We have a dress code at work, but...

[rdawson808]

Well, I just had my first week at my new job. We have a pretty standard dress code of suits/sportscoat w/tie, etc. That said: ugh.

Suits: lots of black. Little blue, no brown. There is a general academic look, though, for those who wear sportscoats.

Shoes: lots of black (again). Lots of square toes. Horrible.

There are a few around me who seems to completely ignore the dress code and wear a bowling shirt and trousers, or worse. I don't mind that they flaunt the dress code, I've never felt it adds to productivity or anything. But they just look sloppy. How about you buy a new shirt instead of wearing that same one from 10 years ago?

Actually the whole of DC seems to dress black on black and a little shabby. But when someone does take the time there are some nice looks. There was an african american guy on the metro the other day that looked sharp. Camel hair coat, various shades of brown. A jaunty cap. The only thing askew were his awful Stacey Adams shoes. A pair of brown monk-straps with some flash broguing would have been perfect.

Some of the women aren't much better to tell the truth. Of course, with a women's dress code it is harder to draw a line between what's appropriate and what's not (aside from the obvious miniskirts and such).

I'm doing my best to raise the bar. I'm adding blue suits to my few grey suits and various sportscoats. I'll have to add one or two new brown shoes. Full brogues are in order. And I need a couple new pocket squares.

Not much else to say.

b

 

[Nantucket Red]

But what does the dress code say?

No shirt, no shoes, no dice?

 

[Don Goldstein]

I have found that it is important to go with the flow when it comes with dressing at work. That is, dress like most of the other people. Don't over-dress and don't under-dress compared to most of the others. I have worked at places where the dress code is very strict and very formal. I have also worked at places where it is very informal. You have to quickly figure out how to fit in.

 

[lockey2k]

Dress well but try not too hard.

There is a guy at my office who dresses very well, but it comes across as trying too hard.

 

[Jovan]

Don: If that means dressing in black suits... you'll never, ever convince me to do that just because everyone else is.

 

[Hand Tailored]

Why do I get this feeling that if I left my black suit on an open hanger, you would all slice it into shreds? Do you hate them that bad? Why?




HT

 

[Jovan]

Black shoes, ties, etc. I don't really mind. But seeing a majority of someone's body clothed in it isn't very appealing when you can use far more interesting colours, especially when you have the freedom to. Be imaginative! If you want a dark suit, navy is an excellent choice and makes you look more approachable, IMHO. Black suits also usually smack of cheapness to most people here, even if it's a Brioni. This is because a lot of really inexpensive and badly made suits are black, and so is a lot of designer trash. Basically, use sparingly and with grace. For instance, going with a knitted silk or woven wool tie in black is a great change from all the solid satin black ties you see everywhere, usually for cheapness. With shoes, high grade leathers like calf or shell cordovan are best so they don't look like another cheap black shoe. Noticing a trend here with black's connotations?

EDIT: I just realized that last sentence could be taken badly, especially today. Rest assured, racism wasn't intended.

 

[sho'nuff]

there is a standard dress code at my work as well, a little flexible so you can see the personalities and character traits come through in their clothes.

i dont mind, but in the case of shoes, a director or a person of a higher status should wear nice , clean , polished shoes.

anything less (like a very dusty , punctured , unkempt shoes, etc) just brings down their authority slightly in my mind.

 

[rdawson808]

I'm fine with the dress code, in case there was confusion. I have no problem sticking to it. I'm just surprised some people seem to flaunt it so much. Especially after the boss gave everyone a "reminder" apparently.

As for the black suits. And black shoes. And black...whatever. It all just seems so severe. And as Jovan says, many of these black suits do look cheap. Black seems to show that off more.


b