This seems to be becoming a prevalent discussion so I thought — why not take a look!
First Thoughts
For me this has a very clear answer, I prefer casual clothing. This is because most jobs, especially back office jobs I don’t see the point in being dressed up. There’s no face to face customer interaction so who are you dressing up for?
If that’s what you prefer then great.
Further Thoughts
Now if you work in a job that requires safety dress then sure there is a purpose to that. Also, to some extent a customer facing role — but I still believe we take it too far, after all some companies still require women to wear skirts and heals. If we relaxed the dress code a little, I think it would be better.
There would be no expectation of those who can’t afford it to have the ‘appropriate’ attire just because an arbitrary rule says they should. While those that still wanted to dress up, could.
When networking or meeting clients I will wear of pair of chinos, a plain t-shirt with an open shirt over it. I find this smart enough and more importantly I find it comfortable. For the first time in my life I am comfortable in my own skin doing business and this creates confidence. Which I think is far more important. After all the clothes I wear have no bearing on the ability to do my job.
When I Asked The Question
When I asked this question on social media I had varied responses. Some said they liked the way that dressing up made them feel and it made them confident. Other said they used to dress up because it was expected on them, but during lockdown obviously that had relaxed and now they really enjoyed the casual look. Some didn’t want to go back to the corporate look some did.
Round-up
In the end I think so long as there is the choice then it’s good. But I disagree with forcing someone to wear what they are not comfortable in. This is especially hard on women and we have seen stories of them forced to wear heels that had made their feet bleed. It should all be about choice.
What are your thoughts on this?
