What is or is not appropriate in the workplace? Haven’t we all asked that question? What should be discussed? What should be worn? If everyone is wearing shorts how short can those shorts be? How low is a top before it is deemed a distraction? Haven’t we all dealt with this on some level or another? Is it ok to tell people if they don’t like what you have on to look the other way?
At my previous company we had a female employee who worked in my department. She was at the clerk level, very sweet and got along with almost everyone. She also wore the tightest most revealing clothes I had ever seen in a work environment. It was not just revealing it was difficult at times to see how her clothes actually concealed her personal attributes. I think I had more exposure to her bodily parts at the time than I did to my ex-wife but that is another issue. My old boss’ response, after a few complaints, was if you don’t like the way she dresses then don’t look. For the record, I never complained.
Style.com is now reporting on the upcoming fashion trends and the prevalence of lingerie in the fashion arena. They have entitled their report “Are you ready to go Bare?” Well, are you ready to go bare? If the trends move forward and lingerie becomes a fashion statement would you wear a bra to work? Would you be comfortable with a see through lacy top that exposed your bra or what if you just didn’t wear a bra at all? What if your see through top was an open window to your exposed breasts? Is this really what we want in the workplace?
How often in a day to men think about sex currently? Studies vary but we all agree that it is a lot. Would it be even worse if your co-workers were wearing clothes that not even your wife wore to bed? Most women migrate to sweats, shorts and long t-shirts after the wedding vows are spoken. Not picking on women mind you. Men don’t even bother dressing up before they are married. I would be willing to guess that most men wear underwear to bed as we make little effort in sprucing up the presentation. If women were attracted to men for their looks most of us would have severe issues that go far beyond clothing.
My personal thoughts are wear what you want but let’s have some loose boundaries so we don’t all go completely insane. Remember most married guys are on the once or twice a month plan. With the demands of work, kids, chores, household duties how much energy is left over to make love. That is a lot of pent up frustration. Let’s not make anything more tempting than it has to be. Life is hard enough without sitting in a conference room staring down your twenty year old co-workers twin turbo propellers.
Sometimes I feel like a nut and sometimes I am fine with jeans and a polo shirt as the defining characteristic of modern day office wear.
I guess the answer to the question depends upon where you work. For me, it’s not only acceptable but required.
This is the preferred attire for woman in my warehouse.