I’m told, are notorious for wearing shorts to the office. Maybe it’s a guy thing.
October 10th, 2006 at 2:03 pm
You’re so right Francine. I really focus on dressing up because if i didn’t I’d be wearing my PJs and fuzzy slippers and sleeping in instead of working.