With warm weather on its way, the workplace becomes more casual and more skin is revealed in the office. Employees should always dress professionally, but that is subject to interpretation by each individual. Even a carefully written dress code can be vague and confusing as to what professional dress really means. Employers are usually afraid to just say “no cleavage, no butt cracks, and no short skirts that ride up above the thighs when you sit. Most people claim to be non-judgmental when forming opinions about others by the way they dress. In reality, your image is everything, and people do judge you by the outward image first. I once attended a conference that the speaker said “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” If you think showing cleavage will get you the job you want, it might involve a job you really don’t want. The way you portray yourself is the way you will be perceived by co-workers, managers, and executives. I once was told; “I paid good money for these, and I’m not covering them up.” Okay, that’s your choice, but this may not be the place of employment for you. Another subject for concern is the “muffin tops” (skin overflowing over the belt), with the bare midriff showing. Why do people think that looks good? Bare midriffs are for the beach. Low riding pants are also crazy at work when bending over and the red thong is exposed. Please, this is not for the office. Then there’s the short skirt that is so short that when sitting it rides so high, you wonder if the person has seen “Basic Instinct.” Tats and body jewelry also need to be covered while at work. I am sounding like a prude, I know, and I don't care. This is the honest truth. Each office has an image they want to portray to their customers. Organizations can dictate their office image and demand a certain level of dress. If organizations want to have a professional office and want the customers to feel they are in a professional place of business, the dress of all employees must also be professional. Employees that dress professionally give the perception of being smart, confident, and ready for the executive position.
