You wouldn’t recognize me seven years ago. My wardrobe consisted of silk blouses and unflattering slacks. My heels never stood higher than three inches. My hair game never passed the beginner’s bun stage. Unfortunately, this is the wardrobe of many a corporate workhorse.
Nowadays, I work my best in jeans, tees, and sneaks. My grey-to-blue ombré hair is a conversation-starter, not an HR issue. Still, I think back to my days in such a conservative workplace—trying to show how serious I was with every boring blazer—and wonder: When did having a lack of style determine talent or skill? What makes a black suit more professional than a purple one? Nothing.
There’s power in elevating your office attire. Let your workwear help distinguish your personality: You’re multi-dimensional, and so should be your outfit. Swap out simple fabrics for textured staples and design details. Feel free to explore colors and crazy prints.
Need a little more help in this department? To the left, next-level alternatives that say you mean business.
Oh, so office rules say you really can’t wear that, huh?
You’re not alone. We rounded up the most egregious corporate violations of self-expression. Ahead, five companies with some seriously strict dress codes.
Abercrombie & Fitch: The poor retail employees of the House of Prep must never wear skinny jean cuffs bigger than 1.25 inches. Denim shirts must be worn with the top three buttons undone and with the collar popped. Women’s sweater sleeves must be pulled below the wrist. The list goes on... [Buzzfeed]
UBS: The Swiss bank’s 43-page handbook includes some definite no-nos for the ladies, including no short skirts, black polish, or nail art. "Light makeup consisting of foundation, mascara, and discreet lipstick... will enhance your personality," apparently. And, men are discouraged from wearing bracelets and earrings. [WSJ]
Newsweek: Newsroom attire is typically pretty casual. Well, not for this IBT-owned publication, which prohibits its employees from wearing denim jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, open-toe sandals, sweat suits, and basically everything we wear at OC HQ. [NYMAG]
Disney theme parks: Though the empire has recently allowed employees to grow beards shorter than a quarter inch, tattoos, piercings, bleached or dyed hair, and neon nail polish is still a no-go. [IB TIMES]
US Congress: Who would think the rule-makers would be rule-breakers? In February 2013, House Speaker John Boehner had to give members of Congress a little reminder about dressing the part: Men must wear a jacket and tie. Both men and women are expected to wear suits. Overcoats and hats are prohibited. [
Nowadays, I work my best in jeans, tees, and sneaks. My grey-to-blue ombré hair is a conversation-starter, not an HR issue. Still, I think back to my days in such a conservative workplace—trying to show how serious I was with every boring blazer—and wonder: When did having a lack of style determine talent or skill? What makes a black suit more professional than a purple one? Nothing.
There’s power in elevating your office attire. Let your workwear help distinguish your personality: You’re multi-dimensional, and so should be your outfit. Swap out simple fabrics for textured staples and design details. Feel free to explore colors and crazy prints.
Need a little more help in this department? To the left, next-level alternatives that say you mean business.
Oh, so office rules say you really can’t wear that, huh?
You’re not alone. We rounded up the most egregious corporate violations of self-expression. Ahead, five companies with some seriously strict dress codes.
Abercrombie & Fitch: The poor retail employees of the House of Prep must never wear skinny jean cuffs bigger than 1.25 inches. Denim shirts must be worn with the top three buttons undone and with the collar popped. Women’s sweater sleeves must be pulled below the wrist. The list goes on... [Buzzfeed]
UBS: The Swiss bank’s 43-page handbook includes some definite no-nos for the ladies, including no short skirts, black polish, or nail art. "Light makeup consisting of foundation, mascara, and discreet lipstick... will enhance your personality," apparently. And, men are discouraged from wearing bracelets and earrings. [WSJ]
Newsweek: Newsroom attire is typically pretty casual. Well, not for this IBT-owned publication, which prohibits its employees from wearing denim jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, open-toe sandals, sweat suits, and basically everything we wear at OC HQ. [NYMAG]
Disney theme parks: Though the empire has recently allowed employees to grow beards shorter than a quarter inch, tattoos, piercings, bleached or dyed hair, and neon nail polish is still a no-go. [IB TIMES]
US Congress: Who would think the rule-makers would be rule-breakers? In February 2013, House Speaker John Boehner had to give members of Congress a little reminder about dressing the part: Men must wear a jacket and tie. Both men and women are expected to wear suits. Overcoats and hats are prohibited. [