Cubicle Chic - A Public Service Message

[fauxklore]

Today's Washington Post's Sunday Source section's main feature is on "fashion at work." On the front page, they show a woman wearing a moderately boring pantsuit and suggest changes. As usual, the article mostly reveals that fashion reporters have no clue about what is appropriate at normal workplaces, particularly in conservative professions. (Which means 99.9999% of jobs in Washington.)

1) A camisole top with yellow rosettes is probably not appropriate anywhere and especially not in an office.

2) Likewise for a full skirt with yellow, purple, blue and grey polka dots. (I do, however, own a similar skirt in black and white, which is also not really office appropriate, though I've worn it to work when I haven't done laundry.)

3) Just because it buttons down the front, does not make it a shirtdress. Sleeveless is dubious to start with and putting ruffles at the armholes (and down the front of the bodice and at the hem) pushes it way over the edge.

4) You should probably not be wearing your blouse untucked to begin with. But, if you are, wearing a jacket that is shorter than the blouse just looks sloppy, not cool.

5) Those women on the metro wearing walking shoes are almost certainly going to change shoes at the office, so shut up about it already. Suggesting the purchase of grey and chartreuse high heels instead (at $525, or at least 4 - 5 times what anybody needs to pay for shoes) is only going to make us laugh at you.

Comments

[agedwiz.livejournal.com]

It is often useful to remember that newspapers, even The Washington Post, are pitiful shadows of what they once were. The economics of newspaper publishing being what it is, I'm sure the primary purpose of the piece was to sell clothes, rather than to inform or to even be useful. It's likely got a kickback from the manufacturers.

[cellio]

So they're saying that the purpose of women's clothing is not to be functional, practical, and professional, but to produce eye-candy? I thought that idea had lost traction a couple decades ago. :-(

[michellew.livejournal.com]

That section was pretty appalling; my husband and I spent a fair amount of time snickering over it, especially the yellow rosettes placed strategically over the bosoms.

I work for a casual nonprofit, but those outfits wouldn't fly in even my workplace, mostly for being too suggestive.

It is helpful to remember that the Sunday Source is aimed at the younger population -- the 22-28 year olds, I'd guess (and the interns swarming the city right now, most of that stuff came from Wet Seal and other stores sizing in Juniors).

[fauxklore]

It seems to me that the 22-28 year olds are the ones who most need advice about what is appropriate for the office.

[michellew.livejournal.com]

Oh gracious yes, judging from what I've seen on college campuses and on the program associates at work! (BTW, hi, I found you through TUS.)