Employers Clamping Down on "Office Casual" 

With today's fashions all at once baring so much, mixing dressy items with tattered denim, and finishing off the look with anything from drugstore flip-flops to stilettos, employers are working overtime to define workable guidelines for appropriate office attire.

First, let's get some things straight. The campy jeans and silk look is not new. What's new this time is that it's so mainstream, and that many of those who wear it for play are wondering why they can't just wear to work.

For some young folks, giving up these styles is tough. The article quotes one young saleswoman who says it's important for her to arrive on the job feeling "super cute" (with things lacy, sheer, and plunging) or she just feels blah. She rues memories of her father going to work in the same dull suit everyday.

Here at All Star Resume, we're really not too concerned about the rules of your particular workplace. What we're aiming for here is to help you understand that you're not necessarily naughty if you dare to bare, but that if you refuse to move toward some middle ground in your workplace attire, you may lose out in opportunities for advancement. So, if you'll pause a moment, in between working your curling iron and your mascara wand, here are a few things to think over so that your work apparel becomes an asset, and not a hindrance to getting ahead.

First, do you know that if your workplace doesn't have a written dress code, it most certainly has an unwritten code? If no one has pulled you over and told you to leave the low-slung tank tops at home, don't fool yourself into thinking you have carte blanche in workplace attire. In fact, in the absence of a dress code, bosses have a prime opportunity to see, unprodded, who takes the professional route and who doesn’t.

You can learn a lot about the unwritten dress code by noting the apparel of those in senior positions. What you'll see might range from formal suits to the sort of office casual that even includes some tastefully edgy stuff. Within that range of clothing, look for what you might like, and what would look good on you. What clothing conveys a sense of authority, creativity, and responsibility? In short, what kind of clothing reflects confidence and ability?

While you may feel great showing off your tan and your abs, remember that others might not want to see so much of you. Some may find it embarrassing or offensive. And among the rest, many will find it distracting. Your clothing is a powerful statement about the level of respect you feel others deserve. Bosses take note of this kind of thing.

Workplaces are full of people with different definitions of appropriateness. And though we agree, stretchy lace is more fun than khaki any day, we also know that building a smart foundation wardrobe feels really good, because dressing with professional panache helps reflect your talents and abilities, one of which is understanding the concept of mutual respect in the workplace. While we can't guarantee raises and promotions for dressing well, we can assure you that the annals of stalled careers are full of too-tight jeans, tank tops and other stuff that contributed to wardrobe and career malfunctions.

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