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Most Recent Question
Dear Bridgette
I'm working for a new media company that's really casual. It's not uncommon for people to wear jeans or shorts and t-shirts. While it's great to have that option, I'd like to know how I can look more professional and still be comfortable.
Thanks,
Kate
Dear Kate,
While I support business casual dressing, I think it has many holes and flaws-- usually because the concept of dressing down for work has been left to the workers wearing the clothes instead of what is acceptable being clearly outlined and monitored by the company. It isn't enough for HR to say jeans are okay, they have to be clear about the type and quality of jeans that are acceptable, for example. You would think that, since we are mature adults (who can think rationally), nobody would wear to the office what they would wear to rake leaves on the weekend. However, I have seen this casual misstep too many times then I care to count. Unfortunately, it is often the ones who think that a ratty t-shirt or a pair of jeans with holes is acceptable casual work attire that spoils it for everyone else and, sadly, why some offices are reneging on the opportunity for their co-workers to wear casual clothing. People need clear guidelines and, more importantly, lessons on how to put an appropriate casual work outfit together. Nevertheless, I will jump off my soapbox now and stop using your question to complain about my issues and will, instead, answer it.
Here are some thoughts on how you can work with your situation:
I think you need to set your own standard that works within the zone of what is acceptable where you work, all the while feeling good about what you choose to wear. The truth is it would be pretty arrogant if you came in wearing a dressier pair of tailored pants especially if your boss is wearing a pair of shorts. It's not that his or her choice is right and yours is wrong, but it's called office politics, baby, and sometimes we just have to play. Let me also be clear: I am not encouraging you to pull out the shorts you wore to paint your bathroom last week or the three year old polo that has the small stain on it. I love a polished casual look when it is done right.
There is a saying: "If you can't beat them, join them." However, I believe that having a standard of how you decide to actually "join them" makes a big difference. Here is what I suggest:
- Treat your casual work clothes with the care that you would treat your more professional work clothes.
Even if they are jeans, designate them as work jeans and don't wear them casually (or wear them with care) on the weekend. If you don't like shorts, wear a casual skirt, like a cotton khaki skirt instead. If wearing a T-shirt feels okay for you, buy new, fresh ones-- don't dig one out from the bottom of your T-shirt drawer. This way, you still look like the rest of them but aren't lowering your own standards. Also, instead of wearing a t-shirt with jeans, try a more tailored top. I think a button down shirt with with a pair of jeans is a casual look that is a bit more professional looking.
- Accessorize
Jeans and a T-shirt, as a look for work, can fall flat and is a pretty casual look. However, jeans and a T-shirt that has been accessorized with a nice necklace or bracelet and/or a more elevated pair of shoes looks polished. This approach may help you fit in while helping you feel better about how you look.
- Fit
Probably the most important (yet the most overlooked) thing a person can do to look casually appropriate is to pay attention to how their casual clothes fit. We all know there is a huge spectrum of t-shirts, jeans, shorts and other casual clothes out there. A t-shirt can be oversized and ill-fitting, or it can be shaped and fitted. You can wear a lumpy, dumpy cardigan that looks like it went ten rounds with your cat, or it can be crisp and fresh looking. Casual does not mean sloppy and it doesn't have to mean so relaxed that you would want to curl up and take a nap while wearing these pieces. If uber-relaxed is what it means to some of your co-workers, then so be it--you don't have to comply. Simply because someone you work with thinks that the oversized office polar fleece is acceptable to wear when they get cold definitely does not mean that this should be the benchmark for appropriate casual attire. Again, it is about fitting in while maintaining a standard that feels right for you.
In time, you may actually be able to elevate the dress code of the work environment (if this is something that interests you) without anyone knowing you are even doing it. "Casualization" in the work place is often a slow yet very slippery slope. All it usually takes is one person pushing the envelope for it to take a wrong turn. I remember, years ago, I worked in an environment where business casual was required. We had to wear tailored pants, appropriate tops and jeans and sneakers weren't allowed. All it took for our workplace to go from business casual to straight up casual was for a co-worker deciding not to change out of their commuting sneakers and into their work shoes. Instead, this person decided to keep the sneakers on all day long. Within a week, three people decided that wearing sneakers was okay. Within two years, everyone was wearing jeans and t-shirts. My point of this story is that, if you think that the casual dress code can use some spicing up, start dressing in a way that represents the standard of what you think is appropriate casual attire for this particular work environment. You may find that people start following and it isn't long before others start doing the same, especially if they notice that it yields you a promotion or a raise at the same time.
Best to you,
Bridgette
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