Standards for workplace attire lax for recent college grads on clarkhoward.com

Younger employees have no clue how to dress in the workplace. With guys, it's sloppy clothing; with women, it's inappropriate clothing -- including short skirts, skimpy outfits and exposed tattoos.

Clark recently saw a Dear Abby column that was dedicated to an HR manager who needed to vent about this issue. Shortly after he saw that, The Orlando Sentinel/Newsday ran a photo gallery of outfits that were deemed too sexy for the job. Meanwhile, Clark was recently in Dallas at a hip gelato parlor. He was shocked by how white-collar women getting out of work were dressed. And he wasn't just being fuddy-duddy.

Pop darlings Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson have all had their own influence on today's lax dress standards for young women. The range of acceptable behavior and dress got muddied up.

Recent college graduates starting their first jobs should err on the side of conservative dress. If a workplace is more relaxed, you'll figure it out over time. Some employers have even been convinced by consultants to have fashion shows featuring mannequins sporting appropriate workplace clothing!

What others are saying

Company Dress Standards
I'm wondering if this isn't over-generalizing just a bit. I'm a 22-year-old college grad and I work for a public accounting firm as an auditor. Every person on my team has a college degree and nearly all of them are in their early to mid-twenties, and while they dress stylishly, there are no flashing body parts and no skin-tight bodysuits. I don't think problems with revealing work attire are necessarily due to my generation's ignorance as much as they are due to companies lowering their acceptable dress standards.
By Anne @ 08/04/08 09:49:48 PMreport abuse
Office Attire
I work in a commercial insurance office. Let me put it this way, if you were asking me to insure your $8,000,000 airplane, or your $25,000,000 shopping center or your fleet of commercial trucks, would you trust me if I dressed inappropriately? We dress in a very conservative manner - no jeans, t-shirts, inappropriately displayed body parts or wild clothing of any type, not on Friday, not any day. Dress professionally and you will act accordingly.
By Laura @ 07/19/08 10:35:45 PMreport abuse
Workplace Attire begins "at home"
As a teacher, I can tell you the problems we are seeing do not begin in high school or college. They appear in much younger children. Parents are not parenting, and are not monitoring their children. The children are calling the shots and coming to school half-naked. We (schools) have rules which the students and parents habitually ignore. When I send students to the office, the administration often does little...so what are we "teaching" them? I wonder what parents are teaching when young girls are allowed to hug and kiss each other in public at school and in other public places. What can we expect in the next few years in the workplace? Fortunately, I will retire from teaching soon, but hope not to retire from life....so it still affects me.

In addition, I do not appreciate "casual Fridays" in business establishments that deal with the public. I do not feel valued as a customer, so I try to make a point not to frequent those businesses or banks. I do not appreciate seeing "the girls" and the "girls" cleavage--not EVER! Females: Put some clothes on!

I disagree with Larry about the "poor" not being able to get jobs. Case in point, Larry....Dress appropriately and get the job. Goodwill has appropriate clothing for those who don't care to pay full price. You don't have to look like a slob. Those "poor" often have more gadgets and stuff than anyone else. Interesting why that is! An old saying: Don't dress for the job you have...dress for the job you want to have.
By Marie O @ 07/18/08 01:14:52 AMreport abuse
Clark in Dallas
What the heck is a hip gelato parlor??????? And what was Clark doing there?
By Roger @ 07/16/08 06:16:08 AMreport abuse
Workplace attice
I'm so glad we had a women's movement that encouraged our culture to stop looking at women as sexual objects. Now, women are dressing provocatively because they are entitled to look like sexual objects. Recent studies suggest that young women are more interested in "how hot" they are, rather than "how smart" they are. We (the entire culture) set our young people up for these values everytime we watch lurid tv, buy t-shirts for ourselves and young girls that say things like, IF YOU DON'T WANT ME YET...HAVE ANOTHER BEER!, and generally buy into sleezy clothing trends--we accept it and it grows like a cancer.
By Emmyjo @ 07/15/08 03:41:26 PMreport abuse
Workforce Attire
Thank you, Thank you! During my work career in Human Resources, I observed many applicants/employees applying for professional positions that didn't dress for the "part" and therefore, started off giving a poor non-professional first impression. First and the subsequent impressions set the tone for the respect shown the professional during his or her work life. Thank you for speaking out!
By Patricia @ 07/15/08 01:04:07 AMreport abuse
too Provacative!!
I have an employee that dresses far too provacativly at times!! Too much boobs showing!! Any suggestions, how to deal with this?JULISUZ@YAHOO.COM
By Julie @ 07/15/08 12:43:22 AMreport abuse
LARGE Conservative Financial Institution
Each & every year, around the time schools let out, the normally boring & rother (sic) blasé cafeteria fashion parade takes on a different, livlier, exciting tone: THE SEASONALS & THE INTERNS HAVE RETURNED!!! YAYYYY!!!

I, for one, enjoy catching up on the newest back-tats, the coolest piercings and well, who can't appreciate a well-tended (er, less-abused?) human physique??

And anyway. . . bashing youthful enthusiasm is fine. But, if you so choose, please feel compelled to equally blast the older men and women who are no less oblivious to dress standards.

The older dude, who has signed-up for the "Work-Poor Food Choices-No Exercise-Really Bad Food Choices" Cruise will incite strangers into SYMPATHY HEART ATTACK PAINS as he waddles by, gut extended over his belt in INCHES. The fact that he may wear a tie and decent shoes is analogous to a hog with lipstick & nail polish.

Are we done? Haha, not yet. Older girls (women, if ye prefer) who signed up for a different cruise (the "Work-Childbirth-Poor Food Choices-No Exercise" Cruise) embrace inappropriately applied principles of positive thinking, as in: "I positively think I can fit into these/this [piece of clothing]." If the slacks don't fit, you must acquit?

Ugh! Tent dresses are made for a reason: modesty! (And look: who said the fat-slob-dudes couldn't wear a masculine version of a tent dress??) Who enjoys checking out the miserably-maintained bod people? No one does cuz they're scary, revolting and make us throw-up in our mouths a little!

When one considers the range of "acceptable office attire", one is typically considering that range with one's own cleverly built-in biases and value judgments. I prefer to simply accept the entire range of office attire. Naturally, if I see a natty suit, a beautiful dress, a wildly-colored Cuban manicure, an eye-catching pair of shoes, a hair style with cool green, pink, blue or orange highlights, it is MY prerogative to pay a flattering complement to those people who've brightened my day.

Before we chase the cool, envelope-pressing, limit-stretching, youth out of town on a rail, stop, think and realize that we ought to run the chunky monkeys out first!! I am not convinced, that the notion of "Appropriate Office Attire" was not the wild-a$$ pipedream of the chunky-monkey set who likely suffers from a wee bit 'o th' sour grapes when they see the fine-looking, scantily-clad male & female youth.

Step AWAY the table! Drop the fork! Hit the deck and give me twenty! And when you're done: 5 laps around the block!

Hahaha!! Ya think??? Un-uh; it's still THIS lifetime.

Best wishes.
By Tornillo de Rosca @ 07/14/08 11:32:17 PMreport abuse
Work attire as portrayed on TV
I'm a 21-year-old college student, and I concur with this article wholeheartedly. It's especially amazing to me how female business and medical professionals are portrayed on prime-time television-- cleavage-baring shirts, high heels, not to mention perfectly styled hair and makeup. Since when is this an accurate depiction of standard work attire in these professions?
By Jen D. @ 07/14/08 11:15:44 PMreport abuse
Dress For Success
Depends on the job you have as to appropriate dress. I am a retail store manager for ladies under clothes(bra's and panties). My company has a fairly strict dress code and expects all employees to act and look professional.
How would you like someone who looks like they belong on a strip in vegas or down in slum alley helping you in a dressing room? If you want a job then present yourself in manner that is pleasing not repulsive. PUT ON SOME CLOTHES THAT COVER IT UP.
By Diane @ 07/14/08 10:57:27 PMreport abuse
Inappropriate dress
I appreciate good hygiene. I also appreciate being to take my children into a store or other place of business and not have to cover their eyes because someone's body parts are not covered appropriately or their clothes are so tight (or low) that there is no doubt what those clothes are covering. I mean really - we went to a craft store last week and there was a young woman (cannot say lady based on her dress) that I am pretty sure was wearing a push up bra and the shirt left the majority of the top half of her breasts uncovered. Totally inappropriate unless one is at a club or perhaps working at a bar - or is "in business". Sorry to those of you who think appropriateness of clothes is not important (sad for those of you in upper management). You need to remember that not all of your clientèle is 25 years old. Honestly, I am not "old" by any means, but I expect people to be covered appropriately in the workplace - no matter what your job is. While t-shirt and jeans is okay in a warehouse setting, not so much in the office setting. Try dressing like ladies and gentlemen and see how much more respect you get - from both your customers and your coworkers - you might be surprised.
By Lady M @ 07/14/08 05:39:09 PMreport abuse
Slobs and Sluts
First impressions are very important. These kids who think they're being cool may very well be nice, honorable and intellegent people but they need to get a clue. It starts at home and in the classroom. Colleges are WAY too lax on many things like attire, drinking, etc. College brochures like to tout that they are preparing kids for the real world, I think it's more like, they're getting ready for a reality TV show...
By Russ Keller @ 07/14/08 04:50:08 PMreport abuse
dress code for workplace
As an educator, I see young men dress like slobs and young females dress like Lolitas daily. I think if high schools and colleges would stress appropriate work attire, young professionals would KNOW what to wear or not to wear at work.
By Rebecca J Sanders @ 07/14/08 04:32:35 PMreport abuse
Clark's comments about inappropriate dress
We agree 100%. What we are seeing out there is unbelievable. Indecency seems to be the order of the day. Thanks for helping some of these people to get a clue about what is and what is not appropriate. Playing the part of the temptress in seductive clothing is way off base. Thanks Clark.
By Anne @ 07/14/08 04:17:50 PMreport abuse
Work place attire
When I go to a place of business and people are dressed in ultra casual wear (sweat shirts and jeans) I assume the business is poorly run and will not conduct my business with their company. Hiring people who have NO pride in how they look and dress is a BIG mistake and does not put the company's 'best foot forward.'
By Loretta @ 07/14/08 03:50:56 PMreport abuse
Dress code
I like when women dress sexy in the workplace. The workplace can be pretty boring so a little spice is nice.
By Tommy @ 07/14/08 03:13:14 PMreport abuse
The Hooker and/or homeless look
GAWD, sometimes I see people looking like they live under and overpass! I've also seen just a smidge on the slutty side, too. On purpose! I dress professionally, at least, I think I do. . .and I've been asked if I were a manager. Nope. Then again, I like nice clothes. Dress NICELY for work, folks!
By Tyger @ 07/14/08 02:33:34 PMreport abuse
Inappropriate dress
Not only in the workplace, but professional news women on television are exposing way too much! Sleeveless dresses and tops and showing cleavage are inappropriate!
By Emily @ 07/14/08 02:08:28 PMreport abuse
Low Cut Apparel for Women
Recently I went shopping at Dillards for an outfit to wear for a fundraisor. I tried on 43 garments and settled on one. When the saleslady asked what was wrong with the other ones I replied using a gesture; they were cut too low. She said "yeah, too much boobage. That's what the young women want." It's the ability to "imagine" in the older generations that makes us find current fashions distasteful. Of course this ability extends into other aspects of life. I'm glad I was around at the time of man's golden age.
By Patti @ 07/14/08 01:04:34 PMreport abuse
name calling
Just a point that if people, especially women, are going to call other women hookers based on their dress then, and that's just the start of the iceberg then, a lot of rights gained by women will be undone. If it weren't for the women's rights groups, women wouldn't be voting or dressing in any-which-way at the office. If men wear pants that are too tight, I don't call them, let's say, purveyors of certain kinds of services. Although, I have seen some really odd attire in the workplace lately.
By blondie @ 07/06/08 09:25:45 PMreport abuse
tatoos and piercings at hair salon
I went to get a hair cut recently and both the women there had multiple facial piercings and tatoos all over. I found it gross and my Grandmother would have had a heart attack. I walked out and went across the street to another place where they were not so repulsive. Why would a national hair chain hire such repulsive employees. They must have been desperate. Front line employees should not be so intentionally physically disfigured.
By dave @ 07/06/08 06:59:27 PMreport abuse
focus on performance
Over my career I've gone from suits, to dress shirts + tie, to golf shirts + khakis, to jeans + tshirts. The knowledge economy isn't about how you look... it's about how you perform. As a hiring manager, I could care less about the person's style (hygiene is another matter).

Caveat: This does not apply to service industry... presentation matters greatly in those jobs.
By Quin @ 07/05/08 08:07:07 PMreport abuse
Piercings
I saw a (male) worker in an office supply store with lip, ear, and other piercings. It's hard to take someone like that seriously in a work environment.
By Bill @ 07/05/08 04:30:10 PMreport abuse
Birthday suits
I've always felt that clothing should be optional anyways. We would not even know we needed clothes if it were not for Adam & Eve. Celebrate everyday like it is your birthday and wear only your birthday suit! Hurray! Hurray! Hug a tree!
By Mr. Tree Hugger @ 07/04/08 09:15:06 AMreport abuse
Clark Not Addressing The Real Problem
As usual, Clark is off the mark in meeting the needs of his lower-income listeners. True, dress may be a issue once you get the job. The problem is that it is getting harder and harder to get a job and the value of a degree is dropping.
By Larry @ 07/03/08 04:11:47 PMreport abuse
Workplace fashion
It's about time! Women do not dress like ladies anymore, they look more like hookers. Someone needs to alert them to proper attire everywhere, not just in the office.
By E. Kaye Burton @ 07/03/08 04:10:05 PMreport abuse
Work Attire
This woman at my office wears shirts that say "Juicy" on casual Friday! She is in her 40s and it is just gross..there is nothing "Juicy" about it! And, yes, I know it is couture, but not when government officials are walking around our office!!
By Christine @ 07/03/08 01:57:26 PMreport abuse
Work attire
I am totally agree with Lindy11.It has to be stop now before it get's more worst. No that I have any daughter but I can see which direction it is going and parents are responsible for that not educating there kids and given them self confidence with out getting naked.
By crown @ 07/03/08 01:21:59 PMreport abuse
Work attire
I had this conversation with my 18 year old,"the know it all" generation. She argued with me about attire for job hunting... The kids dress so sexy, which is unacceptable to me and an endless battle with my teen...
By Lindy11 @ 07/03/08 12:22:55 PMreport abuse
work attire
toss away any hint of professionalism if coming to work looking like the proverbial bum bus. casual should have limits. people tend to view themselves and maybe their work as well by the way they dress.
By jc @ 07/02/08 05:29:24 PMreport abuse
Boys Boys
This is not an insult forum. I'm sure each of you have your own ways of thinking. Clothing doesn't usually have to do with someone's work ethic, however if it's leading the ox to it's slaughter (tempting the opposite sex), then it's distracting.
By Cara @ 07/02/08 03:48:58 PMreport abuse
Attire at work
I'm a high-level manager for a corporation in Atlanta, and my feeling are--as long as someone has good personal hygiene, who cares what they wear? Clothing does not the responsible employee make.
By Jerry @ 07/02/08 02:45:56 PMreport abuse

Company Dress Standards

I'm wondering if this isn't over-generalizing just a bit. I'm a 22-year-old college grad and I work for a public accounting firm as an auditor. Every person on my team has a college degree and nearly all of them are in their early to mid-twenties, and while they dress stylishly, there are no flashing body parts and no skin-tight bodysuits. I don't think problems with revealing work attire are necessarily due to my generation's ignorance as much as they are due to companies lowering their acceptable dress standards.

By Anne @ 08/04/08 09:49:48 PMreport abuse

Office Attire

I work in a commercial insurance office. Let me put it this way, if you were asking me to insure your $8,000,000 airplane, or your $25,000,000 shopping center or your fleet of commercial trucks, would you trust me if I dressed inappropriately? We dress in a very conservative manner - no jeans, t-shirts, inappropriately displayed body parts or wild clothing of any type, not on Friday, not any day. Dress professionally and you will act accordingly.

By Laura @ 07/19/08 10:35:45 PMreport abuse

Workplace Attire begins "at home"

As a teacher, I can tell you the problems we are seeing do not begin in high school or college. They appear in much younger children. Parents are not parenting, and are not monitoring their children. The children are calling the shots and coming to school half-naked. We (schools) have rules which the students and parents habitually ignore. When I send students to the office, the administration often does little...so what are we "teaching" them? I wonder what parents are teaching when young girls are allowed to hug and kiss each other in public at school and in other public places. What can we expect in the next few years in the workplace? Fortunately, I will retire from teaching soon, but hope not to retire from life....so it still affects me.

In addition, I do not appreciate "casual Fridays" in business establishments that deal with the public. I do not feel valued as a customer, so I try to make a point not to frequent those businesses or banks. I do not appreciate seeing "the girls" and the "girls" cleavage--not EVER! Females: Put some clothes on!

I disagree with Larry about the "poor" not being able to get jobs. Case in point, Larry....Dress appropriately and get the job. Goodwill has appropriate clothing for those who don't care to pay full price. You don't have to look like a slob. Those "poor" often have more gadgets and stuff than anyone else. Interesting why that is! An old saying: Don't dress for the job you have...dress for the job you want to have.

By Marie O @ 07/18/08 01:14:52 AMreport abuse

Clark in Dallas

What the heck is a hip gelato parlor??????? And what was Clark doing there?

By Roger @ 07/16/08 06:16:08 AMreport abuse

Workplace attice

I'm so glad we had a women's movement that encouraged our culture to stop looking at women as sexual objects. Now, women are dressing provocatively because they are entitled to look like sexual objects. Recent studies suggest that young women are more interested in "how hot" they are, rather than "how smart" they are. We (the entire culture) set our young people up for these values everytime we watch lurid tv, buy t-shirts for ourselves and young girls that say things like, IF YOU DON'T WANT ME YET...HAVE ANOTHER BEER!, and generally buy into sleezy clothing trends--we accept it and it grows like a cancer.

By Emmyjo @ 07/15/08 03:41:26 PMreport abuse

Workforce Attire

Thank you, Thank you! During my work career in Human Resources, I observed many applicants/employees applying for professional positions that didn't dress for the "part" and therefore, started off giving a poor non-professional first impression. First and the subsequent impressions set the tone for the respect shown the professional during his or her work life. Thank you for speaking out!

By Patricia @ 07/15/08 01:04:07 AMreport abuse

too Provacative!!

I have an employee that dresses far too provacativly at times!! Too much boobs showing!! Any suggestions, how to deal with this?JULISUZ@YAHOO.COM

By Julie @ 07/15/08 12:43:22 AMreport abuse

LARGE Conservative Financial Institution

Each & every year, around the time schools let out, the normally boring & rother (sic) blasé cafeteria fashion parade takes on a different, livlier, exciting tone: THE SEASONALS & THE INTERNS HAVE RETURNED!!! YAYYYY!!!

I, for one, enjoy catching up on the newest back-tats, the coolest piercings and well, who can't appreciate a well-tended (er, less-abused?) human physique??

And anyway. . . bashing youthful enthusiasm is fine. But, if you so choose, please feel compelled to equally blast the older men and women who are no less oblivious to dress standards.

The older dude, who has signed-up for the "Work-Poor Food Choices-No Exercise-Really Bad Food Choices" Cruise will incite strangers into SYMPATHY HEART ATTACK PAINS as he waddles by, gut extended over his belt in INCHES. The fact that he may wear a tie and decent shoes is analogous to a hog with lipstick & nail polish.

Are we done? Haha, not yet. Older girls (women, if ye prefer) who signed up for a different cruise (the "Work-Childbirth-Poor Food Choices-No Exercise" Cruise) embrace inappropriately applied principles of positive thinking, as in: "I positively think I can fit into these/this [piece of clothing]." If the slacks don't fit, you must acquit?

Ugh! Tent dresses are made for a reason: modesty! (And look: who said the fat-slob-dudes couldn't wear a masculine version of a tent dress??) Who enjoys checking out the miserably-maintained bod people? No one does cuz they're scary, revolting and make us throw-up in our mouths a little!

When one considers the range of "acceptable office attire", one is typically considering that range with one's own cleverly built-in biases and value judgments. I prefer to simply accept the entire range of office attire. Naturally, if I see a natty suit, a beautiful dress, a wildly-colored Cuban manicure, an eye-catching pair of shoes, a hair style with cool green, pink, blue or orange highlights, it is MY prerogative to pay a flattering complement to those people who've brightened my day.

Before we chase the cool, envelope-pressing, limit-stretching, youth out of town on a rail, stop, think and realize that we ought to run the chunky monkeys out first!! I am not convinced, that the notion of "Appropriate Office Attire" was not the wild-a$$ pipedream of the chunky-monkey set who likely suffers from a wee bit 'o th' sour grapes when they see the fine-looking, scantily-clad male & female youth.

Step AWAY the table! Drop the fork! Hit the deck and give me twenty! And when you're done: 5 laps around the block!

Hahaha!! Ya think??? Un-uh; it's still THIS lifetime.

Best wishes.

By Tornillo de Rosca @ 07/14/08 11:32:17 PMreport abuse

Work attire as portrayed on TV

I'm a 21-year-old college student, and I concur with this article wholeheartedly. It's especially amazing to me how female business and medical professionals are portrayed on prime-time television-- cleavage-baring shirts, high heels, not to mention perfectly styled hair and makeup. Since when is this an accurate depiction of standard work attire in these professions?

By Jen D. @ 07/14/08 11:15:44 PMreport abuse

Dress For Success

Depends on the job you have as to appropriate dress. I am a retail store manager for ladies under clothes(bra's and panties). My company has a fairly strict dress code and expects all employees to act and look professional.
How would you like someone who looks like they belong on a strip in vegas or down in slum alley helping you in a dressing room? If you want a job then present yourself in manner that is pleasing not repulsive. PUT ON SOME CLOTHES THAT COVER IT UP.

By Diane @ 07/14/08 10:57:27 PMreport abuse

Inappropriate dress

I appreciate good hygiene. I also appreciate being to take my children into a store or other place of business and not have to cover their eyes because someone's body parts are not covered appropriately or their clothes are so tight (or low) that there is no doubt what those clothes are covering. I mean really - we went to a craft store last week and there was a young woman (cannot say lady based on her dress) that I am pretty sure was wearing a push up bra and the shirt left the majority of the top half of her breasts uncovered. Totally inappropriate unless one is at a club or perhaps working at a bar - or is "in business". Sorry to those of you who think appropriateness of clothes is not important (sad for those of you in upper management). You need to remember that not all of your clientèle is 25 years old. Honestly, I am not "old" by any means, but I expect people to be covered appropriately in the workplace - no matter what your job is. While t-shirt and jeans is okay in a warehouse setting, not so much in the office setting. Try dressing like ladies and gentlemen and see how much more respect you get - from both your customers and your coworkers - you might be surprised.

By Lady M @ 07/14/08 05:39:09 PMreport abuse

Slobs and Sluts

First impressions are very important. These kids who think they're being cool may very well be nice, honorable and intellegent people but they need to get a clue. It starts at home and in the classroom. Colleges are WAY too lax on many things like attire, drinking, etc. College brochures like to tout that they are preparing kids for the real world, I think it's more like, they're getting ready for a reality TV show...

By Russ Keller @ 07/14/08 04:50:08 PMreport abuse

dress code for workplace

As an educator, I see young men dress like slobs and young females dress like Lolitas daily. I think if high schools and colleges would stress appropriate work attire, young professionals would KNOW what to wear or not to wear at work.

By Rebecca J Sanders @ 07/14/08 04:32:35 PMreport abuse

Clark's comments about inappropriate dress

We agree 100%. What we are seeing out there is unbelievable. Indecency seems to be the order of the day. Thanks for helping some of these people to get a clue about what is and what is not appropriate. Playing the part of the temptress in seductive clothing is way off base. Thanks Clark.

By Anne @ 07/14/08 04:17:50 PMreport abuse

Work place attire

When I go to a place of business and people are dressed in ultra casual wear (sweat shirts and jeans) I assume the business is poorly run and will not conduct my business with their company. Hiring people who have NO pride in how they look and dress is a BIG mistake and does not put the company's 'best foot forward.'

By Loretta @ 07/14/08 03:50:56 PMreport abuse

Dress code

I like when women dress sexy in the workplace. The workplace can be pretty boring so a little spice is nice.

By Tommy @ 07/14/08 03:13:14 PMreport abuse

The Hooker and/or homeless look

GAWD, sometimes I see people looking like they live under and overpass! I've also seen just a smidge on the slutty side, too. On purpose! I dress professionally, at least, I think I do. . .and I've been asked if I were a manager. Nope. Then again, I like nice clothes. Dress NICELY for work, folks!

By Tyger @ 07/14/08 02:33:34 PMreport abuse

Not only in the workplace, but professional news women on television are exposing way too much! Sleeveless dresses and tops and showing cleavage are inappropriate!

By Emily @ 07/14/08 02:08:28 PMreport abuse

Low Cut Apparel for Women

Recently I went shopping at Dillards for an outfit to wear for a fundraisor. I tried on 43 garments and settled on one. When the saleslady asked what was wrong with the other ones I replied using a gesture; they were cut too low. She said "yeah, too much boobage. That's what the young women want." It's the ability to "imagine" in the older generations that makes us find current fashions distasteful. Of course this ability extends into other aspects of life. I'm glad I was around at the time of man's golden age.

By Patti @ 07/14/08 01:04:34 PMreport abuse

name calling

Just a point that if people, especially women, are going to call other women hookers based on their dress then, and that's just the start of the iceberg then, a lot of rights gained by women will be undone. If it weren't for the women's rights groups, women wouldn't be voting or dressing in any-which-way at the office. If men wear pants that are too tight, I don't call them, let's say, purveyors of certain kinds of services. Although, I have seen some really odd attire in the workplace lately.

By blondie @ 07/06/08 09:25:45 PMreport abuse

tatoos and piercings at hair salon

I went to get a hair cut recently and both the women there had multiple facial piercings and tatoos all over. I found it gross and my Grandmother would have had a heart attack. I walked out and went across the street to another place where they were not so repulsive. Why would a national hair chain hire such repulsive employees. They must have been desperate. Front line employees should not be so intentionally physically disfigured.

By dave @ 07/06/08 06:59:27 PMreport abuse

focus on performance

Over my career I've gone from suits, to dress shirts + tie, to golf shirts + khakis, to jeans + tshirts. The knowledge economy isn't about how you look... it's about how you perform. As a hiring manager, I could care less about the person's style (hygiene is another matter).

Caveat: This does not apply to service industry... presentation matters greatly in those jobs.

By Quin @ 07/05/08 08:07:07 PMreport abuse

Piercings

I saw a (male) worker in an office supply store with lip, ear, and other piercings. It's hard to take someone like that seriously in a work environment.

By Bill @ 07/05/08 04:30:10 PMreport abuse

Birthday suits

I've always felt that clothing should be optional anyways. We would not even know we needed clothes if it were not for Adam & Eve. Celebrate everyday like it is your birthday and wear only your birthday suit! Hurray! Hurray! Hug a tree!

By Mr. Tree Hugger @ 07/04/08 09:15:06 AMreport abuse

Clark Not Addressing The Real Problem

As usual, Clark is off the mark in meeting the needs of his lower-income listeners. True, dress may be a issue once you get the job. The problem is that it is getting harder and harder to get a job and the value of a degree is dropping.

By Larry @ 07/03/08 04:11:47 PMreport abuse

Workplace fashion

It's about time! Women do not dress like ladies anymore, they look more like hookers. Someone needs to alert them to proper attire everywhere, not just in the office.

By E. Kaye Burton @ 07/03/08 04:10:05 PMreport abuse

Work Attire

This woman at my office wears shirts that say "Juicy" on casual Friday! She is in her 40s and it is just gross..there is nothing "Juicy" about it! And, yes, I know it is couture, but not when government officials are walking around our office!!

By Christine @ 07/03/08 01:57:26 PMreport abuse

Work attire

I am totally agree with Lindy11.It has to be stop now before it get's more worst. No that I have any daughter but I can see which direction it is going and parents are responsible for that not educating there kids and given them self confidence with out getting naked.

By crown @ 07/03/08 01:21:59 PMreport abuse

I had this conversation with my 18 year old,"the know it all" generation. She argued with me about attire for job hunting... The kids dress so sexy, which is unacceptable to me and an endless battle with my teen...

By Lindy11 @ 07/03/08 12:22:55 PMreport abuse

work attire

toss away any hint of professionalism if coming to work looking like the proverbial bum bus. casual should have limits. people tend to view themselves and maybe their work as well by the way they dress.

By jc @ 07/02/08 05:29:24 PMreport abuse

Boys Boys

This is not an insult forum. I'm sure each of you have your own ways of thinking. Clothing doesn't usually have to do with someone's work ethic, however if it's leading the ox to it's slaughter (tempting the opposite sex), then it's distracting.

By Cara @ 07/02/08 03:48:58 PMreport abuse

Attire at work

I'm a high-level manager for a corporation in Atlanta, and my feeling are--as long as someone has good personal hygiene, who cares what they wear? Clothing does not the responsible employee make.

By Jerry @ 07/02/08 02:45:56 PMreport abuse

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Jul 02, 2008 -- Standards for workplace attire lax for recent college grads

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