The Great Dress Code Debate

By Brian Maynor

 

Dress codes have been propelled back into the spotlight for the last few weeks calling into question their effectiveness and necessity. Do people really need to be told how to dress?

Based on my experience with both employers and employees, I would have to say ‘yes, people absolutely need a guide on what to wear to work.’ For whatever it’s worth here is my two cents on dress codes, both pros and cons:

1.    Need. As I said, people need a guide when it comes to knowing what is expected of them to wear to work, especially younger employees. The number one complaint I hear from employers is that their employees are not representing the company in the way that is expected or appropriate.

The only way for a company to control and enforce its brand is by creating a dress code that embodies the visual goals and priorities. Employees are representatives of the companies they work for, so it is paramount that representation be in alignment with the overall vision and message. For example, would you feel comfortable investing your money with a bank whose employees wore shorts, flip-flops or ripped jeans and t-shirts? I certainly wouldn’t.

2.    Clarity. Dress codes cause problems when they are unclear, biased or even conflicting. And since it’s impossible to create or enforce a document that encompasses every possibility, companies often try to rely on generalizations that only create confusion because we all interpret things differently even with something as simple as: khakis, jeans, polo shirts or oxford shirts and casual shoes.

That is why dialog and regular enforcement is so important to establish and maintain a working dress code. Employers have to document and address appropriate and inappropriate examples as they happen for a dress code to be affective. If you don’t have the example right in front of you, or document it with a photograph you can’t effectively talk about it or use it as an example of what to do or not to do.

3.    Common Sense. While dress codes are intended to be the implementation of a specific visual plan for the office, both sides need to employ some common sense. While a dress code is not intended to relate to someone’s job performance, it can impact it, so there should be some consideration needs to be given.

If an employer wants a formal, traditional image with suiting, minimal personal accents and heels, chances are the employees are not going to be engaging in physical exertion like stocking a warehouse. Another area to employ common sense is knowing how to differentiate time in front of clients and time away from them. When you are not interacting with clients, say working in your office, use that time to ‘relax’ your look a little. For example change your shoes, remove pinching earrings or heavy bracelets, or loosen your tucked shirt a little.

4.    Flexibility. Like all rules, there are going to be challenges and a need for some exceptions. Namely physical or health issues that can be documented. These issues should be assessed and addressed on an individual basis, not tied into the general dress code, because that will just cause confusion and resentment. Plus there should be a protocol in place to handle these requests so it is not viewed as arbitrary or favoritism.

For example with the recent shoe incident, the code required women to wear a 2-4 inch heels. That’s quite a large range when it comes to heels. The Queen of England is 90 and still wears heels, but she has augmented them as need required. Now they are on the 2-inch side, and block heels to provide more stability and comfort. I guarantee your opinion of her would change if she were photographed in tennis shoes or flats because it’s not what you expect from her.

Whether or not a dress code impacts your ability to do your job is neither here nor there, because that’s never been the purpose behind them. Dress codes are a company’s way of controlling and enforcing their brand and visual expectations. When you accept a job, you are agreeing to adhere to and represent the brand of that employer. If it’s not something you’re comfortable with or willing to do, then you shouldn’t accept the position.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.