About a month ago, Amber wrote this post about workplace attire and it made me think more about what is and isn’t acceptable to wear to work.
I’ve been at my new job for almost 3 months now, and I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the dress code! For example, they other day one of the gals in advertising was wearing a halter-style sundress and another gal was wearing a short skirt. Also? Shirts without sleeves seem to be acceptable. Before I started I asked my boss what the dress code was and he said, “Business casual. So basically no jeans” (With the exception of “Jeans Day Friday”) But isn’t a short skirt and halter dress a little TOO casual? I can’t figure it out!
I would never wear a skirt that goes more than a couple inched above my knees and I’ve never worked at a place that allows sleeveless shirts or halter-dresses or spaghetti-straps. Maybe I’m an old fuddy-duddy, but they don’t seem appropriate.
Generally, I stick to knee-length shorts/capris and shirts with sleeves, no matter how hot it is outside. (The building is FREEZING with the AC on anyway) I wouldn’t wear sleeveless shirts because having the tattoos on my calf showing is already enough. As far as skirts and dresses go – I have no idea. I’m not brave enough to wear a skirt or dress to work. Reason 1: I don’t have any that are appropriate in my eyes and 2) I’m deathly afraid of having my dress being accidentally tucked into my underwear and flashing the entire office. (AKA “How NOT to Climb the Corporate Ladder”)
So yeah, I’m still at a loss for what to wear to work. It’s more formal than my last job, but not pant-suit formal or “You better cover up your tattoos or the clients will ditch us” formal (Thank Jeebus). Ugh. I have no idea. Someone help me wrap my brain around this one!
She Writes Words 
We wear sleeveless shirts all the time at my office – yet we are always pretty “dressed up” I wouldn’t wear a tank top and shorts, but I have some nice business-y tank tops and sleeveless shirts that I wear on a regular basis. I’m also a big fan of dresses. Last week I wore a super cute sundress to work – it was also sleeveless!
Sleeveless doesn’t bother me at all, but I definitely wouldn’t wear a short skirt or dress. Although, I have wore some cute business-y SHORTS to work before that were from Ricki’s!
I think as long as you look put-together and not hooker-ish, you’d be fine!
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That does seem pretty contradictory.
New boss is a woman, and she does wear some office-type dresses that end just above the knee with boots (even without stockings! in winter!)
I often wear nice sleeveless tops and tanks, but the office is freezing like yours so I usually have something warmer over the top. I also have some kneelength shorts/capris that I bust out in summer.
Also, I do wear the odd skirt / dress (or even dress under a top to look like a skirt) that comes in a little above the knee, with tights underneath. I’m pretty much in the office all day. so it’s alright.
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