Dress Code

After working with all guys, all the time, I can confidently confirm the urban myth that girls dress for girls. When I first started working, I would select my outfits with a sense of scrutiny that I hadn’t used since my “no braces” debut at Copper Middle School. Nightly, I would pick out the pretty designer blouse and pair it with a femininely tailored skirt and the requisite accessories. Two instances have stopped my fashion precision and resulted in me wearing trousers and a button-down shirt at least two times per week. First, I got this great new blouse from my parents for Christmas. It was bright orange with a huge ruffle around the neck. While I was aware of the brightness, I thought my strategic pairing of black pants and simple accessories would diffuse the color. WRONG. Within minutes of unpacking my things and settling in to my morning routine, I was asked what Queen Elizabeth was doing in my chair. Was the ruffle really that bad? Well at least there was no comment about the color. WRONG AGAIN. Ten minutes later, another coworker walks by my desk and throws on his sunglasses because he was “blinded” by the color. Needless to say, it has not made another appearance in the office.

On the contrary, one day I wore a Brooks Brothers, wrinkle-free blue pinstripe button-down shirt with grey trousers and got the most compliments that I have ever received. “Nice shirt Alex!” “Is that Brooks Brothers? I think I have that shirt too in a bigger size.” Thanks guys.