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Written by McClatchy — Tribune
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Wednesday, 26 July 2006 |
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Melinda Bartling has a die-hard plan for her professional wardrobe. “I always wear cute shoes. Everyone looks at the shoes,” she says.
An Overland Park, Kan., residential real-estate associate, she is never without a jacket no matter how warm the weather.
Connie Russell has a different perspective. A vice president and organizational counselor with Right Management in Overland Park, she stands with the “old-school John-T.-Molloy-dress-for-success” philosophy. That means hosiery, a suit look and closed-toe pumps. But to prove she is not too old-school, she wears fashionable jewelry, such as this year’s popular crystals and updated colors.
Here now in midsummer of the 21st century when temperatures are soaring, women still have the challenge of inspiring confidence, credibility and respect, and staying comfortable. What’s acceptable?
 On the streets, the dress code is so casual that flip-flops can be considered uppity and bra strap sightings are the norm. Even those outdated flashes of midsection flesh are still seen.
But forget all that. No matter how loosey-goosey the business environment is or how sizzling the pavement gets, underwear is still under wear. Low-cut necklines are only for after 5. Sundresses are not appropriate without jackets or sweater wraps. Tight clothes are just bad taste. Extremely short skirts are out of bounds.
Even with a good pedicure, bare toes get a thumbs-down in some circles. And while many women seldom wear hosiery in the summer, it’s still a vital accessory for executive suites, courtrooms and funerals.
Granted, we have come a long distance from the Molloy era. Back in the `70s, Molloy, a social researcher, urged women to dress seriously if they wanted to be taken seriously in the workplace. His pronouncement set the standard for years of conformity for working women who didn’t dare venture from tailored clothing and, for a time, grosgrain ribbon ties.
Women’s sense of style on the job has been credited with influencing men to spiff up their image. Where, for instance, would they be without the encouragement to don pink shirts and gold ties? And in many professions, looking stylish can help both genders impress a client and gain respect among employees. Women supervisors have long been urged to dress somewhat fashionably to get the attention of the women they oversee. And professional consultants have traditionally suggested people dress for the job they want, not what they have.
Joanne Stoner, the founder and CEO of www.eDressMe.com, tells women to “never dress as casually as the men. There is still a double standard” between the genders. Dress on the level of your boss, she says in a telephone interview. But it’s not a good idea to dress better than the boss. And remember, too, the suit is only the picture frame for creative accessories.
Cynthia Clark Campbell, a Kansas City trial lawyer, has long been known for her fashion flair. Her red suits and long, red hair made her visible as far back as the 1980s. Now on days she is in the office, she is likely to wear a long, silk skirt and maybe a cotton top or sweater set and sandals. But during a trial, expect her to be a corporate vision in a suit and hosiery.
“People are often too casual,” she says. “Dress is so important.” | Only registered users can write comments.
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