Dressing up for the office is something that I like to do. Actually, I love dressing up for work. Not only do I get a kick out of it, but it makes me feel more professional.
So—you can just imagine my reaction when a co-worker saw me yesterday, looked at me and said “Hey. You’re all dressed with nowhere to go.” I was so stunned that I was at a loss for a comeback—and for me, that’s a tough one!
My Little Navy Dress, a strand of tiny pearls, navy pumps and a remark of being all dressed up nowhere to go. Really? Well……I went to the mail room and then to the ladies room and spent the rest of the time in my cubicile so I did have somewhere to go!
There’s something emotionally uplifting about choosing the outfit to be worn, coordinating separates, choosing shoes…. it’s a ritualistic for me.
It really is–getting my clothing ready. It’s as ritualistic as the nuns taking my classmates and me to church on the First Friday of the month to pray all afternoon.
When I was in my early twenties into my early thirties, I worked on Wall Street. Back then, in the mid-1970’s to early 1980’s, everyone dressed for work. It was what you did. You felt good entering an office building dressed for success. It was a matter of self-pride and self-respect—not to mention there was a strict corporate dress code that nobody cared to challenge.
It’s the strangest thing. I wore what she’s wearing. I had that same Coach bag and wish it would be reissued. But hey–we Yuppies loved our dress codes!
Even during the years when I was a stay-at-home mom I still dressed up a bit when I left the house. I’m not talking about dressing up to the nines nor am I saying I wore a little black dress to the grocery store. It’s just that I didn’t dress like a slob or that I didn’t care. about how I looked. I wanted to look nice….for me!
The funny thing is that I dress the same way now that I did when I was a stay-at-home mom. This is definitely a mom outfit!
After my first marriage broke up, I re-entered the work force. I worked at a local bank and there was a dress code—and the staff always dressed office-appropriate.
From the years I started working at that bank and onto other positions, with every job change came a less stringent dress code—to the point that where I’m now employed, the dress code seems to be null and void.
Welcome to my life. And I won’t get rid of the business professional clothing!
Welcome to the casual workplace.
Throw a blazer of it and you have instant office polish!
I don’t know what your thinking is but my train of thought is that we Americans have gone way too casual.
First…people started dressing like slobs at airports and even going so far as wearing pajama bottoms with flip flops to their destinations. That is an exercise in vulgarity—I always end up on long flights sitting across people with the most disgusting feet that are showcased for all to see….and sniff.
Snookie and Brittney Spears make slovenly bookends for the one in her pj’s at the airport. No wonder the airlines treat us like cattle.
Then it was noticeable during the winter when men were venturing outside in shorts to shovel snow. Not only that, but even at casual restaurants diners at times take things a bit too casually. My mother never allowed my brothers to wear baseball caps or any cap in the house
Compared to the average Joe, Jack Nicholson is wearing formal attire here!
Now it’s the normal to see men in department stores, grocery stores, restaurants and even church wearing baseball caps with their favorite teams or logos. You know—it’s kind of crude.
I don’t know what’s more offensive. The fact he’s wearing a cap indoors or the fact the cap is polyester!
Is this what turned the office environment into an “anything goes” as far as dressing is concerned? It’s just so weird. I knew parents who were so put off by children wearing uniforms to school that they tried to have uniforms banned—and they failed. Their reasoning was “it stifles my child’s creativity”. Screw that–give your child a box of crayons and paper and let them get creative by drawing. And when they get older, they can express themselves with clothing after school! I tell you, I’m the biggest proponent of uniforms because it sets the tone for professional dressing…when need be!
A “Jeans Friday” look. But with a blazer thrown over it…………for polish!!
At the office where I work we have “Jeans Friday”—and it’s somewhat of a mystery to me because on Monday through Friday many co-workers wear jeans. And leggings. And what appears to be workout pants.
And don’t get me started on workout clothing and activewear at work!
And so, I’m the odd ball out with my carefully thought-out ensembles. Oh yes. I will take advantage of the casualness of work but when I do, I make sure it’s a polished version of casual.
Yo! I said put a blazer over it…………………..for polish!! And a scarf too…
…and perhaps metallic heels to finish the look!
Too casual with dressing means a too-casual demeanor and in the workplace, I don’t think it’s a good thing to be too casual. Dressing in a more professional manner helps me to work better and give off a better impression.
And in this work-from-home day, you can be a total slob, But when you are going to the office, it wouldn’t hurt to just dress up a bit and not arrive as though you just rolled out of bed.
…yeah…that’s about right!
If I seem snobby, I certainly don’t mean to be. Look. The job I have now is, most likely, the lowest-paying job I’ve ever had so I’m not rushing to the mall every payday to buy new clothing. In fact, it’s just the opposite. My closet is my boutique and there are a lot of clothes from over the years that I wear on repeat. I can bet good money that most of my outfits cost less than the leggings, sweaters, workout pants and jeans that many workers throughout the country are wearing. It isn’t a matter of snobbishness for me.
I wore this today. J. Crew Pixie pants that are about seven years old. A J. Crew Blazer I got on sale for $29.99 about five years ago, a Gap Tee that was around five bucks on clearance. See the photo of the shoes. They are so old that they are falling apart. But I love them. My closet is my boutique!
Trust me, when I’m home, and not expecting any guests, I dress like a total pig!
My sentiments exactly. When I’m at work, and out and about I make an effort. When home–it’s piggly wiggly time!
Rather, it’s a matter of professionalism. And self-respect and just wanting to have a nice appearance. Is this train of thought old-school? It is a Baby Boomer thing? Is it a pro-aging thing?
On Monday I went all yellow and blue..and Chippy licked my fake tanned legs..
On Tuesday I went with Blue and Yellow. As you can see, I don’t stray too far from my comfort zone!
And Wednesday’s outfit which was cause for comment…
I also wore this cute coat all week…so far..Monday through Thursday. Tomorrow I wear jeans!
What say you? Am I the only one who is “All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go”? What are your views? Do you work at home? Do you commute to an office every day? I’m very curious about this because I was almost offended by that remark made to me.
Another favorite work outfit! I love metallic heels!
Seriously. What’re your views on dressing. Are we too casual? Is office casual the new normal? What do we do with our good clothes? XOXOXOXO