I understand that as the days get longer and we see more sunshine that people will naturally dress for warmer weather, so please let me take this opportunity to comment on appropriate summer attire for work.
a. You should not be wearing cotton pink shorts to work. Cotton shorts are acceptable when worn with a smart or collared shirt and if those shorts could pass as business casual.
b. You also should not wear anything through or with which any part of your undergarments is visible. Bra straps, thongs, etc. have no place at the office. If you insist on showing your lingerie off, please purchase something of quality as I have no desire to see your 4 year old, $8 bra struggling to do its job.
c. Flip flops are also not cool. I do not wish to be able to audibly track your journeys around the office via your footwear.
d. (for any season really) Leggings are not pants. Feel free to look like an idiot in the comfort and security of your own abode but certainly do not make anyone at work suffer through it.
e. A general sense of pride and care for what one looks like in a day would be appreciated. Yes, I understand that you may work in a position where you only interact with customers via telephone but I (your coworker) still have to look at you.
f. A general rule of thumb, if you wore it to a club, don't wear it to work. Shoes may be an exception in certain cases.
g. In the words of a very sensible male coworker, "this is not a farm in rural Saskatchewan, so please do not dress like it." Class may be too much to be asking for but simplicity and modesty are not.
h. I support wearing fun dresses, colourful shoes and fun hair accessories to work - moreover I live for having fun with what you wear.... I would much rather see more colour in the workplace than more skin. Dresses with leggings and/ or cardigans can be invaluable!
I. Lastly, please look in a mirror before you leave for work. I know it's early - I hate it too, but a quick peek at what you REALLY look like before you leave the house could work wonders. Consider how you would judge someone else in the office wearing exactly what you are wearing.
Other than that be creative yet classy, fun yet functional and workplace yet wow.
It is all possible, I do it everyday... In great shoes. (Today, a pair of black Spring stacked heels.)
