USA Today had
an article yesterday about the confusion over what casual means when it comes to the working world.
As I read the article, I was once again thankful that I'm a guy because, for the most part, we have it a whole lot easier than our female counterparts when it comes to figuring out what to wear to the office or professional work environment. Speaking from my experience, the two biggest questions I have when it comes to casual Friday are--is there one and can I wear jeans?
But reading the article about the various definitions of casual reminded me of an office I worked in several years ago. The office guidelines had very strict rules on how you dressed every day and these extended even to casual Friday. And by strict, I mean there were percentages of how much of your foot should be covered if you choose to wear sandals. (I believe it was around 45% but don't quote me on that one). It also stated you couldn't wear a polo shirt with a logo on it--no matter what the logo was. If you came to work dressed inappropriately, you were taken off the clock to go home and change.
I have to admit I found all the rules a bit extreme and also fascinating. As the guy joked about putting warning labels on things for events or situations that shouldn't really be an issue, someone, somewhere at some time had to have tried it, thus creating the need for the the warning label. I had images in my head of people's feet being measured and then figuring out if the sandals met the guidelines....or what if it only covered 44.4 percent of the foot and you couldn't round up? Man, that would stink.
I've worked in a variety of places and been subject to a variety of dress codes. Some jobs I could come in jeans and a t-shirt five days a week if I wanted to. Others have had a more strict definition of what could and could not be worn. It just all depends on the environment, I guess. And the professional image you're trying to put forward.
posted by Michael Hickerson at 7/11/2007 10:41:00 AM |
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