The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) recently caused a stir by introducing a stricter dress policy for female golfers. They stated that women should be dressed to present a professional image. But there was a backlash from many women. In fact professional golfer Paige Spiranac stated the policy is “another reason for women to feel ashamed of their bodies, and a reminder that to be respected, they must alter their behaviour because of outside perception.”
So what was this terribly restrictive policy? In short, it bans workout gear, plunging necklines, short shorts and short skirts.
Gosh. How awful. Who’d have thought a woman should present a professional image when doing their job? Me? I’m all for men wearing sleeveless T shirts to the office (all the better to show off hairy armpits) and flip flops (all the better to show off hairy toes).
Let’s get realistic. Both genders need to present a professional image in the workplace. It just depends on what that workplace is.
The Female Dress Code
I’m not sure about you, but I don’t want to be confronted by a woman’s cleavage whilst she cashes a cheque for me at the bank. I don’t want to see my waitress tripping round in bum-skimming shorts (guess Hooters isn’t for me). I’m not going to take the solicitor seriously if she totters around in stilettos and a micro skirt, and I don’t expect my son’s teacher to wear low cut tops that barely cover her modesty.
Does that mean I want women to feel ashamed of their body size or shape? Of course it damn well doesn’t.
But if people (men and women) want to be taken seriously in the workplace, they have to follow the right dress code for the area they work in.
In The Corporate World
As a boss, would you take a female staff member seriously if she gave an important presentation wearing jeans, trainers and a spaghetti strap top? Would you worry about body shaming her if you asked her to wear something smart and cover some flesh. I’d hope not.
In the corporate world, women have much more flexibility around their dress code than men. Men have to keep it safe with suit, shirt and tie. Women can mimic this approach with suits and blouses or can choose smart dresses and jackets.
Those who wish to look professional avoid flesh-revealing clothes such as miniskirts and low cut tops – they want to be remembered for their work, not their thighs or cleavage. They’ll also go choose subtle make up and nail varnish colours. The corporate world is not one in which to try to ooze sex appeal.
In The Customer Facing World
For many women in customer-facing jobs, dress code is dictated by the employer – a uniform is provided. And there aren’t many industries where low cut tops and short shorts are the norm. The simple objective of the uniform is to present a professional look which will enable the customer to take the staff member seriously.
Would you think twice if you needed to lodge a complaint with a female hotel receptionist dressed in a skimpy, short dress with long talon nails which hindered her ability to type out the details? However lovely her figure, it would just feel that she was biding her time at work, more focused on going out with friends later.
In The Tech World
Many tech based industries however buck the more formal female dress code trend. Then men wear casual, so the women can be casual too. Many of these companies don’t insist on suits and ties, and jeans, hoodies and T shirts are the norm. In Silicon Valley it’s said that you can even identify a man’s job based on his attire!
And what of the female dress code in the tech world? Of course casual is accepted but in reality, anything goes. Although an interview with a group of women in tech highlighted some interesting points – most were unclear about the best outfit to wear to work.
Look too traditional, and appear as though you’re not trying to integrate with the team. Look too feminine, and find your expertise being diminished.
All in all, the basic rule for women to follow if they want to get ahead in their career is to address appropriately to the place they work in. And if the rules are to limit the amount of flesh on display, then follow them. If that doesn’t suit, perhaps it’s time to fill in a job application for Hooters.
About the Author
Michelle has worked as a traditional and digital marketer for the past 8 years. Prior to that she had a varied career, firstly qualifying as a pharmacist, completing a PhD and working in the field of Quality Assurance. Then she upped sticks and moved to sunny Portugal, and worked in an operational role as Leisure Area Manager for a large resort company.
She was drawn to marketing and has never looked back. Her fine eye for detail, scientific background, experience of managing teams and dealing directly with customers has given her an unusual all-round view of the workplace. She shares her opinions on success in life and the workplace in her blogs for Sophisticated Savers. We hope you enjoy them!
