Christopher V. Flett

When I’m doing presentations to large groups of women, the topic of ‘work dress’ comes up more often than not. I’ve even had discussions with female clients about how they can address ‘work attire’ with their female staff. It seems this is a sensitive issue so I thought it best to discuss it here. Women are sexualized in business. If you are attractive, you have more obstacles in place for you then if you are average. Women think that the ‘pretty ones’ have the advantage, but they actually have the disadvantage. People assume that attractive women can get ahead on their looks and thus haven’t had to pay their dues in business. My experience is that the more attractive a woman is, the harder she has to work to be considered competent. Having a number of negative stereotypes on television doesn’t hep the situation.

Women as a whole can do a great service for the rest of their gender by considering their work wear. Dressing sexy works well for strippers and escorts, not for professionals. I’m not suggesting that you go to Amish R’ Us for your clothing needs, but consider the message you are trying to put across. Do you want to be vixen or V.P.? The above picture proves the case. No one at work should be looking at your cleavage. It’s not something that your female co-workers are interested in. Your male co-workers won’t complain, but they will typecast you in your position within the team.

Rules:

1. Anything that you would wear out to a club is not appropriate for the workplace.
2. Anything you would wear on vacation is not appropriate for the workplace.
3. Anything a 16-year old would wear is not appropriate for the workplace.
4. Anything a stripper might wear is not appropriate for the workplace.
5. Anything that allows others to guess your underwear color or type is not appropriate for the workplace.
6. Anything that would make you sick to see your mother wear is not appropriate for the workplace.
7. Nipples, bum crack, thong, cleavage, or the like are not appropriate for the workplace.
8. Any piece of your wardrobe with the term ‘mini’ in it.
   

I’m not suggesting that burlap sacks become the new corporate uniform for women, but consider the bad stereotypes that are working against you. Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. When I give this advice to women, they say, “but I want to feel sexy”. The secret of the Alpha male is the sexiest thing about any woman is her confidence and professional competence. The picture above? If I was to ask you which one was a bar maid and which a lawyer, how would you choose?