A friend and I were discussing work dress codes the other day. I really, really, really dislike dress codes! I think most of my dislike comes from the fact that I spent years working at a place where it didn't really matter what you wore as long as it was neat.  I have been known to whine about it.

I understand that companies want to present a certain public image which means they sometimes need to put limitations on what people wear.  I also understand that these dress codes have to be very specific otherwise employees can claim "I didn't know" when they get written up for violations.  Things that might seem obvious to many people, such as the fact that your clothes cannot have holes or be worn out, have to be spelled out.  The problem is, I see outfits every single day that meet the requirements of the dress code, but are definitely NOT professional looking.  I see women who are dressed to go out clubbing and I see men in dress pants with the crotch hanging at their knees.  NOT professional!


So, how about it we focus on teaching employees what it looks like to be professional?  Follow that with how to behave professionally (yes I see lots of unprofessional behavior too).  With the focus on that, maybe people will be more likely to dress professionally without have a dress code.

Oh, and can someone please explain the difference between cropped pants and capris?  I'm supposedly allowed to wear one but not the other.